Bay Area not maverick enough to read Palin book

[I can't think of a name]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/19/DDHJ1AMAC3.DTL


"Anything like that we wouldn't carry," said clerk Emily Stackhouse. "We're a small store and it would probably gross us all out. Some things you carry because of freedom of speech, but a book like that is just gross."

As someone who is from the Bay Area it is safe to say this is the most closed minded part of the country.

[kamaz]

I wouldnt read this creationist idiot's work anyway, but not carrying a book because you disagree with its politics is retarded. Bad business.

[TheSteve]

As someone who is from the Bay Area it is safe to say this is the most closed minded part of the country.

Have you been to parts of Alaska?

[Trouble]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/19/DDHJ1AMAC3.DTL


As someone who is from the Bay Area it is safe to say this is the most closed minded part of the country.






Ironic that, the most liberal I'm OK, your OK, everything is OK crowd are the first ones to censor, freak out, and even threaten those of differing opinions.... just priceless.

I've decided that liberalism is really an "all about me" way of thinking ......

[Clockwinder]

I saw an interview on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show where the bookstore was ordering EIGHT copies. Total!

[Neocon]

These liberals make me sick. All they talk about is having an open mind but they only mean having an open mind to their beliefs.

[megjur]

I love the quote from one bookseller " Our customers are thinking people, they won't read that drivel"....typical liberal elitist....if only we were as smart and enlightened as them, we'd be liberals too. Liberals are the true "fascists", if they had their way there would be no talk radio, no right wing books, no Bibles, nothing that challenges their world view would be allowed.
Look at this video where an MSNBC reporterette grill a teenage girl on why she supports Palin. Have you even seen a reporter challenge a brain dead Obama supporter in any way like this. Never. You don't question the hope n change crowd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IBNpnUVZZI

[California Joe]

Really? Maybe they're just smart business people and don't buy sh*t they know won't sell. It's called knowing your customers. They probably don't sell a lot of Dale Ernhardt biographies there either. Explain to me how this is worse than those ultra Christian douchebags that want Catcher in the Rye banned from libraries and schools because Holden says "F*ck" in it too much?

[megjur]

Really? Maybe they're just smart business people and don't buy sh*t they know won't sell. It's called knowing your customers. They probably don't sell a lot of Dale Ernhardt biographies there either. Explain to me how this is worse than those ultra Christian douchebags that want Catcher in the Rye banned from libraries and schools because Holden says "F*ck" in it too much?

Ohh, but the "ultra Christian douchebags" aren't out there proclaiming themselves the beacons of tolerance and acceptance that the liberals claim to be. The booksellers could say it's a business decision, I'd respect that, but of course they have to denigrate anyone who would want to read the book, thats where they show their true colors.

[LineDoggie]

"We're a small store and it would probably gross us all out. Some things you carry because of freedom of speech, but a book like that is just gross." Emily Stackhouse

Her Parents Failed and maybe she should move on to White Castle Onion ring cook. That is one of the worst uneducated reasons put forth to not carry a product in a Bookstore.

And dont say we'll it wouldnt sell, thats just Bull****. Bookstores are Loaded with Books that never sell like crack at a Marion Barry family cookout.

[California Joe]

Ohh, but the "ultra Christian douchebags" aren't out there proclaiming themselves the beacons of tolerance and acceptance that the liberals claim to be. The booksellers could say it's a business decision, I'd respect that, but of course they have to denigrate anyone who would want to read the book, thats where they show their true colors.

Really again? I thought "Christians" saw themselves as beacons of tolerance and acceptance, you know, the whole WWJD thing? Or is modern Christianity more like "hey I don't think fags should get married and I'm a beauty queen, excuse my while I go film myself sitting on a dildo, I've got to send it to some dude I banged from myspace."

I agree these hippie asshats they interviewed are annoying as hell but it's their store, they can sell what they like. Even if they do sound like imbeciles, or maybe the media did what it always does. Right or Left, pick the biggest sh*thead out of the crowd and get a quote from them.

