Paperspine shuts down Netflix for Books rental operation.
Breaking news from Paperspine.com and Paperspineblog.com. Alternative competitor BookSwim's George Burke comments on the company closing.
Today brought sad news:
Paperspine, our West Coast competitor, is closing its doors. Techflash.com article: (
http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2009/12/online_book_rental_service_paperspine_pulls_the_plug.html ).
I'm sorry to have lost a fellow player in the book rental space. Dustin Hubbard may have launched
Paperspine.com as a followup competitor... but I see him as a colleague, pushing awareness to an exciting new industry of renting books. Both of our companies began in our founders' homes - my arms still ache when I remember lugging packages from the basement! With the media also dubbing Paperspine.com as 'the Netflix for books' (see
http://blog.seattlepi.com/venture/archives/127186.asp and
http://www.killerstartups.com/eCommerce/paperspine-com-netflix-for-books), we each pushed each other to ship packages faster, increase our offerings, and broaden our understanding of what a book rental service could be. It was thrilling to have Paper Spine as a worthy innovator, opponent, and hopefully a new friend.
I know we have a hard act to follow, but it would be an honor to carry on
Paperspine's work for its members. Through these and other features, BookSwim has built a most innovative and lasting presence:
- renting hardcovers, including new releases and bestsellers
- customer service by REAL human beings who also love books
- book request feature: can't find a book? Request and we'll add it!
- Top Book Guarantee: we'll reserve your #1 book for next shipment
BookSwim welcomes any Paperspine members (or any who considered renting from Paperspine) to give BookSwim a try. Use promo code PAPERSPINE to get your first month on any plan for only $9.95 (normally $23.95 and up).
Book rental has lost one of its major players, to our regret, and the industry will never be the same. Thanks for the years of challenges and friendly competition, Dustin, and warmest wishes to everyone on the Paper Spine crew.
~ George, Co-Founder of BookSwim
