Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Writer Wednesday: I'd Rather Buy a Book

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about things people buy on a daily/weekly basis that cost more than a book, and it kind of depressed me. Not that I want to depress you too, but check out this quick list. (This could have gotten really long, but I think you get my point.)

Coffee (lattes, cappuccino, etc.) ~ I make my own coffee, so I save on this daily expense.

Greeting Cards ~ Is anyone else appalled at how expensive these things are? I mean it's like a total of 20-40 words and you're charging me $5! My book is over 80K and it's not that expensive (in ebook format).

Vending Machine Snacks/Drinks ~ These tiny packages are more expensive than their larger counterparts you can buy in a food store.

Register Items ~ You know, those overpriced candy bars and packs of gum they have at the registers in stores. You could buy an entire bag of candy for the price of the one bar, but this is RIGHT HERE! Same with the gum.

Dollar Bin Specials ~ Okay, maybe this isn't a daily or weekly thing for everyone, but you know what I'm talking about. You walk into Target and those dreaded dollar bins stare you in the face. Of course there's something you HAVE to have, right? ;)

Yet all these things are items people purchase without a second thought. So why then, is it so hard to get people to buy a book priced anywhere from $.99-$9.99? Books are hours or days (depending on your reading time/pace) of entertainment. None of these items do the same. And all of the items above are discarded, when a book can be reread or passed on to another person.

Now, if you enjoy spending money on the things I listed above, that's your prerogative, but personally, I'd rather buy a book.

How about you?

33 comments:

  1. Me too. I just need more bookshelves.

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  2. For every $5.00, the writer probably gets pennies. The rest goes toward manufacturing and distribution. :T

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    1. And as for buying books, I hate to say this, but more consumers these days are consumers of food rather than knowledge (reading). Sad, but that's why we are at a 75% obesity rate. :O

      I'm a book worm.

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    2. It is sad. The love of books need to return.

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  3. I don't buy greeting cards now. If I have to send something, I send a postcard. That's a plus of relocating to a new country, people like getting postcards. I'd rather buy a book as well, but we may be in the minority.

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  4. I don't hesitate to buy a book.I agree with all the extra expenses that can be cut down.

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    1. I'm very frugal. If I'm going to spend money, it's going to be on something I can enjoy for more than a few minutes. lol

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  5. I'm going to agree with Diane above. (Dianes in solidarity!) Americans are socially conditioned to be consumers of consumable things, things they have to keep buying,not things they keep forever.

    I brew my own coffee and can't imagine driving to Starbucks for it. And I almost never buy cards. My family knows that presents from me will come card-less -- and a lot of them are oddly irritated by that, for some reason.

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    1. I really think cards are a huge waste of money. I'd rather put that money toward a gift.

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  6. It's frustrating, to say the least.

    Greeting cards especially are ridiculous these days.

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    1. Yes, the price of them really bugs me.

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    2. My husband is an aspiring greeting card writer. I know they don't get paid all that much. And it's a one-time fee per card. Likewise for the artist, probably.

      And I know an artist who aspires to design them. She wants to make tiny works of art on the covers, using unique elements. I think that kind of card is worth that price.

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    3. I just don't see how they can be priced more than a full-length novel though. That part doesn't add up to me.

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  7. I'm with you there, Kelly. Books are among the last genuine bargains, worth a whole lot more than you pay for. Even the more expensive art books are practically a give-away when you consider what you get.
    I buy books just about every day. If not for myself, then for others.

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    1. They really are. I mean, what else can you spend so little on for that amount of entertainment?

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  8. It's funny. You make a book free and hundreds of people download it. You make it .99 to $2.99 and people want nothing to do with it.

    I remember growing up I was teased for reading too much. I don't think most people value reading.

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  9. Hi Kelly, I'd rather buy a book any day! I'm addicted to lattes though (raises hand, states guilt). I fear books are being devalued on the internet with these freebies etc. No, books are valuable---let's keep spending our money on making ourselves smarter! Great topic :)

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    1. Exactly. Reading is so important and well worth the money.

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  10. You hit the nail on the head, Kelly. And I agree, greeting cards are insane these days! However, I do love buying a good funny one. But only because I have to. I'd much rather go buy a book!

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    1. Same here. I'll take the book any day of the week.

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  11. I get your point. People waste money on frills and then think books are too expensive. Of course, reading and books offer something that a bag of potato chips don't. :-)

    I agree that books are undervalued and that most of the things on your list that people do buy aren't necessary or good for us (especially the junk food).

    In my opinion, greeting cards don't really fall into that category. They are the product of a writer's work (brief though it may be), kind of like picture books. PBs often have very few words, and often the art is more important than the words. But they sell and they are important for the right market.

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    1. The problem I have with cards is that they are priced higher than books. How can thirty words be worth more than 90,000? And many books have illustrations too. Even those that don't need covers and those are expensive. So the math doesn't add up if you ask me.

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  12. I don't really spend on the things you've mentioned here, except the occasional drink at the library's cafe. Otherwise, I brew my own tea. What I'm grateful I don't spend on also, is magazines. I see my sisters or friends purchase fashion magazines and all they are getting are stacks of ads at so-many dollars.

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    1. I don't spend my money on these things either, unless I absolutely have to. Lol I can't remember the last time I bought a magazine. It's been years!

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  13. I do buy coffee sometimes, but I definitely prefer to spend my money on books. I especially love when I get a new book and a coffee. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. Books and coffee (home brewed) sounds heavenly!

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  14. Books are definitely the better investment. Now throw in just a little chocolate... and it's perfect!

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    1. Oh yes, dark chocolate is a good investment too. :)

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  15. I'm with you...books bring joy forever, the rest are over and done in a minute. And yes, I'm amazed how greeting cards get more expensive every time someone has a birthday...makes me just want to text "happy birthday" lol

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    1. I started making cards and in some cases videos for people instead. Much cheaper and requires a lot more thought and personalization so I think it's more meaningful than a generic greeting card.

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