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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 18 to 42 of 91. Go back in thread:
Posted by Jonathan on October 27, 2002, at 13:14:37
In reply to Re: the 'submit your links' button, posted by Dr. Bob on October 27, 2002, at 10:09:49
> Yes, it starts over if you revise your post, since you might be changing which books you mention. BTW, the "link" section does say:
>
> > > Use this section if you want to link to a different book at Amazon or don't want to link to Amazon at all. If you revise your post, these options are reset, so do that before you do this.
>
> So first say what you have to say, then take care of the links.
>
> Note that you do *not* even need to click "submit your links" *unless* you want to link to a different book or don't want to link at all. Just click "confirm your post" for the default (first) link.
>
> Is that more clear? Should I revise the explanation in that section?
I'm sorry: I misunderstood the function of the "Submit your links" button, wrongly believing that no link would be created unless it was pressed. Thanks for explaining further, though with hindsight the explanation on the form is so clear that I'm embarrassed by my mistake; I don't think you need revise the explanation on the form unless others misunderstand it as I did.It now looks to me as if Alara must have accidentally clicked on both the "Do not link" radio button and then the "Submit your links" button before she confirmed her post — http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021025/msgs/125369.html — unless you can suggest a more plausible reason why her link didn't appear?
> Thanks for your willingness to try this out, and for your patience...
You're very welcome; thank *you* for the many hours you must have spent writing the complex Perl script that does this, and for even more hours, over the last nine months or so, pasting in all those Amazon links by hand.
Jonathan.
Posted by Alara on October 27, 2002, at 20:42:51
In reply to Re: the 'submit your links' button, posted by Dr. Bob on October 27, 2002, at 10:09:49
>>
> Sorry, what I mean by double double quotes is two double quotes on each side, with each double quote being a ".
>
> >>
My perception of the syntax was all wrong! I read `<double double> quotes' (meaning quadruple single quotes) rather than `double <double quotes>' (two sets of double quotes). :-) As a result I typed in four separate inverted commas instead of two sets of quotation marks (on each side).It was a blonde day. Sorry!
Posted by Squiggles on October 28, 2002, at 8:16:17
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon, posted by Dr. Bob on October 21, 2002, at 0:35:38
I was quoting from my personal copy at home.
Squiggles
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 28, 2002, at 22:46:23
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon » Dr. Bob, posted by Squiggles on October 28, 2002, at 8:16:17
> I was quoting from my personal copy at home.
I just thought others might be interested... Did you deliberately not link it to Amazon? To paraphrase Beardy, from above:
No one has to shop at Amazon. But they do offer a free service, being able to preview books, and this does also help the authors.
Bob
Posted by ~Alii~ on October 28, 2002, at 23:45:43
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon, posted by Dr. Bob on October 28, 2002, at 22:46:23
>>>>>I just thought others might be interested... Did you deliberately not link it to Amazon? To paraphrase Beardy, from above:
No one has to shop at Amazon. But they do offer a free service, being able to preview books, and this does also help the authors.<<<<<--Bob
How about providing links to Barnes and Noble or Powells? Why not provide links to every large online bookseller and allow the reader/poster to decide for themselves where they wish to receive their information from? The reviews on different sites vary quite a bit and the prices as well. Amazon offers a convenient service but I'm not sure that the mass public realizes what the true cost of running and supporting a company like Amazon is.Here are two links to indies that can provide adequate book information without the corporate culture of the large dot coms:
http://www.booksense.com/about/booksense.jsp
http://www.bookfinder.com/about/Happy book hunting for all you book lovers out there. Don't forget to check your local library too. The United States is losing libraries at an alarming rate. Support yours.
--Activist Alii
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 29, 2002, at 0:03:31
In reply to Not everyone wants to preview books » Dr. Bob, posted by ~Alii~ on October 28, 2002, at 23:45:43
> How about providing links to Barnes and Noble or Powells? Why not provide links to every large online bookseller and allow the reader/poster to decide for themselves where they wish to receive their information from?
Hmm, interesting idea. But one step at a time...
Bob
PS: People are already free to decide for themselves where to receive information from.
Posted by ~Alii~ on October 29, 2002, at 0:15:49
In reply to Re: links to every large online bookseller, posted by Dr. Bob on October 29, 2002, at 0:03:31
>>>>>Hmm, interesting idea. But one step at a time...
