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A well informed shopper would understand the consequences of actions; an understanding of fair-trade practices, the benefits of sustainable and unique communities and the myriad ways in which our myriad choices affect such things. Choices on what and where to buy would be based on this understanding.
We've been around this bend several times, colorado native. When I left home, that is my parents' home, I left with a trunk full of books. They were heavy but the most precious things I owned. When I attempted to write a book, it's plot was about books, and each had a personality, a face to remember.
But I don't, won't, can't judge the book readers of the world, and certainly not those here on the forum, or my friends, for the choices they make and indict them as immoral.
We each must chose our positive and negative poisons. I'd rather drink coffee and read a book than own a television set, but that doesn't make me better than my fellows. It is my choice to spend my money in ways that satisfy me, and that includes the purchase of a book. It is not a moral imperative, but often a financial issue as been raised by several members when this subject came up before.
Are my friends, with some disposable funds, immune to community, no, but they make their choices selectively.
If we challenge each other it might benefit us to know the limits of each person's need not only their rectitude.
It reminds me of that short story of the watch and the lock of hair. Each saw the other as the most important, and each made their choice.
Quote:
Originally Posted by colorado native
A well informed shopper would understand the consequences of actions; an understanding of fair-trade practices, the benefits of sustainable and unique communities and the myriad ways in which our myriad choices affect such things. Choices on what and where to buy would be based on this understanding.
But I don't, won't, can't judge the book readers of the world, and certainly not those here on the forum, or my friends, for the choices they make and indict them as immoral.
Maybe not immoral, but certainly less informed of the consequences of their actions. If they are, indeed, informed and they ignore that information for the sake of some perceived expedience... what then? It goes well beyond the realm of book purchases. When you drink that coffee while reading that book, would you stop and consider the choices that led to that moment? Where was the coffee purchased? Are the people that grew and picked that coffee any better off for your purchase?
This is a deep, deep rabbit hole. At what point does social consciousness and responsibility start (or stop) to matter? For some, it...doesn't. Ever. Can they be blamed for their ignorance if it isn't willful? Maybe not, therefore I think it's the responsibility of those who care to let others know that there are consequences to ignorance. If those who are shown don't listen, do we then give up? Hopefully not. Intellectual laziness and willful ignorance allow the machine to raze everything we hold dear in its path; our communities, our independence, our choices.
My passions run deep, but I'll let you run this campaign. I have a great deal to do in the few remaining years of my life, and getting other people to hear takes the kind of energy I had, but do not possess at this stage of my life.
I now reserve my energies for issues, and they are many, where I can see the opportunity for change, and where my words reverberate back to me with promise, and a splendid tone, and not a harsh rebuttal on the issues of conflicting values. But like, Marsilio Ficino, I commend, endorse and live community.
Take care, colorado native, your path is open to success. I wish you well in this and all positive endeavors.
Quote:
Originally Posted by colorado native
Maybe not immoral, but certainly less informed of the consequences of their actions. If they are, indeed, informed and they ignore that information for the sake of some perceived expedience... what then? It goes well beyond the realm of book purchases. When you drink that coffee while reading that book, would you stop and consider the choices that led to that moment? Where was the coffee purchased? Are the people that grew and picked that coffee any better off for your purchase?
This is a deep, deep rabbit hole. At what point does social consciousness and responsibility start (or stop) to matter? For some, it...doesn't. Ever. Can they be blamed for their ignorance if it isn't willful? Maybe not, therefore I think it's the responsibility of those who care to let others know that there are consequences to ignorance. If those who are shown don't listen, do we then give up? Hopefully not. Intellectual laziness and willful ignorance allow the machine to raze everything we hold dear in its path; our communities, our independence, our choices.
A well informed shopper would understand the consequences of actions; an understanding of fair-trade practices, the benefits of sustainable and unique communities and the myriad ways in which our myriad choices affect such things. Choices on what and where to buy would be based on this understanding.
What does it mean to you?
