Borders, it seems, is on the financial ropes. Stuck with stock it can’t unload and, so far, uncompetitive on ebooks. Will they be missed? Says Megan McArdle, not much:
“In the good old days of local bookstores, I frequently went without books that I knew I wanted, because it was such a pain in the butt to order them. Now if I know I want to read a book, I can do so in short order. Ultimately, this is a bigger boon than the occasional undiscovered gem–particularly since there are still libraries.”
Like me, she prefers the almost-instant Internet acquisition of a book you know you want via something like the Kindle, something no bookstore can match. Yet. If they want to survive, they’d better figure out how to beat Amazon at its game.
Via Instapundit, who notes that employee lefty politics may also be involved at Borders.
THE TEXAS SCRIBBLER 
I got a Nook for my wife for her birthday a few months ago, she loves it. Now the only trips she makes to the library are for our 2yr. old son. She chose the Nook over the Kindle because of better access to ebooks at the library.
Thanks for the comment. I doubt I will ever buy another paper book, unless I absolutely can’t live without it and it’s not digitally available. The former of which I have trouble imagining.
No wonder I got such good discounts today at Borders! Sorry, I am too old fashion to imagine a life without paper books.
I personally still like the paper books. If I find a good book or series of books I like to keep on the shelf. I kind of agree with David.
Well, good luck!
FWIW, I predict you will see the availability of paper books greatly diminished in your lifetimes.
I have several walls of them is the main reason I stopped buying them and prefer ebooks. There’s simply no room left.
But ebooks really are more popular, already, at Amazon, and expected to reach parity shortly.
Oh, I agree with you, ebooks are the future and take up a lot [less] space. The lack of room is the reason my wife wanted an ebook reader. I just can’t imagine a house without a bookshelf full of paper books.
Eheh… such a pity. Borders was my bookstore of choice when in US. But I should stop being a hypocrite. No paper books anymore!