Galt's Gulch

When was the last time you gave someone the book?

Posted by sdesapio 13 years, 6 months ago to Books
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We've got work to do. Buy the book for a friend: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525948...

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  • Posted by Nietzsche 13 years, 6 months ago
    A noble sentiment, but why not offer to rent the book to your friend for a nominal fee with an option to purchase. The conversation arising from this offer will be an object lesson in itself.
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    • Posted by $ jmlesniewski 13 years, 6 months ago
      I think giving it would be better, as it would show generosity is consistent with the philosophy.
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      • Posted by Nietzsche 13 years, 6 months ago
        Though you may lead a horse to water, you can't make him drink. It's like handing out free Gideon Bibles in hotel rooms. Just because they are free doesn't mean they will be read - especially when it's over 1,100 pages! There has to be an interest. If a friend has already expressed interest, then a gift may be a great idea and in that case, the hardcover is the best way to go.

        But think about it. By starting with an offer to lease or rent (with a money back guarantee, of course!) begins a conversation related to a major theme of the novel (value for value) and why you are extending this offer. The ensuing conversation will indicate whether you are planting this in fertile ground.

        I am a life long entrepreneur and I learned a long time ago that it is a waste of time to lead a horse to water when he isn't thirsty.
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        • Posted by $ jmlesniewski 13 years, 6 months ago
          I agree completely that you can't just hand out copies willynilly, however offering to rent a book to the friend is simply going to make him tune out, unless, of course, they're already sympathetic.
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          • Posted by Nietzsche 13 years, 6 months ago
            Offer with a smile, to rent it for $1.00 and I guarantee it will not tune out anyone, it will intrigue most people to ask you why you're making such an offer. You then explain;

            This is a novel by Ayn Rand which has continuously been in print since 1957. There's romance, heroes, villains, a plane crash, a train wreck, a little science fiction - It's set in an America where government intrusion takes on a whole new meaning. It explores how different people react to the times.... From what I know about you, I think you will find this a great read and you are going to be amazed at how this fictional America resembles the present and why so many people have been taken with this book...

            "As you get into the story, you'll understand my offer. So, what do you say?"

            Take the payment in beer if you like. The idea is to intrigue your friend in a friendly and playful way, not to make money on the rental. But it is still an object lesson in value for value.

            It's just a thought on a way to instigate an interest.
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  • Posted by $ Maree 13 years, 5 months ago
    When? Christmas. Three copies. And at a pre-Christmas Rotary club function I expected to be bored stiff making smalltalk with rotary wives a generation older than me, again. But we sat with a member and her husband and at the end of the meal I just said to the husband "we should talk". Our family home is very modest by rotary club standards - and we don't have any wine glasses this is what happens when you shrug - but, I'd invite this couple again any time just to continue the conversation.
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  • Posted by theodoremccoy 13 years, 6 months ago
    I give the book out regularly. I also go back to test the reader. If they pass, I ask that they pass the book to another reader. If they fail I take the book back and pass it to another reader. Either way I reach at least two readers per book.

    How do you spread the word?
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  • Posted by AKGuest 13 years, 6 months ago
    Was talking to a friend on election night, telling her I was going Galt. She had no idea what I was talking about. She had never even heard of Atlas Shrugged. I was astounded. She is an educated, prominent woman. Needless to say, a copy is on its way to her. Never presume . . .
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  • Posted by LetsShrug 13 years, 6 months ago
    Yesterday I ran into a co-worker/friend and she could tell I was in a crappy mood and asked what was up. (I work with a boat load of liberals and even tho I didn't think she was one of them I didn't care to go into what I was upset about.) I said, "Just....stuff." Today she saw me and said, "Hey...I've been thinking about you. You're mad about Tuesday night right? ---there are children around us all the time and never know who's listening so we talk in code half the time). I said, "Yes, that would be it." And she said, "My husband is soooooo sad about all this. I am too, but he's just a mess. I really think you two should get together and talk...he needs somebody to talk to about all this." I said, "I would LOVE to talk to him sometime." When that "sometime " rolls around... I'm bringing a copy of the book. I will not "rent" it to him...I will give it to him. (Also, my spouse finally picked up my copy today and started reading it. IT'S A HAPPY DAY!!) :)
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    • Posted by LetsShrug 13 years, 6 months ago
      Wow...there's more even. As I was just leaving work I was pulled aside by ANOTHER co-worker who struck up a conversation about election etc...we stood there for 45 minutes exchanging snippets and stories and opinions. I finally grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down "Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand" and said, "Please read this, have your husband read it too." And she said she would. Today is a banner day for the liberal infested place I work for.) ---And just when I gave up even trying to convince anybody...I'M approached by seekers. ---OH..and I stopped at the grocery store and the cashier told me about the Iran attack on our Drone that happened a WEEK AGO. I have never ever had a cashier talk to me about anything remotely related to anything other than prices. She just started talking like we were friends or something...I've only seen her there once before today... This is all kind of blowing my mind...in a good way. Yesterday I felt hopeless....today I have a little bit.
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  • Posted by Slick 13 years, 6 months ago
    Atlas Shrugged makes an excellent Christmas gift! I know Barnes and Noble and Books a million sell it in paperback for only $9.99!
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