I was recently in Vanderford’s making a purchase and mentioned my displeasure with their stipulation that only customers who purchased her book, “Going Rogue,” from their store would be allowed to have Sarah Palin sign her book at the signing event.

I was told that if I had a problem with that to call the publisher, Harper-Collins in New York City because it was their requirement. The salesperson happily provided me with the name and number of the person to speak with.

I spoke with an assistant to the vice president and was told they had no requirements or stipulations concerning the place of purchase — just purchase the book. Such stipulations were left to the local bookstore sponsoring the event. She said the company had no directives.

Interesting that Vanderford’s was more interested in a monopoly than community spirit; after all only Sandpoint, Idaho, can say this is her birthplace. There are more bookstores in Sandpoint than just Vanderford’s.

I am sure that each of the bookstores would have collaborated with the event if they would have had the opportunity.

Now Harper-Collins is on its second printing with the first edition selling more than one million books. The second printing sold over 2 million books, so I can see how many books purchased with the intent of selling the books whether signed or unsigned on eBay.

Once again, greed ruled over the community spirit.

ELAINE LINSCOTT

Sandpoint