An Indie Bookseller's Job Is...

... akin to those folks working at Plimoth Plantation. We're a living, breathing memorial to the "good ol' days," only instead of period pilgrim clothes, we dress in coffee-stained cardigans.


...the three Rs: Restaurant recommendations, restroom attendant, and real life MapQuest to the nearest Borders.


...to write down recommendations so that 'customers' can purchase your store's staff picks elsewhere.


...to act as the Wile E. Coyote to the online shopper's Roadrunner. Chase, chase, chase. Fail, fail, fail.


...the first line of defense against poorly put together print-on-demand books.


...to fake smiles, interest, and aesthetic approval.



...list making, link blogging, Twittering trivia.



...sorta depressing when you really stop and think about it.