response

Need to sell something, generate some fundage.

Re: our niche--I do not want to be B and N knockoff and at the same time our store's niche should be something we both agree on. We need to be willing to do something that has not been done, something different, we both know we'll never get rich (well we might if we try)--just keep thinking about what you want our store to be--don't hold back any ideas.

-r

Web Site and Stuff (Geez, I'm cranky as hell)

I may have forgotten to publish the latest version of http://www.boundlessbardbooks.com/ .

There is a phone number and the correct university is listed.

I'm hesitant to place any ads at this time since we have no funds, no real plan and no idea what we are getting into. I realize that contradicts my Ok for the free ad. Sorry about that. And maybe it's too soon for a PO Box. Frankly, we have about 1 in a half million chance of anyone stumbling across our site at this point.

If we do receive any response from the ad I recommend extreme caution before purchasing any books. I'm also not sold on Children's Lit as our niche. I don't think we should make one genre the focus of our book store. The very nature of "boundless" is no limits. But I'm definitely stating we draw the line at extreme left/right wing politics, religion or porn.

Thanks for emails about the inventory.

I'm going to make an effort to write up a business plan over the next few days -- or a least a mission statement I can feel good about.

I work tomorrow, I'm off Thursday, work Friday and then off for the weekend. Maybe we can toss some ideas about early Saturday?

J

quotes

"Time may be money in the rest of the world, but not in the bookstore. There's little money here, so we can all take our time."

"90 percent of us who buy books still get out of the house and go to the bookstore..."

Lewis Buzbee, "The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop."

tuesday again

WMU not EMU, a little detail to most but not to us Broncos!

Also, noticed no phone number on website. I think we should either provide one or take down that option? --Maybe once we get a set P.O. Box we can invite correspondence?

talk 2 u l8r (my attempt at texting)

r

tuesday travels

All of the libraries I visited today had a "used books for sale" counter/corner

Can advertise in the Chesterfield Observer: 2 issues for $7.00 (also includes ad on it's Web Site).

laterrr

r

Tuesday

Try to to track down that book I lent you, due on 1/6. I believe it's by Uden on Book Collecting

Saturday should be o.k., day time, going to a wedding late afternoon

I'll be out at the local libraries today

r

Hits

From your link I've already come across some interesting web sites. This is especially helpful:

http://www.rbms.info/yob.shtml Your Old Books

J

Some Notes

I'll check out the link. I'm OK with a free ad. If we get some calls we can consider them and then decide - no obligation and no loss since the ad was free.

I added an "inventory" page to the website and corrected the college reference.

Black Swan closes at 6:00pm each day. Maybe Saturday?

Cool

J

monday 12/29

check out www.rarebookschool.org/, especially the links to the course bulletin and the advance reading lists.

the most highly recommended "guides" I've come across so far are by Allen and Patrica Ahearn--booksellers out of Maryland I believe. Their guides "Book Collecting 2000" (no updates found) can be purchased for $20.00 at Amazon. Their other work "Collected Books: The Guide To Values, 2002" can be purchased for as little as $32.00 at Amazon. Would like to see a copy of these before we consider purchasing. Both are geared to collectors.Plus there might be others.
There's also a couple of books by a guy named Stephen Windwalker--he has put out guides on both buying and selling books on-line--comments by author in biblio seem to think that the guide on "selling" is more useful.

let me know if you want to check out a store this week

r

correction

Just a little detail to correct. Under the "about us" My Masters is from Western Michigan University or WMU

next

Michelle was able to restore comp. back to some point in time. Double-click issue, too many Googles, but printer works.

My next focus will be on tracking down some of those buying/selling guides

Thanks for setting up the P.O.

Think about the Children/Young Readers niche

I'm off Tuesday. Maybe we can hit the Black Swan?

Talk to you soon

r.

PO Box

Ok, so somehow I managed to pick a post office on Midlothian Turnpike. I think it's in the same shopping center as the Book Exchange ( or nearby). As soon as I get our PO Box number I'll add it to the web site.

I've added a few new links that are worth investigating - Biblio.com and Publishers Weekly.

