[iTunes] iTunes 8 - turning off the Genius sidebar

[Becca]

I just downloaded iTunes 8, and have the Genius sidebar... when I click on "hide sidebar" I get an error message that says that it can't access the iTunes Store - but when I click on the link for the iTunes store, it accesses it with no problem.

I really don't want to turn on their Genius... I use my iPod mostly for audiobooks, and it's worthless for me. I really resent the amount of space it's taking up on my iTunes screen, but can't seem to get rid of it... can anyone help me?

-becca