I'll tell you what it means to me. Without being able to shop on line, I wouldn't be able to buy anything. I don't live near a city big enough to have a bookstore, and I can't drive - I am legally blind. The few paperbacks that are available at the grocery store where I shop infrequently are worthless to me because I can't read them. I am basically housebound, since my vision, or lack thereof, is only one of my problems. Being able to shop on line allows me to spend what money I have, little though it may be, on what I choose to, and it allows me to feel at least somewhat normal. Buying books on line, either large print or audio, allows me to recycle older and no longer wanted books that would otherwise end up in a landfill somewhere. Some of them are library discards, and have been read to pieces before they've gotten to me.
Back in the day, I spent far too much money on books, in bookstores, in used bookstores, in fund-raising sales. I was such a good customer of the local bookstore that if I wanted something they could order, they would, including periodicals and poetry magazines. Otherwise I could call any of the major bookstores in the nearest city [a 250 mile round trip plane ride] and have them send me whatever it was I was looking for - if they could find or get it, or they would recommend one of the local [to them] used book stores.
Just how does shopping on line make me somehow uninformed and/or ignorant of the economic ramifications of doing so? I do it because it's my only option, not because I'm lazy or just don't care. I really TRULY wish I could just walk into a book store and buy something new on the spur of the moment. But as the saying goes, if wishes were horses...
Oh, that plane trip was a round trip, alright, but it was 250 miles ONE way, then back again. Would you be willing to spend 500.00 on a shopping spree for some new books? The one and only time I ever made a round trip in one day was to take an animal to a specialist - living things are even more important to me than books, and I felt a great obligation to do what I could for him.
Last edited by karibear; 03-09-2008 at 11:39 PM..
Reason: addition
Just how does shopping on line make me somehow uninformed and/or ignorant of the economic ramifications of doing so? I do it because it's my only option, not because I'm lazy or just don't care.
You've answered your own question there. One is only ignorant when one is ignorant, and there are exceptions to every rule. Those exceptions don't change the rule, and those of you poor souls without local bookstores need to understand that this isn't about books, it's about community. One basic fact: Your local economy prospers significantly when you spend your money at locally owned independent businesses. I've provided multiple links to multiple sources describing this effect. The rally cry, "Shop Local!" sounds a lot better than, "Shop Local...When Possible, When Feasible, When Convenient, If You Have Enough Time, or, You Know, When You Feel Like It!" If you have exceptions, then fine. Please don't ask to me 'verbally' make allowances for everyone's exceptions. Such allowances are implied under the the definition of "Exceptions." I just ask this: Think before you shop.
Personal stories are just that: personal, and do not change the intent of my statements.
Karibear, I am truly sorry about your vision. I can think of no worse thing to happen to a reader. Puts one in mind of Borges, who has gone blind and pays local students to come to his house and read to him.
You've answered your own question there. One is only ignorant when one is ignorant, and there are exceptions to every rule. Those exceptions don't change the rule, and those of you poor souls without local bookstores need to understand that this isn't about books, it's about community. One basic fact: Your local economy prospers significantly when you spend your money at locally owned independent businesses. I've provided multiple links to multiple sources describing this effect. The rally cry, "Shop Local!" sounds a lot better than, "Shop Local...When Possible, When Feasible, When Convenient, If You Have Enough Time, or, You Know, When You Feel Like It!" If you have exceptions, then fine. Please don't ask to me 'verbally' make allowances for everyone's exceptions. Such allowances are implied under the the definition of "Exceptions." I just ask this: Think before you shop.
Personal stories are just that: personal, and do not change the intent of my statements.
Karibear, I am truly sorry about your vision. I can think of no worse thing to happen to a reader. Puts one in mind of Borges, who has gone blind and pays local students to come to his house and read to him.
Colorado Native:
Shame on you.....I've heard just about enough of your ranting and raving...usually I find it amusing , sometimes rather pathetic.. however this time you have crossed the line...
I'm going to close this thread, not because it isn't valuable, but rather because it already escalated once, and this isn't the controversy forum, but the book forum.
I value all your opinions, and hope we'll remain civil in our community.
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