Oh, to live the delusion that things are always black and
white…. What a luxury that might be, but situations are complex. For example, the
idea of a community putting out a Little Free Library seemed perfectly simple
until I joined the ranks of other authors who are now taking advantage of
digital delivery through e-publishing where the following paragraph was required
to be included on the first page of my book:
This eBook is licensed for
your personal enjoyment only.
This eBook may not be
re-sold or given away to other people.
If you would like to share
this book with another person,
please purchase an
additional copy for each recipient.
If you’re reading this book
and did not purchase it,
or it was not purchased for
your use only,
then please purchase your
own copy.
Thank you for respecting the
hard work of this and all authors.
The facilitators of the writers workshop I have been
attending this summer also stress the importance of our commitment to purchase
our favorite books in support of the authors. We work for years creating a
book, and our time, energy, and dedication need to be honored by a purchase. That
makes perfect sense, doesn't it….
I respect Todd Bol and Rick Brooks who created the first
Little Free Library in Hudson, Wisconsin. They are said to have done that
"to foster community and a love of books"—both values I deeply share!
According to the website, more than
25,000 Little Free Libraries now dot driveways and front yards in all 50 states.
My home state of Michigan has about 268, and Little Free Libraries are found
now in 70 countries.
Just from the authors' point of view, I think you will get
behind the idea of buying a book rather than borrowing it (especially with the
ease of digital delivery). The larger issue, however, is the importance of your seeing
the bigger picture in every situation.
Perhaps the best advice might be found in Stephen Covey's
best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People, specifically Habit #4, Think Win-Win. Covey explains that there are six
paradigms of human interaction:
1. Win-Win: Both people win. Agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying to both parties.
2. Win-Lose: “If I win, you lose.” Win-Lose people are prone to use position, power, credentials, and personality to get their way.
3. Lose-Win: “I lose, you win.” Lose-Win people are quick to please and appease, and seek strength from popularity or acceptance.
4. Lose-Lose: Both people lose. When two Win-Lose people get together—that is, when two determined, stubborn, ego-invested individuals interact—the result will be Lose-Lose.5. Win: People with the Win mentality don’t necessarily want someone else to lose—that’s irrelevant. What matters is that they get what they want.
6. Win-Win or No Deal: If you can’t reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial, there is no deal.
This post had been almost finished when I had to shut
down the computer and drive downtown to make an appointment. The
# 9 Tenderness card (Angelic Messenger Cards by Dr. Meredith
Lady Young-Sowers) my client drew speaks directly to this important new way we
are relating in the world.
Refuse to accept that one person is
right and the other wrong.
Speak your truth while at the same time accepting
that others will see their truth more easily than yours.
Believe in yourself
enough to ask others to hear what you need to say.
Setting up a shared personal
language for relationships allows you and others to express your feelings and
your beliefs while at the same time making room for others to also be as right
and sure of their opinions as you are.
Whether you buy or borrow, spend or lend, you will probably agree the things that foster community and a love of books are wonderful! Read on....
