Local B&N out of Clarke book . . .full of bad attitude

[AVID]

I spent some time at my local B&N last night in Billings MT. They sold out of the Clarke book in three days. The first clerk that I asked about it commented "oh that propaganda . . . its just selling because of 60 minutes." OK, I can accept that opinion, so I searched on; but, the next B&N gal tried to give me the Hannity book, saying "I doubt we'll get more of Clarke's book in the store . . .this is another popular current events book you might like." Was she dumb?



Later, in the coffee shop, another employee bashed Sean Penn's politics when I said I needed regular instead of decaf because I just rented "21 Grams" and wanted to stay awake. So I avoided mention of my fav actor Tim Robbins - he might have exploded.

Are B&N employees given direction on personal commentary?

edit - typo

[still_one]

1. Not in California, what state are you referring to

[AVID]

3. MT

[onehandle]

2. I think you were just in Montana...

No offense. Our local B&N is nothing like that here in Atlanta.

[chelaque liberal]

41. Atlanta Book Nook is no better..

A couple of years ago I was calling around trying to find Blinded by the Right, B&N didn't have it, when someone at Book Nook said "No, but I recommend the O'Reilly Factor." I rarely use that kind of language but I said "Fuck you!" and slammed the receiver.

Atlanta, home of CNN, isn't very high up on the enlightened scale.

I moved to Atlanta from Wisconsin during the Iran Contra hearings. People in Wisconsin were outraged by Ollie North and thought he should go to jail. When I got to Atlanta I saw "Ollie for President" signs all over. I thought I had moved to an alternate universe.

[onehandle]

43. The Book Nook is owned by a Right Wing Prick.

Not exactly a national chain like B&N.

[maggrwaggr]

4. wow, where do you live, Oklahoma or something?

that would never happen here in California

[oostevo]

5. That's very odd

People work at Barnes and Noble because they love books, and most people who enjoy books are quite liberal.

Even in this bastion of conservatism called southern Virginia, bookstores are usually places where one can find like-minded people.

[Room101]

9. Just look them in the eye and give them the chimp smirk

Never let barbarians trigger a response in you they hate it when you don’t bite the bait.

[Supormom]

49. Yes, or ask them

"Why should I buy Hannity's book at full price here when I can get it off the internet for $1.00"
I'll bet they wouldn't have an answer for that.

[DBoon]

14. People who work in sales

generally know better than to insult paying customers.

I was going to say that even a conservative in this business should know that, but that would be assuming too much self-awareness.

[amazona]

6. that's a pretty conservative town, isn't it?

It's a shame to meet people like that in a bookstore but sometimes you have to roll with the punches when you're around a lot of wingnut idiots. You can order the Clarke book through Buzzflash, free shipping, for I think $35 -- maybe a bit on the high side but you're also making a donation at the same time -- might be worth a thought.

[AVID]

7. thanks

I ordered it on buzzflash last night. . after watching 21 grams. Needed a pic me up :)

[TiredTexan]

8. Here in Ft. Worth, Texas, the B&N bookstore

puts all of the books criticizing Bush together on the back shelf of the store high on a wall where you have to look way up (I'm 5'7", and I have to look way up). All of the books praising Bush are on prominent desk right in front of the front door, the first thing you see when you come in the store.

When I commented on this practice, personnel told me, quite huffily, that these were the books that sold, and that the anti-Bush books just don't sell here. When I responded that of course the books on prominent display sell better, that's the point of placement marketing, they had no answer.

They often give me dirty looks when I buy the books.

Good news, though. I've had 4 anti-Bush bumper stickers on my car for 4 days now, and no one has taken them off. In 2000, my Gore stickers would disappear in less than 24 hours.

[PaDUer]

10. If the books are up high....

get them and put them on a shelf in front..I've done that.

[mrdmk]

25. You guys live in a rough neighborhood n/t

[mainer]

38. That B & N branch is IN VIOLATION of publisher agreements

I work in publishing. Front-of-store placements in Barnes and Noble is PAID FOR by the publisher. I am certain that Simon & Schuster paid co-op money for Clarke's book to be on the front table. If a B &N branch does not comply, someone needs to notify S & S and let them know that B&N is not abiding by the agreements.