This seems interesting - http://ioba.org/ - This is the Independent Online Booksellers Association

I realize you don't currently have a computer to view this blog....

J

web-site

Looks great. I do hope we will (again part of the long-term goals) sell NEW books as well. I realize that these small steps are all a part of the evolution of our business.

r

day after part two

Well, we could have more first editions than I thought (or maybe not) I'll have to research the title as he suggested. Thanks for setting up the web-site, Its a great start--a point of contact as we reach out a meet other "book people." I agree we'll have to plan a "planning meeting" where we can sit down and bring all of our ideas together. Narrow things down so that we're not trying to do too much all at once. Become really good (knowledgeable) about certain types of books or certain parts of the book business that we want to pursue. Its not wrong to think big at the beginning, just need to take on smaller, attainable goals that will eventually lead to the big show.

talk 2 u soon

r

Day After Xmas

We are online now as www.boundlessbardbooks.com . It's not much yet. Please read the About and Contact sections. I made most of it up on the fly. Also, please check the yahoo email. You have a reply.

If possible, let's create a mission statement and a business plan as soon as possible.

J

It's Tuesday in Midlothian

I'm not sure about the copyright stuff. We made need to ask an expert. Or maybe we'll need to become an expert. Have you tried to Google it?

I'll get back to the business card tomorrow or maybe Wednesday. I think PO Boxes range from 10 bucks to 80 bucks based on size. There's a six month or twelve month rental, I think. The business card can just have the business name and a phone number for now (the cards are free).

On a personal note, we've decided to make Xmas dinner casual. Paper plates, etc. We're thinking about dinner at 2:oopm. If possible, can you keep dad at your place until early afternoon so we can get the house ready? So maybe come over at 1:00pm ? Of course, this may change. I'll let you know.

Thanks
Jim

monday

You can list my phone number on the card. I'll check to see how much p.o. boxes run--this box might come in handy for payments (when we sell) and mail--i.e. info on upcoming sales, newsletters--I tend to read paper newsletters more thoroughly than e-mail letters; and other corrrspondence--for me at least the less I have to wade through on the computer the better.

Question, I was pondering and I haven't found a definitive answer and maybe I've answered my own question. We have several books where the copyright date precedes the date the edition was published--are these also first editions? I guess a publisher could obtain the "rights" to a work and then publish it at a later date? I'll keep checking on this. I've managed to list all of the books on the tall bookshelf, now I'm onto the smalle book shelf. Still a little shy of the 10,000 books we need.

r

Domain

I've just created www.boundlessbard.com. No website yet, but we should have an email account set up soon. I'll let you know.

As for the business cards, what phone number do you want on them? What about an address? Do we need either at this point? I think people would rather call then email if they have books to get rid of. Maybe set up a PO Box? Not sure. What do you think?

Jim

sunday entry

On drawbacks to buying online:
"unlike browsing in a bookstore, to find a book on an Internet site you have to know what you're looking for. Perhaps more important, you don't run across items that your not looking for."

"since in most cases you can't see even pictures of the book before buying, your purchase has two questions marks--condition and edition." pp 47-48 Matthew Budman's "Collecting Books."

Budman also suggests a sit called AddAll- (used. addall.com)

public service

You had mentioned putting together a book service for the homebound, elderly,etc. Saw on the news today where a town was going to cut funding for its bookmobile service. By the way, when was the last time you saw the bookmobile?

r

Some Thoughts

I can see I added the Indiebound.org link already to this blog. I'm beginning to get somewhat of a picture of possibly how Cracked Book works. I think Indiebound or the ABA (which is sponsor or parent of IndieBound) sets up a list of books -- there Indie Next List -- and you apply, ask for, or pay for books to be added to your inventory...

