Bad Amazon, bad! Try Powell’s. And see here for a short rant.

Heh. i saw the post on your blog just after I posted the link to Amazon.

I *heart* Amazon, Ian. They have always treated me right, they’re comprehensive, and they’re inexpensive. (Powell’s New: $14, Amazon New: $11.20 … Used is cheaper on Amazon, too.)

I read the article, but nothing in it made we want to change the link from Amazon to Powell’s. I really like the technological enhancements Amazon has made to the online buying experience, and Powell’s really seems to lack in that area–and they’ve been online longer!. I’m sure the bricks and mortar store is great, but I’m nowhere near it.

There’s tons of niche markets for specialty booksellers–I’ve bought books from 800ceoread, a business-focused bookseller. Their website isn’t as slick as amazon’s, and the prices aren’t always as good, but I appreciate their editorial selection.

Walmart is even cheaper ($10.53), but would you support them? Is Amazon’s “1 click patent” really all that great for the book buying experience?

I guess I’ve found Powell’s editors to be spot on when it comes to finding good books, not to mention the numerous times that I’ve purchased gifts from their rare book collection. The Powell’s people know books, and that’s what I’m looking for in an online book seller, not an ecommerce goalith that does pattern analysis.

I don’t use 1-click, but I frequently use their social shopping features and their ability to find similar items. It’s a really good online shopping experience. Probably the best. I haven’t used Walmart’s site, but I have the impression (true or not) that their customer service is probably not as good as Amazon’s. I’m willing to pay an extra buck knowing that things will be made okay if something goes wrong with my order.

I’m glad you’ve found Powell’s editorial to be helpful. I’ll check it out–though it sounds like we are looking for different things in our bookstores. I don’t need a rare book collection, but I do want pattern analysis, clear UI, and good customer service.

From that article you linked to, it appears that Powell’s is thriving, so I guess there’s enough people who desire each of these two approaches to bookselling to support both! Huzzah!