Also, books that are on the bestseller lists are usually displayed at the front of store, and according to the latest NYT bestseller list, at least 5 of the top-fifteen selling books are anti-Bush:


http://nytimes.com/2004/04/04/books/bestseller/0404besthardnonfiction.html

[gristy]

11. When I bought my copy in Florida, the cashier said

she had just finished reading it the night before. Said it was a very good book. With regard to your question

Are B&N employees given direction on personal commentary?

The answer is no. I'd need a pretty thick tinfoil hat if I thought the answer was yes.

[AVID]

13. I've never worked in a book store. .

but I can't imagine that an employee consistantly commenting that a book either sucks or is right/left wing trash wouldn't be "guided" in his selling skills.

[KC21304]

12. I got my Clarke book at Walden Books early Monday am

and I told the guy and gal working that I couldn't wait to help boot Hannity off of #1 and they laughed. I think it was sincere. This was in Appleton WI. They didn't have it in the window like some others but it was easily accessible.

[jdsmith]

15. Two techniques from a southeastern Kentucky "bookstore"

1. No 30% sales on "liberal" books in the first several weeks of publication. (E.g. Franken had been #1 at NYT, Amazon, etc., for a month before Books-a-Million gave _Lies_ a break.)

2. Immediately stick Franken, Moore, etc. in the "Humor" section.

[Arugula Latte]

16. In Portland, Ore.

I was recently in a locally owned bookstore. They have anti-Bush books displayed prominently everywhere when you walk in. I made a point of telling the owner "I just love walking in here and seeing all these anti-Bush books. It makes me happy." There were two older white guys standing nearby who overheard. I have no idea what their politics were, but it gave me a kick to voice anti-Bush sentiment in their presence.

[calimary]

17. If they do that to you, I would complain to their supervisor.

The thing is - the opposition NEEDS TO HEAR FROM US. THEY NEED IT BACK IN THEIR FACES. That they're trying to push a Hannity book on you shows their agenda. PUSH IT BACK AT THEM, literally and figuratively.

And if someone says "I doubt we'll get more of Clarke's book in the store," then say: Thanks for letting me know. I'll spend my money in some other book store, then." As in - SOMEBODY ELSE IS GOING TO GET MY BUSINESS, MY PATRONAGE, AND MY MONEY. That's not something the clerk you mentioned, OR HER MANAGER OR THE STORE OWNER, can afford to see happen. Not in THIS economy.

[DeepModem Mom]

18. Try complaining to the corporate office about "tude" at B&N --

Here's the political contribution record of B&N's founder and chairman:

Leonard Riggio
Founder and Chairman
Barnes and Noble, Inc.
John Kerry
$2,000


Leonard Riggio
Chairman
Barnes & Noble
Dick Gephardt
$2,000

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

20. Nice info, thanks. I agree the original poster should drop them a

line about these yuckapucks. Then it would be nice to pop into the store a couple few weeks later and ask for the book again.

[Cassandra]

24. I'm pleased to see Riggio's donations but...

he isn't exactly the founder of Barnes & Noble. He bought the bookstore and built it into the powerhouse it is today. So he is the founder of the company as it is presently constituted, but it was originally founded by someone else (named Barnes or Noble, perhaps?).

[Zomby Woof]

45. Barnes started it in 1873

So it's a safe bet he is dead, as is his business partner, who didn't join up until a few decades later. Riggio has controlled B&N for many years now.

[RainDog]

19. You had a good opportunity to discuss the book with them

If that had been me in the bookstore, I would have used the opportunity to bombard them with facts about Bush, Hannity, etc. etc...

Like, ask them why so many right wing books have to buy their way onto the best seller lists, while liberal books earn their sales the old fashioned way...because individuals want to read them and buy them.

But these employees sound to stupid to even understand that.

At my local big box bookstores, I had to explain to them what various markings on their books meant, because they didn't know, and when I asked a question about one marking, one person said that it didn't mean anything...which was wrong.

(Barnes and Nobles sells some book club overstock as remainders, and one employee told me they never sell bookclub books, so I had to show them a book they had which was from the QPB imprint...)

Another woman who worked there said, well, we have lots of part time people, and we don't know about a lot of things... in other words, they're selling books like they were widgets, and the corporations don't care if their employees can provide a service, like actually knowing anything about books.

