From http://puck.nether.net/~rtucker/faq/funny/amazonbn.html http://puck.nether.net/~rtucker/faq/funny/amazonbn.html the B&N press release which elicited the su

From http://puck.nether.net/~rtucker/faq/funny/amazonbn.html http://puck.nether.net/~rtucker/faq/funny/amazonbn.html the B&N press release which elicited the succinct reply: NEW YORK, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 6, 1998--The following is a statement by barnesandnoble.com With regard to the acquisition of the Ingram Book Group, Barnes & Noble, Inc. is amused to read Jeff Bezos' quote, where he describes himself as an independent bookseller: "Goliath is always in range of a good slingshot." Well, Mr. Bezos, what with a market capitalization of some $6 billion and more than four million customers, we suppose you know a Goliath when you see one. Your company is now worth more than Barnes & Noble, Borders, and all of the independent booksellers combined. Might we suggest that slingshots and pot shots should not be part of your arsenal.