Jim

12/20/2008-a.m.

small/manageable storefront, rooms in rear of store for meetings/classes. Free trade coffee. a pecentage of the books from eco-friendly paper, local wines

they say "eco" is in

talk to you later

r

more

googled "bookstore franchises:

found Beat the Bookstore (sells college texts)
Collins Booksellers (australia)
Lemstone Christian Store and
Brilliant Sky Toys and Books

Also stumbled on site that advertises frnachises for sale-did find a bookstore for sale, owner retiring claims the profitable store is a meeting place for the community (sound familiar?) with a knowledgeable staff of 35. Only 2 million dollars and its located in Northern Michigan!

later

r

an idea

Picture this: Take the small newsstand ops that you see in airports. Bring the space up to say the size of the cracked book or smaller. Eliminate the candy, snack, and pop. keep the books and magazines, wifi, maybe a wine selection, hand-made greeting cards (michelle's stampin up) and coffee. Essentially a small version of B and N minus all of the B.S. and add in a sense of convenience, or a gourmet coffee and wine (probably a mix of mid to high end wines (local vineyards if possible). Keep the size manageable. Could still have the rare book, collector, book search feature as well. Take the bestseller mix and add in some classics, some local lit.. I'm think something that could be franchised--looked at Fortune 500 Mag--January issue--zero book store franchises. Take the old-fashioned newstand and... Oh I still like the idea of a book delivery service

r

friday evening blog

How about a dude holding a book in front of him like he's reading it or reading it to someone while jumping over a mountain or while sailing into a sunset?

Saturday--schedule pretty flexible until late afternoon. I was going to run a few empty tubs over to the storage place and pack those books. Give me a call or I'll call you

RE: Dad. I am willing to pick him up and bring him down Xmas morning. But seing that he only wants to spend one night (something about "5 cats and goat and inconveniencing the neighbors")
he would want to go back Friday. We can wait until the 27th and drive up, but Michelle and the boys will not be able go.

talk to you soon

r

Lunch Break Blog

I'm starting to like the Boundless Bard. Does BB refer to anything in particular? It has good alliteration.

I've checked Google for any Boundless Bard .com's, etc. Nothing. 'Boundless Bard Books'. Hmm. Can you think of a logo? BBB

Re: Dad. I don't think it's fair for you or I or anyone to be driving back and forth to Harrisonburg on Xmas day. If we have to go see him on the 27th then that may be the solution. Also, any thought on what you guys will bring to dinner. We're probably going to have turkey and/or ham with some finger foods...

I may be Xmas shopping tomorrow. I would, however, like to check out The Cracked Book and the Paperback Exchange.

J

how about

How about "The Boundless Bard Bookstore?"

talktoyoulater

r

look at lines 30-32; lines 50-53; then about line 56 to the end of the poem.
Realizing that although one is getting older and may die (or is dying) that it is not too late to seek new places, knowledge, and accomplishments. It is amazing (to me at least) how this poem (at least part of it) does reflect fondly on a life of satisfying accomplishments and at the same time reminds us to never stop seeking more from life.

Michelle suggested "Ulysses Unyielding + the greek word for books" or I thought maybe "Unyielding Ulysses" or "Gray Spirit Yearning Booksellers" or "Utmost Bound Books" or "Beyond the Sunset Books"

on the poem "ulysses"

When I asked mom why she chose the poem "Ulysses" to be read at her memorial service she said because the point it makes isto always continue to "shine" in one's life no matter how many things you have accomplished. She didn't ask that Shakespeare be read. I only read a part of the poem at the service--there must be more to the poem--she was so weak the day we talked about the poem i doubt that I really was able to get from her all that the poem meant to her.

Lame, Very Lame

These are not much to be excited about. I've not come across the "one" yet:

From Ulysses:

Slow Moon Books
Happy Isles Books
Gloom the Dark books

Shakespeare:

from Much Ado About Nothing
http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/windy-side
Windy Side Books

from Hamlet
http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/there-special-providence-fall-sparrow
Fall of a Sparrow Books
Sparrow Books


Ok, not much there yet. Mom was also a fan of Robin Hood and King Arthur. The name needs to encompass all that and what Mom believed in and supported.

Peace Out
J

tennyson

Michelle suggested we look at Tennyson's "Ulysses" for ideas for a name for our adventure?

