On Wed, 21 Feb 2001 11:48:15 -0500 Rogers Cadenhead <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
> I've been to around 100 different comic stores in Dallas, Denver
> and
> Jacksonville. There are plenty of examples of stores that are no
> worse
> in appearance than a Waldenbooks -- Lone Star Comics in Dallas and
> Mile High Comics in Denver are extremely professional in store
> layout.
Well, good for you. : ) I have been to about 20 comic stores in FL, CT,
MA and NH. The layout was professional (for a gaming store), but it is
cryptic if you are not used to gaming. The staff was nice but they
looked unkempt and dirty and usually did not have that "feel free to
approach me and ask questions" demeanor that you will find in stores like
The Disney Store. All of their counter tops were cluttered and
disorganized. I'm sure the owners do fine, but as a customer it makes
you feel like you are not in the best of hands. All of the stores were
located in old strip malls with trash in the parking lot. All of the
stores had a cluttered storefront window filled with dark or frightening
images.
>
> As for the seedier ones, I would compare almost all of them to used
> bookstores, which have no trouble attracting women despite clutter
> and
> dirt.
I have been in one used bookstore because I was desparate for an old
sci-fi series that only they had. Usually, I avoid them and opt for
places like Barnes & Noble because I feel better in clean, organized
places. I also avoid most non-chain restaurants for the same reasons.
If the place doesn't look good, smell good, feel good... I don't really
want to be there. Same with grocery stores, malls and movie theaters.
Additionally, a used bookstore does not share the same social stigma that
a comic store does. When I think of the word "used bookstore" I
immediately get the image of a sweet old man in glasses and charming
wooden shelves. When I think of the word "comic store" I think of bongs,
a smelly guy reading a comic book, and kids in black t-shirts stealing
dice.
I'm not saying it's right. I'm saying that these are the thoughts that
color my desire to travel to and spend money in a place.
>
> Your comment about "rough-looking people gathered to paint
> miniatures" is an odd thing for a gamer to say. I would call gamers
> "unkempt" and "disheveled," but "rough-looking" makes them sound
> like
> street toughs. Where are you shopping?
Well, they might be just "unkempt" to you but to some people "unkempt"
and "rough-looking" go hand in hand. People have different levels of
tollerance. Again I am not condoning the judgement of people and places
based on their looks, but it happens, and if we want to sell to people
who wouldn't normally go into a comic store we are going to have to learn
and accept the reason why. "Looks" were the subconscious reason in my
life, and I suggest to you all that it is probably the reason in others.
Maggie
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