They're appealing - but it's an illusion (Book Clubs in general)

Member Name: pixwix

Product:	Book Clubs in general
Date:	15/10/08 (33 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Often unquestionably cheap.

Disadvantages: In my direct experience, always more trouble than they're worth in the long run.

I've little against book clubs in general. I just don't see the point. I'm a habitual (indeed compulsive) book buyer, and have tried several book clubs over the years - they were all, without exception, far more trouble than they were worth.

These days - with Amazon, eBay, and a whole host of online book suppliers like Bibliophile and Book Depository (plus Bookfinder.com for rarer items) it's quite amazing how rarely I pay more than £5 or £6 for a book - I just leave it on my Wishlist until the price drops - and sooner or later it usually does. Just today I got a book on aviation history that was listed a year ago at £18 - today's price £4.

I could see the appeal of book clubs years ago - but in these online days I just don't see the point. Even what discount you get will seem poor return the first time you get into one of their endless circular arguments about what you know you've received and paid for, as against what they claim - and believe me, sooner or later, you will have such arguments with all book clubs.

Type a wishlist into your PC - save it with Amazon if that appeals. Then wait for the books to appear at prices you want to pay. You just don't need book clubs - take my word.

Summary: You've plenty of online choice - why limit yourself?