[shocker1]

Really? Maybe they're just smart business people and don't buy sh*t they know won't sell. It's called knowing your customers. They probably don't sell a lot of Dale Ernhardt biographies there either. Explain to me how this is worse than those ultra Christian douchebags that want Catcher in the Rye banned from libraries and schools because Holden says "F*ck" in it too much?
Nice CJ, I wonder about you sometimes.

Christianity is not tolerant of sin. You know this and to compromise for the World's current materialism and immorality is exactly what Christians should not do. Yet we do because we are sinners all.

[Laworkerbee]

I agree these hippie asshats they interviewed are annoying as hell but it's their store, they can sell what they like.

Thread closer of a statement if I've ever read one.

[therifleman]

Really? Maybe they're just smart business people and don't buy sh*t they know won't sell. It's called knowing your customers. They probably don't sell a lot of Dale Ernhardt biographies there either. Explain to me how this is worse than those ultra Christian douchebags that want Catcher in the Rye banned from libraries and schools because Holden says "F*ck" in it too much?

...I know for a fact that most Catholic high schools around the country have Catcher in the Rye as a required read/classroom taught by Sophmore or Junior year.

[California Joe]

I read it my sophmore year.

You should know that there are lots of "Christians" out there that don't believe the Catholic Church is even Christian.

[California Joe]

Nice CJ, I wonder about you sometimes.

Christianity is not tolerant of sin. You know this and to compromise for the World's current materialism and immorality is exactly what Christians should not do. Yet we do because we are sinners all.

Why? I didn't spell Ernhardt wrong did I? Dammit.

[shocker1]

Why? I didn't spell Ernhardt wrong did I? Dammit.
Man what the hell is wrong with you? Don't mess with the Man in Black.

[Laworkerbee]

Can't stop laughing......rofl

[shocker1]

You hurt me deep yo, deeep.

[megjur]

Really again? I thought "Christians" saw themselves as beacons of tolerance and acceptance, you know, the whole WWJD thing? Or is modern Christianity more like "hey I don't think fags should get married and I'm a beauty queen, excuse my while I go film myself sitting on a dildo, I've got to send it to some dude I banged from myspace."

I agree these hippie asshats they interviewed are annoying as hell but it's their store, they can sell what they like. Even if they do sound like imbeciles, or maybe the media did what it always does. Right or Left, pick the biggest sh*thead out of the crowd and get a quote from them.

Carrie Prejean or whatever the hell her name is isn't exactly what most folks would consider a model Christian. Fundamentalist Christians have never been very tolerant of what they consider sinful, the looney left however is always championing tolerance and diversity, and wanting everyone else to tolerate the crap they choose to tolerate, but God forbid if they're ever asked to tolerate anything right wing, Christian or the like. They're a bunch of hypocrites. This crap is from the same city that wanted to ban the USS Iowa from berthing there because gays can't serve in the military.

[therifleman]

I read it my sophmore year.

You should know that there are lots of "Christians" out there that don't believe the Catholic Church is even Christian.


Fair enough but the fact is still debatable from both sides. I read the book as a Junior but my dad actually gave it to me to read at the beginning of 6th grade.

[California Joe]

Carrie Prejean or whatever the hell her name is isn't exactly what most folks would consider a model Christian. Fundamentalist Christians have never been very tolerant of what they consider sinful, the looney left however is always championing tolerance and diversity, and wanting everyone else to tolerate the crap they choose to tolerate, but God forbid if they're ever asked to tolerate anything right wing, Christian or the like. They're a bunch of hypocrites. This crap is from the same city that wanted to ban the USS Iowa from berthing there because gays can't serve in the military.

Man, I'm just f*cking with you. :)


Fair enough but the fact is still debatable from both sides. I read the book as a Junior but my dad actually gave it to me to read at the beginning of 6th grade.

My daughter read it in 8th grade. I always liked her English teacher for that. My Mom met J.D. Salinger in a bookstore in NH years ago. He talked to her for a half hour or so...

[ronnieraygun]

Meh. I've got some inside knowledge on this books thing and profit margins are slimmer than you might think at many levels. You just can't stock what people won't buy, and yeah, hardcore bookstore patrons and owners alike are some of the most peculiar people you could imagine. They won't stock too many copies of My Name is Mavericky or whatever it's called in most of the bay area but neither will you be able to pick up too many copies of Zami: A New Spelling of My Name in most of Wyoming. I still don't know why grown adults can feign outrage that "libruls are not really tolerant." No ****, guys.

