Borders’ reading policy supports sneakiness and bad karma for everyone.Reading this topic may generate/trigger upset. It is educational—in support of communication mastery. Post upsets/comments.Borders' bookstores have the following implied reading policy:It's OK to select books and magazines (library style) and sit on one of the cushioned reading chairs provided, or at a table while snacking at the coffee bar, and read for free.
One problem with the policy is that it's not communicated up front, clearly, cleanly, in writing, for all patrons to see; it is in fact implemented sneakily by the patrons and begrudgingly, contemptuously tolerated by the staff of Borders and book authors.
Another problem with the policy is that when Borders returns damaged, wrinkled, bent, torn, stained, reading material to the distributor the authors lose income. Distributors deduct such losses from an author's profits each month.
An even greater problem is that the policy generates undesirable consequences ("bad" karma) for Borders, its employees, its distributors, the authors, and the community; it doesn't support respect. It does not serve anyone. Ultimately it is detrimental to the financial success of Borders and its sneaky patrons (those who thwart the financial prosperity of the authors).
It's easy to understand why Borders allows free reading. What's not so obvious is that they've always had three options:
One option is that the staff could patrol the aisles as browsing-time-monitors risking a customer's anger when they are reminded, like kids reading comic books in a supermarket, that they have been reading too long. The problem with this option is that managers know that sometimes customers simply dramatize their upset and embarrassment by never returning.
Another option is to begrudgingly allow reading and return materials that are no longer in pristine condition, hopefully encouraging potential sales. This option supports customer sneakiness and rips off authors.
A third option is to post signs throughout their stores, "It’s OK to read material."
With this third option Borders would not be supporting (rewarding-condoning) sneaky thwarting behaviors of its community members so as to survive financially. This modification of the present implied reading policy would be acceptable to authors providing (big
if here) Borders did not return damaged materials. Authors would get paid per volume regardless of a store's reading policy.
It’s understood that authors would not choose to allow bookstore patrons to read their material without compensation.
As you continue reading this post you'll see that Borders' present policy, of supporting theft of an author's labors, can't work. The policy rewards the sneakiness of its community members of which Borders belongs and ostensibly supports. Authors have come to accept that the cost for having Borders distribute their books is that they lose money each time Borders returns a customer-damaged book to the distributor. Authors have no say in the matter other than to not publish; instead they compromise their integrity and submit to this unethical practice, for which there is also an unseen undesirable consequence.
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