I guess I'm writing this to you because I think the crushing of independence in publishing and bookselling can be viewed as a subset of the larger trend in our world, and because Holt Uncensored is almost the only forum in which I hear even a corner to this human plight addressed. Before I make my comments I should preface my remarks by saying that I own a wholesale book company that has been selling to retail bookstores for over 26 years. The independents have been the backbone of our business during this period, and I can guarantee you that every customer of ours will vouche for our dedication to bookselling and the plight of the independents. It's amazing how you can find fault when Mr. Riggio gives away millions of dollars in charity. Even Pat Holt gets a tax reduction when making a donation.
Charity is charity and the millions of dollars given away are going to benefit society.
Bill Gates has given millions of dollars to libraries. They have done nothing immoral, illegal, or unethical. They didn't grow from nothing to over a billion dollars in sales because they were doing something wrong. Obviously, people want to give them business. Just as no one forces people into a bookstore, no one forces all those millions of people to go online and place an order.