The narrative that bookstores are a dying business is not new. For centuries, booksellers have feared existential threats, from public libraries in the 19th century to radio, movies, TV, and paperbacks in the 20th. The belief that the industry is imperiled has always been a staple of the business.
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Starbucks is doubling down on its physical stores, upgrading interiors with libraries and premium furniture. The strategy is based on the belief that macro trends—a backlash against screen time and the impersonal nature of AI—will amplify the human need for a "third place" for real-life connection.
Hollywood's current crisis is self-inflicted, stemming from a decades-long failure to adapt its business models and economics. Instead of innovating to compete with tech-driven services like Netflix, the industry persisted with inefficient structures and is now blaming disruptors for inevitable consumer-driven changes.
Widespread fear of AI is not a new phenomenon but a recurring pattern of human behavior toward disruptive technology. Just as people once believed electricity would bring demons into their homes, society initially demonizes profound technological shifts before eventually embracing their benefits.
Brands that have survived for 50-100 years are likely to survive another 50 (the 'Lindy Effect'). Their audiences feel a sense of ownership, making them incredibly loyal and forgiving. This creates a durable, defensible asset that is hard to kill, even with mistakes.
The perception of cultural stagnation is flawed. While mainstream blockbusters may be worse, the overall quality and variety of culture (e.g., global cinema) is stronger than ever. Pundits miss this because quality has shifted from a shared monoculture to numerous high-quality niches that require active discovery.
The publishing industry's failure to consistently stock diverse books created a problem for Miha Books. However, this forced them to constantly search for new titles. This weakness transformed into a strength, as their customers now praise their ever-fresh selection, a key differentiator from competitors with stagnant inventories.
The decline of the theatrical movie experience is caused not by streaming services like Netflix, but by the poor quality of the in-theater experience itself. Consumers will still go to theaters for compelling films, but the industry's failure to maintain a high-quality environment is the root cause.
The true value of self-help books lies not in their advice but in what they reveal about society. From "Think and Grow Rich" during the Depression to "Atomic Habits" for the time-poor present, the genre's bestsellers provide a clear historical guide to a culture's prevailing anxieties.
Long novels, now the gold standard for deep focus, were once considered dangerous “junk food” that distracted people from prayer and duty. This historical pattern suggests our current panic over digital media may be similarly shortsighted and lacking perspective.
From Benjamin Franklin's revolutionary press to modern anti-racist and LGBTQ+ shops, bookstores have long served as powerful agents shaping culture and identity. These spaces often prioritize a mission—be it abolition, gay rights, or community organizing—over pure profit, acting as centers for political change.