Sometimes, you are too close to something to fully articulate your feelings. That may be the case with Vertigo Books. So let’s jump to Alex Beckstead, maker of Paperback Dreams, talking with SFist.

"Because faster and cheaper isn’t always better, and because diversity of thought and ownership are both critical to innovation and the vibrancy of local culture and an informed citizenry. One of Cody’s past employees once drew an analogy between the value of independent bookstores and the Slow Food Movement. As much as I love the internet, I think we’re overdue for a Slow Culture Movement. I mean, movies replaced books to some degree, and then TV replaced movies and now 3 minute You Tube clips are replacing TV. There’s a lot of value in the way culture is speeding up, connecting, and democratizing. But there’s also a richness and a value that can only come from the experience of being alone with 500 well written pages. Breadth is great, but so is depth. I believe in the value of a liberal education, and I admire people who aspire to informed generalism. That’s independent booksellers in a nutshell. (more…)