[Gleipnir]

Oh no- a store doesn't want to cater to customers it doesn't have- how outrageous!!! Definitely censorship and intolerance going on here.
I'd be even more outraged if they banned it from school libraries, although maybe it would be a cute kind of revenge for evolution getting kicked off the syllabus.
At the end of the day I'm sure that they would order it for someone who specifically requested it.
But the hypocrisy... oh the hypocrisy, I can't see it in myself but I'll point the finger all day!!! Us vs. Them 4 eva!

[Hot Lips]

the looney left however is always championing tolerance and diversity, and wanting everyone else to tolerate the crap they choose to tolerate, but God forbid if they're ever asked to tolerate anything right wing, Christian or the like. They're a bunch of hypocrites.

Actually, a tolerant person being intolerant of intolerance is logical and consistent with their beliefs. It would be "hypocritical" of them to support intolerance.

Saying you hate people who are intolerant of your intolerance of them is also consistent, but retarded.

[I can't think of a name]

I agree these hippie asshats they interviewed are annoying as hell but it's their store, they can sell what they like.

No one was questioning that. The point was that they are intolerant of other views for immature reasons.

[Hot Lips]

^ See my last post cause that was another winner.

[California Joe]

No one was questioning that. The point was that they are intolerant of other views for immature reasons.

Bro, they interviewed what, 3 not so bright clerks at bookstores in San Fran and you extrapolate that to mean "all Liberals are like the Taliban"? Trust me, the owners of those stores know it won't sell so they didn't stock it.

It really is a business decision.

And frankly, whether right or wrong in their views, they know what they like, and a book written by a wingnut that deplores them for their very existence, isn't exactly something they should have to embrace.

This reminds me of hate crime legislation.

They don't want to sell her book for business reasons.= Murder.
They don't want to sell her book and say mean things about why they won't.= Murder + hate crime.

[budgie]

"We're a small store and it would probably gross us all out. Some things you carry because of freedom of speech, but a book like that is just gross." Emily Stackhouse

Her Parents Failed and maybe she should move on to White Castle Onion ring cook. That is one of the worst uneducated reasons put forth to not carry a product in a Bookstore.

And dont say we'll it wouldnt sell, thats just Bull****. Bookstores are Loaded with Books that never sell like crack at a Marion Barry family cookout.

Or she knows her business and her market and she knows that book won't sell. That store on Jon Stewart's show only ordered eight copies - probably to test reaction and order more if they sell like hotcakes. They surely know their neighborhood and market and probably don't expect it to.

Seems to me a lot of people are horribly offended that nobody is intewested in Sawah Pawin's widdle book.

[kimujnr]

Ironic that, the most liberal I'm OK, your OK, everything is OK crowd are the first ones to censor, freak out, and even threaten those of differing opinions.... just priceless.

I've decided that liberalism is really an "all about me" way of thinking ......

Its no different than all those self righteous conservatives who scream "family values" then decide to fondle little boys and have the audacity to screw women from Argentina and then talk about patriotism.rofl

We're all hypocrites buddy.

[Jobu]

I hear they're going to have a book burning in front of Coit Tower in San Francisco to show everyone how liberal they are.


My Mom met J.D. Salinger in a bookstore in NH years ago. He talked to her for a half hour or so...

Was he dropping F-bombs the whole time?

[LineDoggie]

Or she knows her business and her market and she knows that book won't sell. That store on Jon Stewart's show only ordered eight copies - probably to test reaction and order more if they sell like hotcakes. They surely know their neighborhood and market and probably don't expect it to.

Seems to me a lot of people are horribly offended that nobody is intewested in Sawah Pawin's widdle book.
Not Offended, just know Bull**** when I hear it. Pendragon has 3 locations in Oakland, Berkeley, To quote from their Website:

A neighborhood fixture in the Rockridge district since 1970, Pendragon carries a tremendous selection of new, used and sale books in all categories. Pendragon also carries the most beautiful selection of cards and blank books in the East Bay, and packs hundreds of titles into a carefully chosen magazine section.

http://pegasus.indiebound.com/pendragon-books

[Gleipnir]

Too bad Linedoggie can't read this since he put me on ignore, but Pendragon in Rockridge has a really crappy selection in general.

