Replies

1. 
   RickL | Mar 17, 2004 08:47pm | #1

   I placed an order directly the other day with Cambium and talked with the woman there.  Not really gone but this way they don't have to keep an inventory. Shouldn't be any real change at all. The site will still be up so it's not really biting the dust. 

1. 
   jazzdogg | Mar 18, 2004 12:04am | #2

   Rick,

   I understand the distinction you make. However, it looks an awful lot to me like yet another very large business has swallowed a small enterprise whole. 

   With Amazon controlling the inventory, database, pricing, distribution, et al, Cambium has effectively been reduced to little more than a remote search engine serving Amazon, albeit with personnel of its own.

   I can't help but wonder what reason Cambium will have to exist as a separate entity inasmuch as Amazon will effectively be doing all of the things Cambium did before this recent development.

   Nothing to be done about it - just crying over spilt milk, I guess.-Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

1. 
   RickL | Mar 18, 2004 01:02am | #3

   As Cambium explained it to me people would call them up and order it from amazon anyway. Cambium will still exist but will not have to keep an inventory or deal with shipping. Will have to wait and see. I've had great luck with buying books over the web, plus overseas buying is much simpler than the old days where you had to get checks made out to sterling and prices fluctuated daily. I still have a credit from years ago at Stobarts that I never used because the dollar rose by the time they got the check. I just got Kingshotts book Making and Modifying tools through amazon.co.uk in a week and it's been out of print.

   Another great woodworking book site

   http://www.stobartdavies.com

1. 
   jazzdogg | Mar 18, 2004 05:18am | #4

   Rick,

   Thanks for the lead. I, too, hope things work out for the best with Cambium books - they've always been a reliable source of woodworking books and have treated me well.

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.