In case you haven’t picked up on this in previous posts, or even from the none-too-subtle choice of blog name, I’m a bit of a localvist and try, where possible, to shop local and buy locally. Occasionally the internet does have its benefits, I fully admit it, but more often than not it can be overrated.
For instance, if I want to buy a book I could order it off Amazon and receive it in the next 3-5 working days, or pay an annual premium for it to arrive the next day. Or I could pop to my lovely local bookshop, engage in a conversation with real people and, if the book in question isn’t in stock, they can order it in for the next day at no additional charge to me. They also have the added bonus of being very knowledgeable and passionate about books and can help me find a winning present for a difficult relative. No online store can do that!