Helping newbie's in the bookstore

[faeriegodess612]

I'm a Barnes and noble Member, so I spend a lot of time there when I want a new book. The other day I decided that I wanted a new photography book, and some frozen yogurt. ( The yogurt place is right in front of B&N. ) In front of the Digital Photography section I usually grab a few titles for what I'm looking for, and sit down right there in the aisle. I usually tell anyone that come along thats looking at the same section that if I'm in the way, they can just tell me to move. So, I noticed this woman perusing the section and was picking up some of the "Dummie" books. So I asked her, Are you a beginner or like me and looking for something to teach me something I don't already know? She got this sort of exasperated sigh and said she was a beginner. So, me being the one to always want to teach somebody something, I found Understanding Exposure and told her that it was a widely recommended book for someone just starting. I also handed her Kelby's first edition of The Digital Photography book. She asked me about cameras. I told her that the Canon vs Nikon debate is one that has been waging on as long as the companies have been around. And that the best way to determine which one to go with, is to compare features, and just play with each, then decide which one she likes more. I did also mention this website to begin with. And told her that what got me started and taught me a lot of what I know, was this website.

So, anyways,...do you ever run across people that are just starting out ( besides here ) and jump at the chance to teach them what you know? Point them in the right direction.

[SwissJon]

So wait.. Let me get this straight.. You've got a shop there especially for yogurt? Is it good yogurt?

[JFSanders]

Dude we have a shop for everything. No Joke. There is a place down in Orlando that sells just writing utensils nothing else.

But yes I do spend time with people in B&N all the time. I am limited to once per week by my wife as I tend to make it a three hour tour and she gets jealous with a capital J... I gave the rundown to a very nice young couple the other day as they were looking to expand their abilities with the new D3100 she gave him for his birthday. But I will also answer questions about where to find this or that title as well.

Jim

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

So wait.. Let me get this straight.. You've got a shop there especially for yogurt? Is it good yogurt?

You bet! And it's not exactly yogurt like what you'd get in lil plastic cups at the store. It's frozen yogurt. Think soft serve ice cream, but made with yogurt instead of cream. And yes,..it's really good. You can't tell much of a difference between it and soft serve except for its just a tad bit tangier. I usually put sprinkles on mine. This place, you load up your cup with whatever flavor you want. Everything from the typical vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate,..to their seasonal flavors. This time it was things like peanut butter or watermelon. I think kiwi was next to strawberry, so that you could use the middle thing and get strawberry kiwi. Whatever toppings you want, and then set it on the scale. You pay 50 cents per ounce. It's a healthier alternative to ice cream. I rather like the place.

http://www.yoyosfrozenyogurt.com/

[metallion58]

It's in my nature, I always try to help.

However, I don't have the time (nor the patience) to teach them what I know. My only student is my wife...and I better show patience!
A few pointers, a few resources, and I let them do the work. That's the best way to learn. Ain't nothing like experimenting on your own, IMHO.

[faeriegodess612]

Well, yeah,..you cant teach them everything. But just point them in the right direction.

[Mocha]

OMG! I thought I was the only person who would spend hours in B & N browsing photography related books. The only difference is our choice of refreshment. We have a Starbucks Coffee right in the front of our B & N. It will either be a frappacino or a latte (or caramel macchiato) depending on the weather. Recently, I grabbed a stack of Photoshop Elements tutorial books, took them (and my coffee) to a table and studied for at least an hour before deciding which one to buy. I also enjoy the back-and-forth sharing conversations I get into, and almost always mention this site.

[mosgood]

Ok, I admit it, I have a major addiction to books too. Can't recall anyone at a bookstore asking me about cameras (I am too old to sit on the floor-body no longer likes that idea), but I do get questioned when I am out shooting. Most people are surprised that I use a "big & complicated" camera vs. a P&S. I always tell them to do some research on the types of cameras, & go to a store that has many different models, & check them out before making a commitment.

B&N is the only bookstore left in my area. I don't like it as much, but when I need a book fix, that's where I'll have to go. I used to only go there if I couldn't find what I wanted at Borders.

I spend my time sifting through the magazine rack trying to find my stuff in print...

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by Mocha

OMG! I thought I was the only person who would spend hours in B & N browsing photography related books. The only difference is our choice of refreshment. We have a Starbucks Coffee right in the front of our B & N. It will either be a frappacino or a latte (or caramel macchiato) depending on the weather. Recently, I grabbed a stack of Photoshop Elements tutorial books, took them (and my coffee) to a table and studied for at least an hour before deciding which one to buy. I also enjoy the back-and-forth sharing conversations I get into, and almost always mention this site.

Oh, if I'd wanted coffee that day I couldve gotten it. The one here has a Cafe in it that sells Starbucks coffee. My membership discount applies there too. It's already cheaper at the cafe than it is at Starbucks, the discount makes it even better. I'm not a froo froo coffee drinker though. My order is usually a tall house coffee with hazelnut flavoring and skim milk.

and Eric,..not everyone is as established as you are and get published on a regular basis. So