If you want informed booksellers, your best best is to shop at an independently owned store. Even then that's no guarantee.

I also noticed my local Borders had shoved Franken's book, while it was still on the NYTimes best seller list, on the BOTTOM SHELF of their humor section.

I went over to an employee and asked them why such a best seller was put in such an out-of-the-way place.

The big box stores get paid to display books in the front of the store sometimes, too...so if you're a small publishing house, you're faced with further obscurity because you cannot compete with the big advertising bucks of the big publishing houses.

[lindashaw]

21. Bookstore people are usually frustrated writers. Trust me, I've had

a lot of experience with this. Leave them alone. "Lonely" they understand.

[Pathwalker]

22. It's completely sold out in the Lansing, Mi. area.

We were at B&N last night, and asked about the book - hubby wanted it for his birthday. The VERY APOLOGETIC sales lady said the other B&N was sold out as well, and OFFERED TO PUT US ON THE WAITING LIST - a THREE PAGE LONG waiting list - said they were special ordering MORE THAN A HUNDRED COPIES - just to keep up with the demand for this book.
Here in mid-Michigan, at the two B&Ns, the Bush books are here and there, but now at least half of them are already covered over - before WE get there to finish the job!
AND, by the time I was done putting our name on the list, THREE people had started a line behind me!!!! So, I'm guessing you live in a more conservative area than Lansing, Mi. The two we frequent don't exactly have a "Young Republican" look.

[i_c_a_White_Ghost]

23. When was the last time Montana voted Democratic

in the presidential elections, 64 maybe?

[King of New Orleans]

37. Clinton won it in 1992

though he lost it in 1996

[rdfi-defi]

26. just another reason to shop at locally owned book stores

(if there are any left in your area)

[Redleg]

27. Bring it on! I live near very conservative Cincinnati and love to buy

liberal books and anti-Bush books. Let 'em try to talk some sh!t to me- I'm usually ready for a war of words with idiot conservatives.

[Toucano]

28. I hope you complained.

I hate it when clerks do that kind of thing. It's not their job to offer unsolicited opinions.

It's bad business practice, and it's impolite. I think they're supposed to try to special order it for you or something.

It does invite some witty replies, however.

"Oh, I know. I only want it for our weekly book burning. Don't suppose you know where I could find a virgin on short notice, do you?"

"Which aisle will I find your book of collected wisdom, then?"

"You know, opinions are like assholes. It's best to keep yours out of my face."

[alarcojon]

29. It was sold out at the Borders in Eau Claire, WI

We don't have a Barnes and Noble. The salesperson knew very little about the book. I asked her how many copies they had ordered and she didn't know. She did say that they would order more copies next week.

Luckily, I got mine the day it came out. B-)

[Nlighten1]

30. My personal trek to B&N today.

I went there after reading your comments. I didn't run into any jerkies but they did have Clarke's book WAAAAY in the back of the store even though most new releases are kept up front.

In the front of the store, in the new release section, they had Hannity's book and O'Really's book. Both of these are NOT new-realeases for what it is worth.

[King of New Orleans]

31. Well I am an actual B&N supervisor

Actually a manager. So let's do a little reality check.

Against All Enemies is currently 20% off, though most stores have completely sold out by now. The 20% off books are featured on a octagon immediately as you enter the store. It should also be located in the Current Affairs section alphabetical by author (we don't sort books by pro-Bush or anti-Bush) At any given point in the last week it could have sold off of the octagon and not been there until it got replenished.

Next week (Wednesday) the book will be on the bestseller list though copies are already scarce meaning that in some stores, possibly many, the #1 slot on the bestseller wall will be an empty spot until the publisher can get more copies out.

Al Franken's book are put in humor, Michael Moore's are not. It's a tough call (made by the Home Office as most major merchandising issues are). The fact is liberals are funnier than conservatives.

As for how are employees are to handle "personal commentary", we discourage our employees from getting involved in any political conversation with customers. We're hear to help the customer find books, not form a debating society. And the fact is that we all have been cornered by acustomer who wants to rattle on at length about their personal beliefs whether we agree or disagree with them 9 times out of 10 we have other customer waiting/ phones ringing etc... so we try to disengage as politely as possible.

