January 21, 2007
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Recently I have discovered an amazing book store with free coffee, comfy chairs, and lots of books (in excellent condition, and at great prices, for the most part). The best part about it is that barely anyone else has discovered it. It’s like a space warp when I enter through that door, like I’m in a world that has been closed off from the rest of Earth. Sometimes I wonder if I asked a stranger to come in with me if he or she would gaze at me wide-eyed for a moment, and then nervously hurry away while yelling that I was insane as if I was asking him or her to walk through a brick wall with me. But the greatness of the bookstore is not the point of this entry.
I’m having a ethical dilemma. I started reading a book in the store recently and wondered if it would be wrong to read the entire book in the store. Now, continuously reading books in a specific bookstore without ever buying any is obviously a exploition of the freedoms allowed by bookstores. However, my situation is different because I have bought several books from the store to read, and have since discovered another book there I like, but don’t readily have the funds or the need to buy. I read it every time I go now. Is it acceptable to read the entire book in the bookstore since I have somewhat balanced my in-store reading with buying other books?
It is also of note to say that there is a huge sign above the coffee, which is right by the reading area, that reads, “The coffee is free. We’re here to sell books.”
Fortunately along with the paucity of customers there is a paucity of employees so that I can normally read without being passed very frequently.
But I feel guilty. But the dilemma is open to some interpretation; it is not as blatantly wrong as getting a cup for water at a restaurant and filling it with a soft drink instead (naughty people!).
Your take?
Comments (13)
I think if you were to consult a manager, employee, or owner, they would all find your guilt to be unfounded.
I go to Chik-Fil-A 3 times per week (at least). Last semester, I had money, and I occasionally bought breakfast there. This semester, I have no money, and the manager occasionally offers me free food with the cup of water I always order. I find no ethical or moral problem here.
what would jesus do?
I would feel the same about reading the book there but not buying it. But since you do buy books there frequently…and maybe later on…you could purchase said book to as not upset the world of books.
I would love it if my town had a place like that. Too bad they probably never will.
Drink an extra cup of free coffee for me. =]
Simone
Oh and that bit at the bottom about the ordering water then getting soda. That made me laugh. Too bad it’s true. Where has America’s morals gone?!
Hm…an interesting question. I’ve never been able to do that. There’s something inside me that wants to own the books I read. I want to be able to underline and I don’t think bookstores will let you do that unless you buy it.
I suppose if you buy enough books to off set the cost of the coffee you drink and books you read than it is okay. so, if you figure whatever the price of the book you read and don’t buy, plus at least a dollar per cup of coffee…and are still under the total amount you have spend, then I guess you’re good! but you have to be under, not even.
You should also factor into the equation the types of books you’re reading. are you reading general reference? or a highly specialized text? is it a popular book (for the venue) or is it hiding dusty in the back corner? and you say you read it every time you go in there. have you worn creases into the spine? in that case, i would probably buy it. just to be safe, though, i think i would make friends with an employee or two.
Ooooo…nice dilemma.
I wouldn’t think it would be wrong. The books are available to be read, perused and purchased at will. Just think, perhaps one that you read will end up being recommended to someone else and on and on and they end up selling many copies of it. lol
Besides. It’s not the same as a pack of socks. That would be just wrong.
first off, you too are a fan of Calvin and Hobbes. That makes you neato.
Personally I would much rather err on the side of caution than to be wrong. If something is bothering you then that is a red flag.
Would it be ethical to go to a movie theater and sneak in to watch it without paying? Just some food for thought.
sorry i didn’t make it! i fell asleep :/
i beg a thousand pardons,
hopefully we shall see one another soon, yes?
I’m for putting the book down until you can afford it.
Hey, back in action.
Xanga (Nick) is back in session…
And you know phil, I don’t think it is wrong to read the book at the bookstore, but if you thoroughly enjoy the book, I think you should purchase it for a few reasong. First you should support the author, and second, if you love the book, somewhere along the journey that is life you may play with the thought of reading the book again, and in that case you will have the satisfaction of knowing the book is yours, and that you love it.
well. what’s the name of this bookstore and where is it? ….cuz i want free coffee.and yeah…why don’t you just ask the manager there if you can read the books there and you can also mention that you buy books from there very often. so yeah let me know when you go to that store again….i think i can use some free reading and free coffee