However, if you really wanted something I am quite sure they would order it for you (depending on if it is still in print).

I personally never found any of the books I was looking for in that Pendragon when I lived in Oakland. Stop going there after the third time, never ever bought a book from them either.

[CanadianStormtrooper]

Sarah Palin is a laugh and a half

Good job San Francisco keepin it realzp-)

[dave81]

This crap is from the same city that wanted to ban the USS Iowa from berthing there because gays can't serve in the military.
Fortunately there's no such thing as a gay sailor.

[California Joe]

Was he dropping F-bombs the whole time?

I don't thnk so. Mom doesn't approve of that kind of language.

[avedis]

Have you been to parts of Alaska?

have you been to parts of Alaska?

[Zarak]

I'm not a big fan of Mrs. Palin but if an asteroid were to hit San Fran tomorrow I wouldn't shed a tear.

[seraosha]

I got out of bed to read this drivel?
Bah, theraflu isn't strong enough to get me through this thread.

Who cares if some little bookstore decides not to sell a book? It's not like there isn't a Barnes and Noble busy putting them out of work just down the road. Hell, I bought my copy at Target...30% off day it came out.
Just finished "The Road" before the movie comes out, so now I can quit ****ing around and read Palin's book through.

ps "The Road" sucked...read "Lucifers Hammer" for a real EOTWAWKI book.

[Cipher]

I'm not a big fan of Mrs. Palin but if an asteroid were to hit San Fran tomorrow I wouldn't shed a tear.
The communist people only make up a fraction of my city.

[G-AWZT]

The Bay area isn't exactly the best place to have Conservative periodicals/books sold. Apart from the Upper West Side in NY, SF is uber liberal ground zero. I'm sure if you wore an O'Reilly hat or T-shirt you'd be chased down by the local Communist Hippy Party.
Then again if you walked down Waycross Georgia in a Tshirt that read "Super Queer in the Rear" the locals would run you down with their F-150s.

[BloodyTalon]

This article is pretty much a case of much-ado-about-nothing.

Like Gleipnir mentioned already, Pendragon books have really crappy selections compared to the larger chain stores. The only reason those small bookstores haven't been eaten alive by Barnes and Noble or Borders yet is because they cater to different niche markets in order to make some modest but steady revenue. In this case, the bookstores mentioned are run by and cater to the very (and i do mean very) vocal minority in the Bay Area that have inflated egos and a superiority complexes the size of the Hindenburg and just as volatile. Hence the whole "our elite clientelle would never stoop to such plebian tripe" attitude that the workers shat out in the article.

Besides, it only covers a small part of an very large and very diverse part of California. I bet that if I drive to the Target and Barnes & Noble in Walnut Creek I'll find plenty of copies of Sarah Palin's book that are selling well, and I bet the same applies to Dublin, Concord, and any other city or town in the BA that conveniently isn't Berkeley or San Francisco.

[budgie]

Pendragon carries a tremendous selection of new, used and sale books in all categries

'Tremendous' is subjective and Sarah Palin isn't a category.

[megjur]

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/megjur/untitled.jpg

Sums up what most people from the rest of the country think of San Francisco

[SoftLion]

Really? Maybe they're just smart business people and don't buy sh*t they know won't sell. It's called knowing your customers. They probably don't sell a lot of Dale Ernhardt biographies there either. Explain to me how this is worse than those ultra Christian douchebags that want Catcher in the Rye banned from libraries and schools because Holden says "F*ck" in it too much?


but Pendragon in Rockridge has a really crappy selection in general.

However, if you really wanted something I am quite sure they would order it for you (depending on if it is still in print).

I personally never found any of the books I was looking for in that Pendragon when I lived in Oakland. Stop going there after the third time, never ever bought a book from them either.


Sounds like this bookstore is not as business savvy as everyone defending the retarded statements made by the clerks made them out to be.

[California Joe]

Sounds like this bookstore is not as business savvy as everyone defending the retarded statements made by the clerks made them out to be.

