As I've been hinting, I've been thinking a lot about the
economic stimulus payments currently flowing into Americans' mailboxes. And thanks to the creativity of some politically-minded and tech-savvy friends, I've got a brand-new suggestion about what to do with some portion of that free money.
Introducing:
Stimulating Reading!Visit
www.stimulatingreading.com, and
use your stimulus package to become an investor in an independent bookstore -- specifically, the one I'm creating in Brooklyn.
The website will explain the details -- basically, you can choose an amount to kick in and receive some Book Nerd swag and/or buying power at the future bookstore. And using your rebate in this way is a way not only to show your support for my little literary project, but to
stimulate the economy through supporting small and independent businesses.
Honestly, I feel a bit presumptuous asking you to use your windfall to help create my bookstore. I don't want to twist your arm -- I'm just offering an option. And especially if you're someone who has mixed feelings about the wisdom of the stimulus rebate to strengthen the economy, this is one way to spend it more purposefully than just by, say, buying new clothes.
I'm working on a number of other ways to pull together the capital to get this bookstore going by late this year. But I'd be so thrilled if some of the start-up capital came from you -- those independent supporters (or "
small online donors") who can make such a big difference. And you might even get a personalized signed book, or a one-of-a-kind mix tape out of it, not to mention some major discounts on books.
Check out
www.stimulatingreading.com, spread the word, and kick in if you can. I'd love to hear your thoughts, via comment or
email.
And wherever you choose to spend your stimulus payment -- shop local and independent!
I'm told by Shelf Awareness that Redbery Books in Cable, Wisconsin, recently began using the tagline "Books: The Ultimate Stimulus Package." The phrase doesn't appear on their website, but kudos to these booksellers for thinking creatively about the IRS Economic Stimulus Payments. How better to utilize that random chunk of money (or, as my tax preparer speculated, advance on next year's refund) than by patronizing independent bookstores?
I've been thinking a lot about the Stimulus Payments, too. Actually, with a little help from some very creative friends, I'm working on a little venture that offers my own alternative for using that cash in a way that has a real economic impact. The campaign should launch by early next week -- keep your eyes on this space for details.
And while you're getting all anticipatory... it's totally time to look forward to BEA! Here are just two of my highlights for maximum butterflies-in-the-stomach expectation:
The ABA Celebration of Bookselling at 5:00 on Wednesday, May 28, in addition to being the usual joyous drinky/snacky/chatty gathering of booksellers from across the country, is going to mark the unveiling of something the ABA has been working on for the last couple of years. I've been sworn to secrecy, but I've seen a preview of this announcement... and it made me cry, in the good way. It's not often a branding/marketing initiative does that to ya, but when you're in a business that incorporates some of your highest ideals, sometimes you get lucky that way. I may try to give you some further hints as we get closer... but most importantly, don't miss the unveiling!!
And right after that, if you're one of us under-40 booksellers, don't miss the Second Annual BEA Emerging Leaders Party! We'll be sending out an invite to our mailing list soon and posting info in industry periodicals, but I'm giving you the sneak preview now:
Wednesday, May 28, 7:00 to 9:00
The Woods, 1533 N La Brea Ave (less than 10 minutes' walk from Hotel ABA)
OPEN BAR 7:00 to 8:00, courtesy of Reed Business
Featuring hip authors to meet, young booksellers to mingle with, and tips on making the most of your BEA
No RSVP needed, though we'll probably need some bookseller ID at the door. Hope to see you all there and get the party that is BEA started!
I promise…a new show will be released before the end of the month. It’s just that I’ve had a lot on my plate the last few months.
Recently Andy and I planned Podcamp EDU to be held at
American University this weekend! Thanks to Andy Carvin host of PBS Teachers’ Learning.Now for the [...]
Hello BookNerd!
Your constant (& quality) blogging is more than impressive. I've been a reader for a while, but I think this is my first blog comment. Hoorah!
I am 25, a Sunset Park resident, book collector, poet, writer, & soon to be publisher as well. Especially given the nature of this post, perhaps the time for further chat or even a meeting has arrived. You can get in touch with me at [email protected], if you please, & best of luck. Perhaps I may be able to help.