In other words, if I purchased a book, I’d have to read it aloud at communal gatherings to share it with friends and then store it for two years before I get rid of it through lending or re-sell and then paying the author another fee? Would I be allowed to discard it? Would someone else be allowed to remove it from my trash? Cops would cruise local yard sales checking for books published within the last two years, confiscating them and issuing fines.

Haven’t writers figured out that all books swapped were originally purchased? Haven’t they figured out that most people won’t pay money on a new book by a writer they haven’t read before — unless it’s already on some best-seller list? That loaning books introduces people to new writers?

While I’m an avid patron of the local libraries and read over 170 books in any given year, I haven’t purchased more than two books (those were textbooks) in almost a decade. The concept of getting rid of used book stores and bookswaps sends chills down my spine. I suspect that enacting NINC’s position would increase the price of books leading to a decrease in sales leading to fewer books and fewer authors published (actually increasing ‘black market’ lending) and drive some publishing houses out of business or at least over to China to decrease costs. I also think it could lead to more ebooks with more direct control by the author.

It’s an interesting thought but leaves me with visions of the 15th century — printed books existed but only the rich had them and the vast majority of people were illiterate.

I actually saw an interesting tomato sauce party idea in Real Simple that seemed really frugal. The hosts provide herbs, garlic, oil, cooking supplies, some pasta and some drinks and snacks. Each person or couple invited brings 5 lbs of tomatoes and everyone rotates jobs making tomato sauce. After a meal of pasta, the remaining sauce is divided up among the guests and host to freeze for the rest of the year.

One thing I’ve done over the years that has saved me money is to get my haircut by people going to barber school. (Since I am bald, they really can’t mess it up. Guys who have their hair styled might want to look at this a bit more strongly, though.) Also, I’ve had my vehicle maintenance done at the junior college automotive lab. Oil changes, tune ups, belt replacements, hose replacements cost only for parts. The students in there want to get an “A” and the instructor will check their work.