Internet-savvy students rely on sources besides the University bookstore to purchase books, with many turning to websites such as cheapbooks.com or amazon.com. To save time and money on shipping, students had the added benefit of Pace Computer Society's (PCS) pacetextbook.com, until the annual year agreement with their server expired. Bad financial planning prohibited the site from being renewed, thus a useful book-selling outlet was lost to students.
"I thought my computer was acting up. I had no idea what was going on," senior Dave Mendas said.
The original site, pacetextbooks.com, launched and fell through; in 2004, PCS came up with a better version and launched pacetextbook.com. "The site served its purpose with no cost to students," last year's PCS treasurer Andrew Ceciculo said.
Like Mendas, other students were baffled as well. "I couldn't believe the site was down. I hate putting up flyers, and I cannot afford to buy books from the bookstore," junior Cindy Ross said.
According to both Reggie Thomas, Student Government Association (SGA) president, and Ceciculo, the hosting agreement was for $200 for the first year and for SGA to cover all legal and financial expenses. Mark Mirsad, PCS president at time of the deal, purchased the domain with his own money and was promised reimbursement by SGA. "Reggie promised cash," Ceciculo commented, "said it was on the way." Mirsad still has not received the reimbursement.
Thomas responded that he is not allowed to take care of finances. "I gave everything to an executive member of SGA to take care of." Thomas also said that the check was mailed out last week.
Current PCS President Ron Chin has been working on other deals concerning the website. PCS has been working with both pacevoiceout.com to decide whether to incorporate the two and with SGA to find a better host for the site. According to Thomas, SGA purchased its own server and offered to host pacetextbook.com to cut costs. "I use pacetextbook.com rather than voice out because it is a lot like eBay, you can bid more."
Thomas also reiterated, "Pacetextbook.com is a win-win situation; everyone benefits, and the site will be up and running by Sunday, Sept. 18."
"The site being up next week would not help me for this semester. I already bought my books," junior Andrea Diaz said.
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