Also the search and destroy program you left for us seems to have cleaned up the e-mail and excessive stuff tied into our home page.


will call you tomorrow re: dad and xmas

r

The name thing

The name thing could take some research, I'll get on it too. Tomorrow, I too won't be available until after 7. Mike has bb-ball practice from 6-7 at Agatha Smith. Give me a call when you're ready to get together and we'll decide where to meet. I know the storage place closes at 9p, may want to do that first and then come back here. we'll work it out.

r

What's In a Name?

I'm going to post some more links over to the left. These are worth investigating when we have time. I'm working on the domain name. Here's an email I sent to Lynn Hawker and her response:

"Lynn -My brother and I are trying to determine which Shakespeare play was our mom's favorite. Any idea? Even the top 3 would be helpful. My guesses are As You Like It, A Midsummer Nights Dream and any of the King Henry's. I may not even be close, though!!"

"That's hard - I'm trying to separate the ones she especially liked from the ones we saw together. I would put Hamlet on the list. I know she had Branaugh's version of Much Ado About Nothing and liked that. I agree maybe one of the Henry's, I don't think Midsummer Night's Dream. Have you also asked John Burns? I'm sure they talked about them a lot. Sorry I couldn't be of more help - I'd like to know what you end up with. And she also liked Twelfth Night - Dogberry, you know.

The last time we went to a play at the theater it was the Scottish play, but I don't think it was a favorite."

Ok, so something like "To Be or Not to Be Books"? Not really. "Much Ado About Nothing Books". Geez.

I'll be home by 7:00pm tomorrow. I've got a bunch of books to sort and put away. What about a visit to your storage area? Also, I want to work on your computer -- that's actually is first on my list -- and then we can compare notes on this book craziness.

Jim

book collectors

Three frequently used words: rarity, scarcity, and value

12/16 entry

'"We succeed primarily becasue of our ability to buy large diversified libraries, which offer an alternative to what new bookstores in the D.C. area offer."' Quote from a successful secondhand bookstore owner--in Basbanes "Among The Gently Mad." Found chapters 1, 2, and 8 especially enlightening. In chapter 8 he even mentions a Rare Book School in C-Ville? Bibliography also lists some guides -some we might want to either posses or have access to... I pass the copy onto you when me meet this week.

r

Sunday 12/14

Stopped in Goodwill today. Paperbacks for 1.00. Hardcover 3.00 and all they had to do was put them on the shelf. Totally donated.

In B and N last night (midlothian). I wonder what categories sell the most. Do they sell more books than coffee and booklights? They invest a lot of their square footage to things other than books. Also stopped by a used book store "1/2" price in a s/c at the intersection of Woolridge and midlothian tpke. Jotted down the hours--store really buried in the back of the s/c.

r

Harrisonburg

I've arrived in Harrisonburg. Dad is napping. I'm gathering as many books as possible while I'm here. However, I'm going to need a place to store them when I return to Midlothian. Yikes!!

My List:

- check out http://www.bookcrossing.com/ - a stopping for traveling books?
- important to have space for reading/discussing/studying books a leisure AND enough power plugs to support laptops.....I know that sounds strange but I've been in bookstores where laptop power cords are strung across floors and tables and present a hazard
- Netflix for books? Provide a service for shut-ins and elderly who cannot travel but want to read. Free books delivered?

I'm also looking a sitecube.com and yahoo small business for ecommerce sites

Jim

sunday 12/14 post

Three things:

1. read somewhere (not that everything you read is true) but, that "eco" is in.
2. Huge "baby boomer" population out there, all of them around before superstore concept in bookselling and of course internet
3. auctioneering business booms in tough economic times, people looking for bargains--still want to buy (the book) just don't want to pay too much. Also, libraries are doing well as people would rather check out than buy--possible "libary" concept within a book store?

talk to you soon, try to give you a call while your at mom and dad's house

r

Tuesday evening would be ok. Give us a chance to catch up on things as well. I'm off tomorrow, will probably spend the evening listing books. How much of all of the b.s. that B and N jams in next to the books actually sells? Wouldn't it be better to have a smaller store that is just books and other reading materials. I wonder which categories have the most inventory turns in a year at B and N??

