CALAMANSI BLOG #4
- wjmanares
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Opening Your Wallet for Books: Buying Instead of Getting Them Free
by W. J. Manares
There’s something magical about scrolling through a free e-book library or borrowing a stack from the local bookstore’s "swap shelf" - instant access to stories and knowledge without spending a cent. But hear me out: setting aside a little cash to own a book or two is one of the most rewarding investments you can make for yourself, and for the world of writing itself.
It's About More Than Just Possession
When you buy a book with your own money, it changes how you engage with it. Think about the last free book you downloaded on a whim - did you actually read it, or is it still buried in a digital folder somewhere? When we invest our hard-earned cash, we’re more likely to prioritize that book, carve out time to read it, and even revisit it later. It becomes a tangible reminder of a choice we made to learn, escape, or grow - not just a random file or borrowed item we have to return.
Owning a book also gives you freedom: dog-ear pages, highlight your favorite passages, write notes in the margins, and pass it down to someone else when you’re done. These small acts turn a simple object into a personal artifact, filled with your own thoughts and memories.
Supporting the Authors Who Enrich Our Lives
Here’s the hard truth: free books rarely benefit the people who wrote them. Most authors earn a tiny fraction of a book’s price per sale - and if you’re getting a copy through piracy, unauthorized download, or swapping that skips the original purchase, they get nothing at all. Writers, editors, designers, and publishers all pour their time, energy, and resources into bringing a book to life. When you buy a book, you’re not just paying for paper and ink (or a digital file) - you’re supporting their work and helping them create more stories and ideas for you to enjoy in the future.
Building a Personal Library that Reflects You
Your bookshelf is a portrait of who you are - the stories that moved you, the ideas that challenged you, the topics that fascinate you. When you buy books, you’re curating a collection that’s uniquely yours, not just borrowing what’s available for free. It’s a space you can return to again and again, a conversation starter when friends visit, and a legacy you can leave behind.
And let’s be honest: there’s something deeply satisfying about looking at a shelf full of books you’ve chosen and paid for. It’s a testament to your curiosity, your commitment to learning, and your willingness to invest in yourself.
Every Purchase Is a Vote for What You Want to See in the World
When you buy a book, you’re casting a vote for the kind of content you want to exist. Love diverse voices? Buy books by authors from underrepresented communities. Care about nonfiction that tackles important issues? Support those writers. Want more experimental fiction or cozy mysteries? Your purchase sends a message to publishers that there’s a demand for those stories. Free books don’t carry that same weight - they don’t tell the industry what readers are actually willing to pay for, which can limit the types of books that get published in the first place.
After all, the best books are worth more than their price tag - and the people who create them are worth supporting.
***
NOTE:
Why "Calamansi" Blog?
I chose the name 'Calamansi Blog' because it embodies the essence of what I want my blog to be. The calamansi, that small but vibrant Philippine lime, symbolizes joy and freshness. Just as the fruit adds a burst of flavor to any dish or drink, I want my blog to bring a fresh and uplifting perspective to the readers.
Beyond its Filipino roots, the name also resonates with me on a deeper level. 'Calamansi' bears a phonetic resemblance to the Indian words 'Kalam' (कलम), meaning 'pen' or 'writing,' and 'Anshi' (अंशी), meaning 'god's gift.' This connection suggests that my writing is more than just words on a page; it's a gift, an inspiration, perhaps even divinely guided.
My 'Calamansi Blog' represents a blend of Filipino zest and a sense of inspired creativity. It's a name that is both memorable and meaningful, reflecting my commitment to sharing content that is joyful, refreshing, and purposeful.
***
W. J. Manares is the Partner/Distributor of Ukiyoto Publishing via Ukiyoto House, Philippines. He's one of Ukiyoto's prolific authors and a one-of-a-kind writer from Aklan, Philippines, authored more than 69 books and counting, a lesser-known worldbuilder and storyteller, and labelled as "the sardonic yet whimsical author of the Philippines" since 1999. You can contact him via email: wjmanares@ukiyoto.com or via SMS at +639192015217.
LIKE and FOLLOW on Facebook:
Comments