Today, The Consumerist details a college professor quitting textbooks because of their rising costs. This reminded me of the crap my college’s bookstore tried to pull with my Principles of Evidence class.
Our class was taught by two practicing attorneys and because the class’s subject matter was based on actual Massachusetts laws and criminal trials, we didn’t have a textbook but instead used an actual handbook used by attorneys.
Poor lawyers, their law handbooks are pricey! Our book was published in Boston and cost over $200 but it’s nice when you have an attorney to do your bidding. Our professor – who is not only an incredible teacher but an awesome person – struck a deal with the publisher to sell the books to us at $95 each. After agreeing to this arrangement, he contacted the college’s bookstore of the new price HE negotiated. So you can imagine how disgusted he was when he saw that the school was planning on charging the class the actual $200 per book instead of the negotiated price of $95! They were going to keep the savings for themselves and gouge the price!
Infuriated, our professor thankfully cut the school out and had us buy the book directly from the publisher. Can you imagine the nerve of my school?!
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i loved the site, you cant love purple but this webcam pop up can get annoying! anyways keep it up! i usually get my books used!
or make friends with people higher up in my degree program! that might help!
I usually buy them used too but this particular class was tough because it was an actual lawyer handbook not a textbook.
Glad your professor cut out the middle man.
He was an awesome professor. I just wish I could remember his name. :/
They really try to rip you off with the price of post-secondary textbooks. They charge more for them because they know you have no choice! I bought many of my books used – one year I only spent $400 on ALL my books.
hmm interesting site. I want to improve my gorgeous coach A JOKE! ) Where do otters come from? Otter space.