Bob
PS: People are already free to decide for themselves where to receive information from.<<<<<Dr. Bob,
How free to decide is someone when your default link goes to Amazon?
~~Alii
Posted by NikkiT2 on October 29, 2002, at 9:50:26
In reply to Not everyone wants to preview books » Dr. Bob, posted by ~Alii~ on October 28, 2002, at 23:45:43
How about for us outside th US htough??? At least Amazon has a UK site for me, and many others around the world.
And it would just get way too confusing to have a million links to each different book supplier - we have to choose one, and Amazon doe supply world wide.
Nikki
Posted by ~Alii~ on October 29, 2002, at 11:18:42
In reply to Re: Not everyone wants to preview books » ~Alii~, posted by NikkiT2 on October 29, 2002, at 9:50:26
Posted by NikkiT2 on October 29, 2002, at 15:19:36
In reply to we have to choose one* except it's not WE choosing (nm) » NikkiT2, posted by ~Alii~ on October 29, 2002, at 11:18:42
So you would like Dr Bob to spend alot of his time programming this site so that it will link each book to 20 different sites???
How about, instead of using amazon, you take the time to put a link in a post for yourself, pointing to your chosen book shop.
Dr Bob chose, as this is his site, its not our site - we just have the privaledge of being able to use it. He spends alot of money out of his own wallet to pay for it, so if he can raise a little extra cash tp help pay for this, why not?
nikki
Posted by Mr Beev on October 29, 2002, at 16:18:02
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon, posted by Dr. Bob on October 21, 2002, at 0:35:38
Well, perhaps the subject line is a bit exaggerated, but I should like especially to emphasize a site mentioned by Alii, http://www.bookfinder.com
This site has several advantages for intrepid tippety-tappers:
- it searches a gargantuan international network of used and rare book sellers, most of which are independents
- it also searches amazon.com and Barnes & Noble
- one can often find used books in pristine condition and much cheaper than their discounted amazon.com equivalent; I have found quality hardback editions for less than half the price of discounted low-quality paperback equivalents at amazon.com
N.B. I am not suggesting this as an alternative to PB linking to amazon; I merely mention it in the hopes of increasing a reader's quality of life, however minutely.
Cheers,
Mr Beev "cross-eyed reader"
Posted by Squiggles on October 29, 2002, at 16:25:12
In reply to bookfinder.com: gateway to pleasure, posted by Mr Beev on October 29, 2002, at 16:18:02
Thanks for the neat suggestion Mr. Beev;
i think some of us buy too many books not
to consider 2nd hand options; i got a really
good deal on "Achilles in Vietnam" on i forget
what site.Presumably, you can sell your books too;
Squiggles
Posted by Tabßitha on October 30, 2002, at 1:32:18
In reply to bookfinder.com: gateway to pleasure, posted by Mr Beev on October 29, 2002, at 16:18:02
Bookfinder is a great site. For used and out of print books, Amazon doesn't have the best selection or prices. I still think Amazon is tops for finding new books though (and new music and DVDs for that matter). I often look for a book at the local B&N or Borders store, find they don't carry it, and end up buying from Amazon. Even if the local store offers to order it, it's still usually faster to get it from Amazon. Amazon rocked my book-loving world when it appeared. The other online booksellers are just playing catch-up.
Independent bookstores? Nice idea, but I've never had much luck with them. The ones around here tend to have a tiny selection, though I'll buy from one if the location is convenient.
I just wish Amazon had existed when I was growing up in a small town where the best bookstore was a B Dalton at the mall 35 miles away.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 30, 2002, at 18:36:31
In reply to Re: Bookfinder, Amazon, etc., posted by Tabßitha on October 30, 2002, at 1:32:18
[redirected from http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021022/msgs/31798.html]
> and do we HAVE to use it whenever we suggest a book? Is it a faux-pas if we don't want to and will we get a PBC?
No, you don't have to use it, but if you're not going to, I'd be curious why. I don't see it as an issue of civility, just as potentially helping out readers (and me).
