ext_3219 (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crowdfunding2011-09-27 04:01 pm
ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com) wrote in crowdfunding2011-09-27 04:01 pm
Let's Make Some Bookstores
I've been disappointed by the recent collapse of Borders, which took Waldenbooks down with it, after they helped demolish the independent bookstores. So now a lot of towns have no bookstore, chain or otherwise. I don't like this, and I've noticed a lot of other people expressing similar sentiments. I'm not an entrepreneur, so starting a bookstore is not really my thing.
What I am is a wordsmith and a very enthusiastic crowdfunder. So, I propose creating bookstores in fictional settings, and writing/illustrating/portraying bookstores (which may be fictional or real ones). You can do this in your own setting or someone else's. Some crowdfunded projects allow patrons to share in the worldbuilding. Others have prompt calls where you can request something you want to see.
For example,![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
kajones_writing offers opportunities to name characters or permanent structures in her various series. I established the bookshop Echoes of Alexandria in the Donor House setting. There will be a story to introduce it eventually.
Let's remind people why bookstores are wonderful. They have selections where you can browse the whole book. They often have knowledgable staff who will help you find what you need. They tend to be full of other people who love books. They may host author signings, book club meetings, and other literary activities.
If you've got a bookstore in your crowdfunded setting, or you're up for featuring them in a crowdfunding session, or you've requested one in somebody else's setting, or you've put one in your recent writing/art/whatever, please comment with details and a link if the material is online.
[EDIT 9/29/11] If you own or work at a bookstore, or still know of a local one that you love, please feel free to join the fun. Supporting extant bookstores is easier than building whole new ones! Thanks top_m_cryan for speaking up about her bookstore.
“If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
What I am is a wordsmith and a very enthusiastic crowdfunder. So, I propose creating bookstores in fictional settings, and writing/illustrating/portraying bookstores (which may be fictional or real ones). You can do this in your own setting or someone else's. Some crowdfunded projects allow patrons to share in the worldbuilding. Others have prompt calls where you can request something you want to see.
For example,
kajones_writing offers opportunities to name characters or permanent structures in her various series. I established the bookshop Echoes of Alexandria in the Donor House setting. There will be a story to introduce it eventually.Let's remind people why bookstores are wonderful. They have selections where you can browse the whole book. They often have knowledgable staff who will help you find what you need. They tend to be full of other people who love books. They may host author signings, book club meetings, and other literary activities.
If you've got a bookstore in your crowdfunded setting, or you're up for featuring them in a crowdfunding session, or you've requested one in somebody else's setting, or you've put one in your recent writing/art/whatever, please comment with details and a link if the material is online.
[EDIT 9/29/11] If you own or work at a bookstore, or still know of a local one that you love, please feel free to join the fun. Supporting extant bookstores is easier than building whole new ones! Thanks to
p_m_cryan for speaking up about her bookstore.“If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Re: Well...
No, it's far out of our price range. But they do cost, around here, and some people have them.
>>I think libraries do and have all the important things I associate with books<<
I love libraries, but in a different way than bookstores. They carry a different selection. They actively discourage conversation, whereas a bookstore is a rather good place to chat people up. They may do book clubs, but generally not author signings, at least not the libraries I've known. And they don't sell books, which I prefer to own. Libraries are for refuge and research. Bookstores are for socializing and shopping.
>>I have just had the idea to combine libraries and bookstores into one entity, and I like it, both in fiction (which I'm writing) and reality. I think I may go pitch the concept to my local libraries.<<
Hmm. That could be interesting.