Yes, this is insulting for everyone concerned, you and me, but the hypothetical booksellers don't really have a choice.
I'm surprised it took customers this long to get wise to it, but I don't want anyone to avoid Borders because of this. A firm, No thanks, (or even, sorry I don't want a make item if you want to be subversive) is cool by me, you won't hear another thing about them.
Borders seriously burned its bridges with publishers last year as they, in a bad economic climate, sent a lot of books back to claim credit on pre-exsisting agreements, rather than paying their current bills. This was done to pay down debt, but publishers are upset with us. This plan is specifically to show big publisher's what the market power of the company is.
So, yes, if you come into a borders you might get an enthusiastic recommendation for one of a couple of books. That doesn't make the people that work there robots. They have to start with a book, that is pushed, and heck, lots of folks are just buying a gift, etc.. please, please, just say 'no' and then the bookseller that was dying to just find out your needs and help you has done their duty and can help you out.
They're good at their jobs, and love books, and want to sell books. They've also probably read a ton in their interests, and if not yours can radio and get you someone in the staff that reads what you read.
I feel fairly safe here talking about these things, and I'm fairly sure it is clear what I do, just remember Booksellers are actual people, most of them making about 7.50 - 9.00 an hour. If you are upset with this policy, there is a customer care center on the website you can call. I'd complain about the policy itself, not the folks that have to implement it. The stores are still there. And might not be if people stop spending in them.
I'm just a fan of borders.. um, could we keep this post between us? I'd be happy to answer any questions raised in private message.
could I respond to this?
I'm surprised it took customers this long to get wise to it, but I don't want anyone to avoid Borders because of this. A firm, No thanks, (or even, sorry I don't want a make item if you want to be subversive) is cool by me, you won't hear another thing about them.
Borders seriously burned its bridges with publishers last year as they, in a bad economic climate, sent a lot of books back to claim credit on pre-exsisting agreements, rather than paying their current bills. This was done to pay down debt, but publishers are upset with us. This plan is specifically to show big publisher's what the market power of the company is.
So, yes, if you come into a borders you might get an enthusiastic recommendation for one of a couple of books. That doesn't make the people that work there robots. They have to start with a book, that is pushed, and heck, lots of folks are just buying a gift, etc.. please, please, just say 'no' and then the bookseller that was dying to just find out your needs and help you has done their duty and can help you out.
They're good at their jobs, and love books, and want to sell books. They've also probably read a ton in their interests, and if not yours can radio and get you someone in the staff that reads what you read.
I feel fairly safe here talking about these things, and I'm fairly sure it is clear what I do, just remember Booksellers are actual people, most of them making about 7.50 - 9.00 an hour. If you are upset with this policy, there is a customer care center on the website you can call. I'd complain about the policy itself, not the folks that have to implement it. The stores are still there. And might not be if people stop spending in them.
I'm just a fan of borders.. um, could we keep this post between us? I'd be happy to answer any questions raised in private message.