Halo said:So, after people have sat around reading a book, cracking the spine, bending the corners and spilling coffee all over it, it is then put back on the shelf and sold at full price? I find this idea rather strange. I think you should buy the book before sitting around reading it and drinking coffee! If you don't want to buy, there's always the library. But it's probably just me who thinks this.
Borders (and Barnes & Noble) encourages people to sit and read their books, whether or not they buy. It's not as though this is something done surreptitously. I think most people can leaf through a book without damaging it, and Borders probably makes a lot more money by providing a place that allows people to be comfortable and take their time browsing. They have certainly made a fortune on me!