BTW Articles

The New York Times recently began sending a new round of Book Cash checks to consumers who upgrade from a trial subscription to a full subscription to the newspaper. The new checks bear an expiration date of September 30, 2003, and must be deposited by October 7, 2003. Each New York Times Book Cash check is valid for $10.

By Bernie Sanders

A half a century ago, George Orwell used the famous phrase "Big Brother is watching you" in his novel 1984. Today, under the provisions of the USA Patriot Act, Big Brother will indeed be watching us every time we use a public library. Or buy a book.

In December 2002, the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association Bestseller List marked its fifth anniversary. Beginning next week, the list will take a new step, becoming the NCIBA/Book Sense Bestseller List. NCIBA Executive Director Hut Landon told BTW that "as the NCIBA list enters its sixth year of weekly publication, we're delighted that we have become a Book Sense regional partner."

There is still time for booksellers to add their names to an ABA letter calling on U.S. governors in the 45 states that collect sales tax to enforce existing tax regulations by making sure that retailers with a physical presence in their states collect sales tax on online sales. Hundreds of booksellers have already added their names to the letter, but ABA is looking to include the signatures of as many ABA member stores in these states as possible.