Rockhurst Sentinel

Issue date: 9/26/06 Section: Commentary

Media Credit: Katharine Agnew

I bought three books for philosophy, two for psychology, two for English, two for sociology, and four for western civ. Total cost: too damn much! But what would you say if I told you the cost of textbooks may decrease to reasonable prices? You probably wouldn't believe me, but it's true. Let me give you the scoop.
Evidently, publishing companies discovered that some of the prices of books may be a little costly. They realized that many students are paying for college with scholarships and loans, and the current price of books could leave them, to quote my best friend, "broke as a joke." Then, I'm guessing, someone came up with the idea to sell ad space to companies to lower textbook prices. When I first heard this, I couldn't help but think, "YEAH RIGHT!!" and had a good laugh, but it's all true.
You may now be thinking, is this girl's article credible, or am I just reading a load of b.s.? Well, I did some research to appease your queries. On Yahoo, I read an article saying that textbooks may actually be free within the next year. The idea has received support and even already sold ads to various companies such as FedEx, Kinko's, and Pura Vida Coffee. Of course, there will only be a few textbooks with ads to start off. So, if you are looking to take any business courses, you may be the first to reap these benefits.
Of course, there are those who think that this is a bad idea. Some professors say the ads aren't "dignified". Others are worried that advertiser may be able to "set the agenda" for textbooks. Just ask the news media about that problem.
Well, I have one question for them- Who cares? I know I don't as long as I don't have to pay an arm and a leg for my books.

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