January 9, 2008. That's the original date i started this post. Wah! what have i been doing? Actually, i write down notes to blog ideas and save them, until i'm ready to write it or it starts calling me... (how eerie)
Basically, The Brave and The Bold sprouted from an idea i had while thinking about the best type of merchandiser one can be and the phrase, Dan-da xin-xi (膽大心小) came round. How far would you go to find and sell a book?
(Today is January again, year 2010 and the date is the 16th)
I left this post for too long, until i've forgotten how to continue. But, all that notwithstanding - i do have something to say about the title of this post.
At work, i've been mulling over the idea of replacing a now soon to be vacant post. Yesterday, i was asked by one of my dearest - if the next person in line should be someone who has worked with this member leaving. After all, after shelving and reordering the books, it should come easy for her.
Should it? Yes, most people do think that automatically pulling the next most experienced arse into the position would do.
Really? Does it? What if this person does not show much respect for the job in question.
What if you give a merchandising task to such a person, it is treated like a by-the-way/necessary evil sort of chore. Promotions are done but with no thought, no subtleity, no spark. In fact, downright boring to the bone and none has been done to show that it has been a labour of love. Even taglines are grammatically sick - imagine if you're promoting books on learning, you should take some care and pride, shouldn't you? In fact, it shows a total lack of interest in all the detailed workings of merchandising. Plus, in secret, there is such a person who has refused to take any responsibilities of such kind for years. Promising to start then reneging. Not once showing an interest of doing more for the books. Can i trust such an individual who scorns the little my colleagues and i have been trying do for the books? Perhaps yea, perhaps naught.
i will try to not pass judgement yet, but would give a human another chance like we give books. but does this mean they will try? That they deserve it? That they even want a taste of it? We may be speculating too much and such persons don't really care for this job in mind.
People who love books would always be the first in line to do book merchandising, i think. Not just the books they are familiar with, too. Book buying and selling needs guts to do, you know. Sure it can be virtually risk free but what you are actually doing is showing the world your sincerity and your soul.
To say buy this, i'm recommending it - takes some blind faith in the reader and a whole lot of courage. Of course, what i like may not be to your taste and you're welcome to say that to my face. What i like, and what you like differ - but i doesn't make me wrong, nor does it make you right. Sounds like a whole lot of grey crap but it isn't. The world is made of a whole lot of different people, with myriads of preferences and book buyers have to cater, too for those whose tastes are their opposite. Yup, you can as long as you remember this - have some respect for your job, the books and the readers.
I left this post for too long, until i've forgotten how to continue. But, all that notwithstanding - i do have something to say about the title of this post.
At work, i've been mulling over the idea of replacing a now soon to be vacant post. Yesterday, i was asked by one of my dearest - if the next person in line should be someone who has worked with this member leaving. After all, after shelving and reordering the books, it should come easy for her.
Should it? Yes, most people do think that automatically pulling the next most experienced arse into the position would do.
Really? Does it? What if this person does not show much respect for the job in question.
What if you give a merchandising task to such a person, it is treated like a by-the-way/necessary evil sort of chore. Promotions are done but with no thought, no subtleity, no spark. In fact, downright boring to the bone and none has been done to show that it has been a labour of love. Even taglines are grammatically sick - imagine if you're promoting books on learning, you should take some care and pride, shouldn't you? In fact, it shows a total lack of interest in all the detailed workings of merchandising. Plus, in secret, there is such a person who has refused to take any responsibilities of such kind for years. Promising to start then reneging. Not once showing an interest of doing more for the books. Can i trust such an individual who scorns the little my colleagues and i have been trying do for the books? Perhaps yea, perhaps naught.
i will try to not pass judgement yet, but would give a human another chance like we give books. but does this mean they will try? That they deserve it? That they even want a taste of it? We may be speculating too much and such persons don't really care for this job in mind.
People who love books would always be the first in line to do book merchandising, i think. Not just the books they are familiar with, too. Book buying and selling needs guts to do, you know. Sure it can be virtually risk free but what you are actually doing is showing the world your sincerity and your soul.
To say buy this, i'm recommending it - takes some blind faith in the reader and a whole lot of courage. Of course, what i like may not be to your taste and you're welcome to say that to my face. What i like, and what you like differ - but i doesn't make me wrong, nor does it make you right. Sounds like a whole lot of grey crap but it isn't. The world is made of a whole lot of different people, with myriads of preferences and book buyers have to cater, too for those whose tastes are their opposite. Yup, you can as long as you remember this - have some respect for your job, the books and the readers.
Being innovative, forward thinking, generous - these are constant hurdles we face daily. To innovate, we need imagination and take risks. Looking forward, we set trends and see the infinite possibilities from a present impossibility. 'Sure, there may not be much interest in such books yet ...' Be generous and share your love of books with others. And even if things change, they will remain the same.
But i digress.
Books live on even if people move on. For the readers, the most important thing may not be one with depths of experience to buy books for them, it should also be one with the right mind, heart and soul. Someone who learns everyday and is willing to give as well as take, and within lives a brave and bold soul of reader. One who walks far to sell their book, despite being shy or in uncomfortable shoes. Despite having to show one hundred before you can sell one to that particular customer. Despite that book failing now, the sequel may help it or a trend may alight it sometime. Despite not knowing the contents of the book you hold, as long as you do know more about it the next minute.
You should not only be afraid of what may happen, consider what it may bring, too. My dear book buyer, be brave, be bold, be a book.
(i realise this post has changed from its original idea two years ago. i must stop procrastinating my writing.)
When all is said and done by a million parties - i only want to buy the books and tell you what's nice to read. That's what keeps me. :-)
3:39 pm |
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