The discussion centers on the declining use of physical textbooks among students, with many now relying primarily on PDFs for their studies. Longtime members share their experiences and suggest various options for disposing of unwanted textbooks, including keeping them for future relatives, donating to libraries (though many libraries discard them), or selling them on platforms like eBay or Mercari. There is a consensus that students who genuinely engage with physical books tend to excel academically. Some participants express concern over the trend of students prioritizing grades over learning, attributing this to employer hiring practices. The conversation also touches on the establishment of a marketplace within the forum for members to buy, sell, or trade books, with guidelines to prevent academic dishonesty, particularly regarding instructor solution manuals. Overall, the thread highlights the evolving landscape of educational resources and the community's efforts to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and materials.