Book Swap

There's a budget-friendly way to update your library and make new friends. Try book-swapping- and this is highly recommended when it's done among book buddies and book lovers alike. Anyone who likes to read books is welcome.

Book swapping is trading an unmarked book of good condition for another title, perhaps of the same author or a different one, or another genre. If you own double copies of a title, choose the book to be swapped and you could just finally get your hands on that sequel or the final book to update your collection, at almost no cost at all.

It's a free trade and a chance to find a good read, save a few hundred bucks (brand new paperback books cost around Php300-400 each and hardbound books range from Php500-700 or even higher), meet friends over coffee and explore other authors and genres. Swappers will be asking about other available books you own which are up for swapping of the same genre.

Swapping is also a good opportunity to compare and discuss authors and to share books to other book lovers. If you want to tidy up your space and are willing to let go of some babies, go ahead and schedule a swap.

Helpful tips for Book Swapping:

1. Gather books from your library or collection which are unmarked, in good condition, no creases, no torn pages and possibly no damages.
2. See if you have double copies of books you are willing to exchange.
3. Check out contacts or online bookstores in Multiply and other blogs and see what titles and authors are up for swapping, check out Book Bed's Swap Zone. 
4. Exchange book titles with potential swappers and arrange a schedule and agree on some details. 

With the ease of many leading courier services in the country today, book swaps are possible between swappers from different cities. All it takes is 2-3 working days. It is better to schedule swaps on weekdays because only some couriers do deliveries and pick ups on weekends. It's also admittedly more relaxing to read on weekends away from the reaches and concerns of busy work days. 

I have a few titles available for swapping too. If you want to schedule a swap for any interested swappers out there, do leave me a comment

Have a good swap! 

Discovery of a Book Lover

Because the site was mentioned in Read Philippines, a site-forum for reading enthusiasts, I followed the link and fell in love with the crazy finds there. Too bad the holidays are over, I could have put "anything from Booktique" on the top of my wishlist. But then, there's still this year's Christmas coming up after another eleven months.

This adorabs book end catches people's attention and immediately get them talking... The falling books seem to be the end of days for the little man... 

The floating bookshelf is perfect for small spaces and can be used to tidy up hardbound books.

Magnets make the arrow bookends look like they are floating.

If any of my friends asked if I wanted these, I would have said Yes! 

Satisfy your bookish side by visiting Booktique Store and find a little something for that special bookworm in your life. =)

Which E-Books are Mostly Borrowed from Libraries and Why?

The link below is from paidContent.

I don't own an E-book reader, but it would be quite fun to have one someday. However, here's a look at some of the reading preferences made by avid readers lately.

Here in our city, I wonder how many visitors the City Library has, and the Zamboangueños reading habits.

Which E-Books Are Most Borrowed from Libraries and Why

The Fall Of Kodak

For some of us who grew up with Kodak as a household name, and have always grabbed the camera while trying to capture moments by saying "Kodak it!" instead of "Take a picture", I also couldn't believe my ears when I heard the news.

The following was contributed by my friend Robin Gonzales.

Second Look 

by Robin Gonzales 

The Fall of Kodak 

For what seemed like from time immemorial, Kodak cameras and film were a part of every household. Special moments were always incomplete without the familiar Kodak camera to capture them. Likewise, the Kodak film roll that photo shops would never run out of was always a best seller. It seemed like the Kodak Company was a permanent fixture on the world’s psyche. No one would have predicted then that the year 2012 would see the Kodak Company to file for bankruptcy.

The dawning of the digital age has changed a lot of things. One of the inevitable changes was the obsolescence of the traditional camera and film pair. The prevalence of digital cameras and ready cameras on phones, tablets and the pc has doomed the camera and film pair. Though Kodak has continued to develop digital cameras, the market in the digital world was a lot more crowded than the traditional camera and film world where it so easily dominated. With steep competition from brands such as Nikon, HP, Canon and the inability to compete with the other brands’ technology, Kodak now faces its inevitable fall.

Kodak over the years, maintaining its identity

The Wall Street Journal has reported the Kodak Company is preparing to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the coming weeks ahead if it fails to sell a trove of digital-imaging patents. Since then, Kodak shares have fallen to an all time historic low. In the decade before 2011, Kodak has reportedly lost 95 percent of its company value to competition and the digital revolution. The New York stock exchange has warned that it plans to delist Kodak as a trading company shall the value of its shares stay unusually low for a long period. It seems the once legendary Kodak giant has fallen to its knees.

All is not hope for the once iconic and invincible photography company. The company has invested heavily in digital inkjet printers and revenue from that part of the company’s sales has risen a staggering 13 percent. If Kodak hopes that the printer and software industry will triple in the short future ahead, it may be able to make a comeback on those products. The company is also in the midst of selling patents, property rights and in the midst of talks for loans to keep it afloat.

No one knows for certain what the future holds for Kodak. Whether it can weather the storm it faces or fall victim to it instead, only time will tell. What is certain is that with so many technological revolutions, Kodak is not the only company that will face such tough times ahead. As always in a free market system, the free hand will favor those companies who remain competitive and disfavor those who do not. It’s a story of survival of the fittest and no matter how iconic and successful a company has become in the past, the fortunes of the times change as fast as direction of the wind. 

Great Titles at Bargain Prices from Life Is Like a Book Page

Life Is Like A Book Page

True to its shop name, this online bookstore has loads of stuff for every book lover, for every genre. The online bookstore is being maintained by Maricar and she does her best by managing her time, work, family life and answering questions from bookworms all over the archipelago.

I have the URL bookmarked on my browser tab, and check her new arrivals every month. If only my budget were bigger and I were a tad bit richer.

Some special features of Book Page are great finds in some of the albums. Categories are for Classics, Young Readers, Memoirs/ Biographies and Children's Lit. Submit your wishlist and you might just spot the book you're looking for in the next arrival. Contests and other great deals are aplenty, and an automated order form makes the transaction effortless.

Low on cash but want to add some new arrivals on your shelf? Browse through here and you could just snatch deals, happily ever after!