A Book By Its Cover

Bookstore, A BOOK BY ITS COVER (Louisville, Kentucky) had a copy I was looking for, so I placed an online order, requesting Michael J email me the tracking number. Four days later I get the requested email, informing me the book was just shipped that day. I immediately emailed Michael Johmann, asking why the lengthy delay? Imagine my surprise upon receiving MJ’s arrogant reply. In it, he told me the shop has been closed for 3 days, and not to bother ordering from «this establishment» in the future.
Sure would’ve been nice if Mr Michael Johmann had informed me of his impending three-​day hiatus at the time I placed the order. It would’ve been even better if he had shipped my book BEFORE closing his shop for three (3) consecutive days. Instead, it appears Michael Johmann was satisfied to pocket my money, and leave me guessing. Problem there is, I’m not a mind reader.
Mr Michael Johmann appears to be from the Old Guard of booksellers; those that have dictated «take it or leave it» terms to their unfortunate clientele for far too long. In fact, I’d say Mr Michael Johmann is leading the parade in this regard. How is it these guys have yet to notice their dwindling clientele, and stagnant inventory of books dying on their dusty shelves? Why haven’t they adhered to the memo that technology has passed them by via E-​readers, Kindles, Notebooks, Smart Phones, and the like? How have they ignored the obvious, that online vehicles such as eBay, ABE, Alibris, et al, have revealed much of their inventory not quite as ‘RARE’ as they have purported them to be in so many days of yore? But, I digress.
If you want to be abused for spending your money with an arrogant bookseller, Mr Michael Johmann is your man. Btw, in June/​2011 he posted a glowing review of his own bookshop on Unilocal, and had an associate do the same just one day later. If that is not the epitome of arrogance, then I don’t know what is. Luckily, Unilocal got wise to Michael Johmann’s ruse, and disqualified his postings, but generously allowed them to remain (as of this writing at least).
Spare yourself the undeserved grief Mr Michael Johmann is serving up at «this establishment», A BOOK BY ITS COVER, and spend your hard-​earned money elsewhere. You’re better than this man. We all are.