For some reason, perhaps because of the release of Reluctant Capitalists: Bookselling and the Culture of Consumption by Laura Miller, many have been chiming in on this debate.

Here’s how things are shaping up so far:

“What Are Independent Bookstores Really Good For? Not much.” By Tyler Cowen

Patronizing indies helps us think we are more literary or more offbeat than is often the case…when it comes to providing simple access to the products you want, the superstores often do a better job of it than the small stores do: Borders and Barnes & Noble negotiate bigger discounts from publishers and have superior computer-driven inventory systems.

“Why Go Independent?” by Corey Mesler

Why shop independent and locally owned when the big-box stores have a better selection? The answer is: to keep your dollars in your community.

“Jessa Crispin Says Quit Griping About Where to Buy Books,” by Jessa Crispin

Insisting that book-buyers’ retailer decision must, or should, be one-or-the-other is hardly realistic. Of course, it does keep the debate alive—infinitely and uselessly.