Bob
Posted by tina on October 31, 2002, at 13:44:37
In reply to Re: she didn't know about it, posted by Dr. Bob on October 30, 2002, at 18:36:31
I suppose the "why" would be, " I just don't feel like it" SOmetimes I have days where I'm just compelled to irk other people but doing the opposite of what they want. I wonder if it's just me or if it's attributed to mental illness. I guess I'd NOT use it just because you WANTED me to. Pretty sure it won't be an issue for me though. I don't suggest books.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 31, 2002, at 23:56:09
In reply to Re: she didn't know about it » Dr. Bob, posted by tina on October 31, 2002, at 13:44:37
> I suppose the "why" would be, " I just don't feel like it"
Good, I didn't want you to use it anyway. :-)
Bob
Posted by anaya on November 1, 2002, at 7:52:03
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon, posted by Dr. Bob on October 21, 2002, at 0:35:38
hey dr. bob,
i would have gladly linked to amazon.com, but didn't know about it...
Re: Still confused and on St. John's Wort,(i don't even know how to link mt post, jeez)
thanks for the info.
anaya
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 2, 2002, at 0:45:53
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon, posted by anaya on November 1, 2002, at 7:52:03
> i would have gladly linked to amazon.com, but didn't know about it...
Thanks!
> Re: Still confused and on St. John's Wort,
>
> (i don't even know how to link mt post, jeez)Just paste the complete URL into your post:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#links
You should be able to copy the URL (in order to be able to paste it) from your browser's location box, the link to the post on the board's main page, or the link in the "thread" section or the very bottom of the post's page.
Bob
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 2, 2002, at 17:31:00
In reply to Re: linking to amazon and to posts, posted by Dr. Bob on November 2, 2002, at 0:45:53
Was showing ultra brainy husband the fab new books/amazon feature (I am very impressed after using for first time today!), and about the complaints of not using other books sellers, and when he looked at it he said it was cos probably most other on line book sellers don't support an XML interface, which it would seem Dr Bob has used to create our fabby new feature!!!
XML is a programming language, that seems to have been used for this.. its very unlikely the smaller "stores" would have this kind of thing ont heir web site.
Niki
Posted by Alii on November 3, 2002, at 14:11:47
In reply to aaah.... one reason for amazon and no others!, posted by NikkiT2 on November 2, 2002, at 17:31:00
...who obviously wouldn't understand the complex computer scripts your hubby is referring to.
The large corporate stores are the ONLY ones to use such scripts.
Gimme a break. Wake up.
See ya in two weeks.
a.
> Was showing ultra brainy husband the fab new books/amazon feature (I am very impressed after using for first time today!), and about the complaints of not using other books sellers, and when he looked at it he said it was cos probably most other on line book sellers don't support an XML interface, which it would seem Dr Bob has used to create our fabby new feature!!!
>
> XML is a programming language, that seems to have been used for this.. its very unlikely the smaller "stores" would have this kind of thing ont heir web site.
>
> Niki
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 3, 2002, at 14:37:06
In reply to Yes smaller stores have stupid computer people.... » NikkiT2, posted by Alii on November 3, 2002, at 14:11:47
> Gimme a break. Wake up.
Please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't be sarcastic or post anything that could lead them to feel put down. Since it was for 1 week last time, I'm going to block you from posting for 2 weeks this time. As you predicted.
Bob
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 4, 2002, at 6:44:54
In reply to Yes smaller stores have stupid computer people.... » NikkiT2, posted by Alii on November 3, 2002, at 14:11:47
*smiles* In case you're reading this..
yes, I know these book places have computer people.. but do they ahve an XML interface?? fe wplaces do so far as its all relatively new.
I just wanted to try and explain why it could be like it is.
Thanks for the patronization, its really helpful to my life.
Nikki
Posted by Krysti on November 8, 2002, at 7:44:41
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon, posted by Dr. Bob on October 21, 2002, at 0:35:38
Hi Dr. Bob,
I didn't know of this feature. I will certainly use it from now on : )
Thanks,
Krysti
Posted by emmalie on November 8, 2002, at 10:28:54
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon, posted by Dr. Bob on October 21, 2002, at 0:35:38
Oh, I didn't know about this feature. I will surely use it next time...
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 9, 2002, at 0:24:43
In reply to Re: linking book titles to amazon, posted by emmalie on November 8, 2002, at 10:28:54
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