I do have to field complaints from those who feel we're trying to "hide" books of one political persuasion or another. In general, I get way more complaints and more irrational ones from right-wingers but every now and again I get the cranky liberal.

As for the political leanings of the staff in my store, I'm sure it's to the left of center, but we have employees across the political spectrum and yes we do sometimes discuss politics in the breakroom.

[Renew Deal]

44. I bought mine in NYC at BN on 5th and 49th.

It was in the window and across half the front of the bookstore. That was last monday.

[Jane Eyre]

52. Another former B&N manager here

Basically, I concur that everything King of New Orleans said is correct. The happy fact is that books such as Clarke's are selling like hotcakes and demand often outstrips supply. Rightwing books may not be selling quite as well these days, though I know of several titles in the past that have sold well here when they received a great deal of publicity. I have had to deal with rightwingers trying to convert me by telling me which books to read, and the only way to respond is to make a polite but noncommital remark (i.e. "Well, some people like that book, I'll keep it in mind") and go on your way. On the other hand, I have been known to spend a little extra time recommending other books to customers who share my political perspective.

Most booksellers lean leftward, and I do get a cheap thrill from pushing anti-Bush books as staff recommendations or placing my kind of books on display when I can. But the publishers do pay to have their books placed on display at the stores, and the stores are occasionally audited to make sure that the required titles are out.

You should take your complaint to the store manager. No one on the floor should be insulting customers or talking down the merchandise, whether it is from the left or the right.

[dawn]

32. How sad...

Those people working for minimum wage at B & N spouting the RW talking points, while the corporo-fascists in the RW are laughing their way to the bank.

You know, I heard that Borders and B & N actually look for Master's Degrees in Lit. I don't know if that is true, but I heard it somewhere. If that's true, then these people would have a great love of literature. It would seem funny that they would love the wingnuts, with their anti-intellectual rants.

(edited for spelling.)

[Hippo_Tron]

42. If that were true, then they wouldn't be working for minimum wage n/t

[SarahB]

33. Makes me grateful for my blue state.

:7

[Lindacooks]

34. Why don't you complain about this to

B&N's headquarters?

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ir/invinfo/faq.asp#7

[Kimber Scott]

35. My book is on its way from Amazon.com!!!

I'm excited. I was afraid I would get a notice saying it was on back order, but it's been shipped. Woohoo!

[bain_sidhe]

36. Mine is on its way from Powells.com!!

I too was worried it would be backordered, but nope. That and "Worse than Watergate" were both shipped Wednesday!

I may be scarce around here for a few days when they get here!

[lolly]

39. Taken By Surprise?

It sounds as if the bookstores greatly underestimated the potential sales of this book.

I think they did the same thing w/"Stupid White Men"--took minimal orders, assuming (because the news and all the polls keep telling us that all but a tiny lunatic fringe LOVES our dear leader and doesn't want to hear anything bad about him) that no one would want to buy it.

I think the same happened with Hillary's book--remember Tucker Carlson assuring us that it wouldn't sell?

[AVID]

40. Hillary's book not popular here

MT

[Zomby Woof]

46. I worked for a B&N in Seattle for 4 years

No way would we ever venture an unsolicited opinion on a political book. We had lots of freeper customers who would try baiting me with theor defense of a RW book, and I would diplomatically recuse myself by saying I have never read it... which was true. I would never read that shit. So even when solicited, I would play it safe.

[Gloria]

47. Report from my local library....put my name on the waiting list...

They ordered a copy in January. Still not in. Librarian thinks all the copies were sent out to the stores.

Policy is that after 5 people are put on the waiing , then they order another copy.
Well, here in Las Cruces, located between Ft. Bliss and White Sands Missile Range, they're going to order another copy!

[Zorra]

48. Amazing. You'd think bookstores would hire people

that know how to read. With jobs as scarce as they have become under the Bu$h administration, I'm sure B& N could find plenty of literate employees.

[sandnsea]

50. Move to Missoula

What in the world are you doing in Billings???

[VOX]

51. It's bad customer service for employees to editorialize on your interests

Of course, they can make suggestions on books that they believe *you* would like, but not what they like.

They're not being paid to tell you how to think.