That's so true Dotsie. I think one would have to divide this survey into
1) Why I would buy a book IN A STORE
2) Why I would buy a book online

The reason I say this is because if I'm in a store where I can pick up the book and view it right there in my hot little eager hands (impulse buying, and desperate to read something new) then my choice to buy or not to buy, are swayed by different reasons than if I'm lead to view a book online. After all, you can only do so much as far as checking out the book ONLINE. You can flip through it, read a chapter, etc...like you can in a book store. And let's face it, when you see a book cover IN PERSON, it can be more stimulating SOMETIMES than online; but on the other hand, some online covers can be dynamite and "in your face" bold and beautiful. They can have a great effect on you.

So I think there are other factors involved but I agree with one of the top choices of "a friend's recommendation." If someone tells me, "get this book, you're gonna love it," then I'm sold on it.

Like if someone told me to buy MY book, well, I would run out immediately and buy multiple copies and save them for Christmas and buy one for all of my friends and shut-ins who need a laugh....what? Too much? <insert evil giggle>