I don't have any idea how saavy they are but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't come in this thread to find out. It's not like a lot of empirical evidence is being tossed around. And a couple of retarded clerks probably don't speak for the rest of the entire Bay Area nor do they represent those of us that wouldn't buy that book for kindling.

[LineDoggie]

'Tremendous' is subjective and Sarah Palin isn't a category.
It's from their Advertisement text, talk to them.

[SoftLion]

I don't have any idea how saavy they are but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't come in this thread to find out. It's not like a lot of empirical evidence is being tossed around. And a couple of retarded clerks probably don't speak for the rest of the entire Bay Area nor do they represent those of us that wouldn't buy that book for kindling.

So wtf is your point?

EDIT: Gleipnir - CJ says you don't know ****

[California Joe]

That your assumption is based on little to no actual evidence.

[SoftLion]

That your assumption is based on little to no actual evidence.

Fair enough. So was yours.

[California Joe]

Well that is kind of par for the course around here when we all run our mouths based on one stupid article...:)

[shocker1]

Well that is kind of par for the course around here when we all run our mouths based on one stupid article...:)
Youins sportin a Hemi behind that grill.p-)

[California Joe]

I know, right?

[shocker1]

I don't know, it just sounded cool.

[CaptMorgan68]

I think Sarah Palin 's got a pretty smart strategy here. Whether it's positive or negative she's being talked about. By becoming media martyr and saying things she does she scores brownie points with other women around the US who can associate with the image she's trying to project and those women vote. So....

[BloodyTalon]

Sounds like this bookstore is not as business savvy as everyone defending the retarded statements made by the clerks made them out to be.
Can't really comment on how well that particular bookstore is doing, but it is following a business strategy that has worked many times with other businesses here.

I guess we have this weird sort of trend of local business chains popping up that present themselves has alternatives to bigger corporations (Peet's Coffee vs. Starbucks, Amoeba Music & Rasputin Music vs. Virgin Megastore & other large stores that sell music, etc.). For the most part these stores end up being very successful in the Bay Area either because they have a better product (Peet's) or have a ridiculously large amount of products on sale that you couldn't get at larger rival stores (Amoeba & Rasputin). As for Pendragon Books...not quite sure. It gave me this vibe that it was trying to be a small business alternative to Barnes & Noble and Borders, but the problem is that they sell the same books that I can get at those stores only in smaller quantities. Sure, you can order a book they don't have, but that begs the question of why would someone want to order a book and wait a few days when they can just as easily drive out to the nearest large bookstore and have a better chance of getting it already.

Still, considering that it's been in business for quite a while and have a few small chains operating in the Bay Area, they're strategy seems to be working for them.

[Gleipnir]

In regards to Pendragon's business savvy-
Like the other bookstores on College Ave. in Rockridge, Pendragon only carries a specific selection based on customer demand and what customers bring in to sell the store for their 'used' section.

It is a small store (physically) so one can't expect them to stock their limited shelf space with books that won't sell.
They have specific picks for fiction, art books, spirituality, etc. Categories you would expect of an independent bookstore, catering to a specific demographic in a specific area. Their biggest selection from memory is their magazines.

It seems that their selection is mostly made up of staff 'picks' or books of interest towards the demographic that shops there. As an 'independent' bookstore it doesn't need to stock books based on best-seller lists or Oprah's book club. It serves a specific purpose, I really don't see what all the whining is about.

Their Political section/Military books were limited, but this is logical considering that many people in this area are 'anti-war', etc. etc. (of course not everyone here is like that, but those who are, in my experience, really stereotype themselves quite dramatically) and therefore won't be contributing used books if they don't have them to sell in the first place.

Their used book selection is a reflection of what their customers are selling and I am sure that this also influences Pendragon's choices in stocking new titles. Why carry books that won't sell?

As I mentioned earlier- what is the big problem with not carrying a book that there is no customer demand for.

There is a Barnes & Noble in Emeryville - they will have it. If you want a really broad selection of books expected of a chain store - go there.
Independent bookstores offer a different experience to the customer- they aren't supposed to cater to the broadest demographic of people, that would surely put them out of business. However-
I'm quite sure that if a customer really wanted it Pendragon would be happy to order it for that customer, but seeing as there is no demand, why bother?