Talk to you soon

R

Break from Xmas Shopping

Long day of Xmas shopping, etc. I'll gladly assist with pc issues. One of your blogs mentions the pics needed for eBay. We have a printer/scanner and a digital camera. One of those things should do the trick.

I should be around this evening and then Tuesday evening, etc.

Jim

left a comment to your last entry. I don't see it, not sure if you did. Set aside one evening next week, could use your expertise with a few computer issues.

Talk to you soon

Late Blog

I'll be researching, ecommerce, domains and bookselling information as much as possible this weekend. Check out the links I've added over to the right.

You're "Thoughts on December" were a good read for today. I've not done much writing in relation to Mom's death. Well, I've written a few things and they're kinda dark.

Barbie suggested we collect "Mom" stories for our kids, etc. I think that's a good idea. I think we should also read through her notebooks.

The info about ebay was helpful. I think that's a good place to start.

I should have a few business/domain names by Monday.

Check in later.

Jim

Blog Monster

I'm way behind with blogging. I'll attempt to catch up and check out your email as soon as possible. I set up an account with washingtonpost.com this morning re: Book World. So far it's free. We need to set up a company email address or something that we can both access to check emails related to whatever this adventure may be. This will keep our personal addresses protected from crap. With a domain name you can sometimes get multiple email addresses (like rick@rosencrantzandguildenstern and baldguy@rosencrantzandguildenstern.

Jim

check your e-mail

check your "rush thursday" e-mail

shakepeare

Try "The Tempest" Act 1, Scene 2 on "books."

Also, most libraries probably have a Dictionary of Shakespearean Quotations

rock on

more stuff

checked a few local book stores to see if the have "clubs" No for Fountain Bookstore and Owens and Ramsey, yes for Creatures 'n Crooks--would like to visit all three.

Also stubled onto a huge list of Antiquarian Booksellers in Virginia. also includes a link to "Antiquarian Free Classifieds>

www.antikbooks.com/usva.htm

search under "Book Clubs" Richmond, Va== Richmond Book Club (appears to be 99% female) and the Richmond Gay and Lesbian Book Discussion Group. Search Book Clubs-Virginia = Barnes and Noble--there soreted into 8 groups such as "classics, " "Mystery" etc.

ABA sight has article "bookselling in tough times" also home home page has a button labeled "news and resources."

will keep digging for book groups and meetings in richmond--appears not many have gone as far as to set up a web-site

ebay selling

Michelle says there are several ways we can sell. First is just put on sale and hope the bids come in. ANother way is to establish a "reserve" price ( a minumum price) and if you don't get it the item can be removed. You can also set a "buy now" price and provide button that they can click on to buy. Or you can post the item as a "make an offer" purchase and the dicker back and forth until you reach an agreement. Michelle says we will need to set up the technology to scan images of the books onto the the website. Stay in touch, keep the ideas flowing. This is pretty exciting.
talk to you soon.
-R

Final Chapter for Books?

Final Chapter for Books?

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I See You Made It

Looks like you may have it. Are you creating a New Post or just adding a comment? I gave you full administrative access (not just blogging). You can edit posts, moderate comments, change the layout, etc. It just want to comment, I can maintain the site.

I'm surprised Dad has change his mind...I have Xmas Day and the day after off.

I'm not sure what I've got going on this evening. Jon has to put in some hours at AmFam for PE. I may be able to drop him off there and meet you.

"Watson and Fawcett" are the street names for the 'hill". That's the place Mom grew up. Her address was "Watson and Fawcett" streets. So it's perhaps an obscure reference but it sure sounds haughty and pretentious for a book store name.

Jim

should be home by 6:30 tonight, let me know if you want to head out. could meet somewhere by 7:30. -R

spoke with dad tonight. would like to come down for xmas. will give you a call tomorrow.

Hey Jim is this how this works?

First Entry for Book Blog

We'll use this for ideas, notes, lists instead of email. With a blog, you can track thoughts and refer back to previous blogs without having to open emails, etc.