Pendragon knows its customers and demographic as an independent bookstore should- they don't owe non-customers anything, despite Linedoggie's pathetic whining about how they represent themselves on their website.

I'm sure their loyal customers read the article and said "Right on! Palin is gross" So ****ing what?

Unfortunately, the books I wanted were not among their selection- I expected this and hold no grudge against them. I am certainly not their usual customer so I didn't feel cheated. Their selection is rather specific as is the selection of every other bookstore on College-
Anyways, I always thought Diesel was the better bookstore on College. I'm sure those who have looked at bookstores in the area would agree, although they sell more new books whereas Pendragon is known more for its used selection which is always rather 'random' considering what is being sold to the store-
That being said, Independent bookstores will buy what they know will sell or what they believe will cater to their customer demographic- it is that simple.

In my opinion Pendragon sucks. It is a biased opinion? Yes.
Is it just an opinion? Yes.
Do I fall into Pendragon's tried and true customer demographic? No.

Okay, I hope this clarifies everything.

[Ordie]

Independent bookstores in the Bay Area are a struggling breed. The Barnes & Nobel or Border Books have a duopoly in the market. Not to mention Amazon.com.

The smaller successful independents tend to carve a niche on used out of print books. They may have some new books, but that is not the attraction for the bookstore.

The best bookstores, including the major chains, are located near the major universities. I usually find the best academic books on international relations, history and economics.

The worst bookstores, including major chains, are located in rural and suburban areas where pop-culture books seems to be the norm.

As for Pendragon not selling Palin's book?, this is America and its really up to the storeowner to decide what he/she wants to sell or not.

[Parx400]

I saw the book at Costco and lots of people were buying it. Personally I think Sarah might be the the smartest person in the world. Look at all the **** going on that could be covered in the news yet the media is OBSESSED( along with all of you) about her. All this talk about her does is sell more books. Hell maybe she will even get a movie out of it. She never has to run for office again. All she has to do is pretend she might and people will cover her in the news.

As for the book store I do have issues with this. Small business in SF are protected from big box stores. Protection cost the tax payers money in that the products will be priced higher. Its not tax payer money in that you paid the governement and they gave it to the book store, but the city prevents other companies from coming in and that keeps the cost of the books to the customer higher. Now if this store had to compete against big box stores they would sell anything people would buy.

Just for ****s and giggles someone should stop in and ask for it.

[seraosha]

The worst bookstores, including major chains, are located in rural and suburban areas where pop-culture books seems to be the norm.


Not seeing it at all. Here in rural/suburbia it's half-priced books and used book stores, with specialization in required HS reading lists of the local ISDs. That and golden era scifi. If you would have told be that the worlds best collection of old scifi would be in Spring, TX I'd never have believed it. Ever. They even have old "Heavy Metal" mags in plastic.

[khukuri]

You have to know your community. I don't want to waste a lot of money and shelf space on a book nobody wants.'

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/19/DDHJ1AMAC3.DTL#ixzz0XiT02FGb



Oh, so this makes the liberal a bunch of ignorant people... lol

[eskachig]

As for the book store I do have issues with this. Small business in SF are protected from big box stores. Protection cost the tax payers money in that the products will be priced higher. Its not tax payer money in that you paid the governement and they gave it to the book store, but the city prevents other companies from coming in and that keeps the cost of the books to the customer higher. Now if this store had to compete against big box stores they would sell anything people would buy.I don't know what you're talking about, I do most of my book shopping at Borders a few blocks down the street from me. Pretty much every other big chain is represented in the city as well.

[California Joe]

I saw the book at Costco and lots of people were buying it. Personally I think Sarah might be the the smartest person in the world.

F*cking take off your double knit slacks and hang yourself with them. F*ckwit.

[shocker1]

F*cking take off your double knit slacks and hang yourself with them. F*ckwit.
lol, people at the Costco are buying it up, bet the 4am walmart roaches love the book too.rofl

[gaijinsamurai]

Personally I think Sarah might be the the smartest person in the world.

You gotta be kidding! Lol!!!