My understanding is that it's pretty standard with APO addresses.  The package will often go "lost" and then you'll mark in received from your transaction archive when it arrives.  The PBS admin team usually adds a special requestor condition on APO accounts explaining this.  If they missed yours -- if you had to write your own -- you could contact them.  See Why do APO/FPO members have to have Requestor Conditions?

I certainly don't mind the extra time it takes to receive my credit, and I think most people are happy to mail to military families.  If someone would rather not, or if they can't get to the Post Office if a customs form is required, they can decline the RC and they won't lose their place in line. 

It seems to me that the issue is more on your end -- are you okay with having to wait a couple of weeks longer than the rest of us to get a book you've ordered?  And I imagine you have to wait to get your credits, too.  But if that doesn't bother you, please make yourself at home here.  I, for one, am very glad to have you on board!

I bet people forget the RC when they see the transaction go lost. I would PM back a reminder about the APO address and you will mark the transaction when it does arrive. The sender could have denied the request or used PBS DC if they were that worried about the credit.

Happy to have you and all our military members here.

I have in the past sent in a suggestion that members be able to configure a setting in their profile for the number of days allowed until a book is marked lost.  Members whose mail often takes more than 30 days to arrive (APO, Hawaii, Alaska, mostly) could set the value to something larger, such as 45 days or 60 days.  The minimum value would remain 30.

Note that there isn't anything preventing you from marking books you've requested received before you get them.  You may take an occasional loss from books that truly do go lost, or aren't in acceptable condition.  But that might be worth not having to deal with the extra PMs.

As I see it, a far bigger issue is if books from you are also taking extra long, and when those go lost members will likely be requesting a new copy from someone else, and then ending up with two copies when they only really wanted one.

Rebecca, I just wanted to chime in this topic.   I certainly don't have any issue mailing to APO addresses, and my sense is that most in the PBS community likewise would not have a concern (or could simply decide not to accept the request based on your conditions or could use printable postage to get the immediate credit).  Sometimes, however, we can get a little obsessed about the status of our account and exactly where every book is.  At least, I don't think I'm the only one who checks my account multiple times per day. 

I really hope that you decide to stick with it and wish you well!

If you look at my profile, you'll see a little blurb about a Those-Who-Serve special offer. Basically, it's an extra book per credit. I know it's not much, but I wanted to show my support for the military (and anyone else who puts their life on the line). That offer has been on my profile almost since I started.

I have no problem filling out the extra forms. And, even though I don't use DC, you'll never hear me complaining about how long it takes. If a book goes "lost" because it takes too long to get through military mail, I'm not going to worry about it. When it does show up, I'll get the credit.

I'm sure there are people who will complain about the speed (or lack thereof). But, most of us won't.

I come from a military family also (my brother is stationed in Kentucky, my father is in Korea), so I understand your concern.  I just wanted to say that I think another poster had it right when they said that the members PMing you about books about to go lost have simply forgotten that you have an APO address.  If they were OK with the reminder about the extra time it would probably take for the book to get there before they mailed the book, I can't see them having a problem with it after it's been "in the wind" so to speak.

I'm sorry the overload of PMs is getting you down. If you want to, I second the notion of PMing back a reminder about the APO situation.  If not--you can always just delete :)

I know I'm not much help.  But I really do understand

My deal holds for the military and/or their spouses. I firmly believe that the military is a family job.

And, yes. I'm in Texas.

Hello all! I am happy to mail to APO/FPO addresses. I use electronic DC so I can always follow the book. As long as it's moving I'm good. When my books sit in the Springfield, MA mailing facility for three weeks then I worry. (Yes, it happens.) Please take a look at my shelf--I do deals--I sell credits too! Best regards, Elaine

I'm also more than happy to send to APO/FPO addresses. I use the PBS DC and postage for any book going to a military address so I get my credit right away.

I wish the books would get to the requestor a bit faster, but if they're happy no matter how long it takes, it works for me!

I like the idea of offering 2 for 1 on any books going to an APO/FPO address and I think I'll start doing it!

Hi Rebecca -- I agree that most of us are very happy to send to APO addresses, even with any delay, and I hope that you will continue to participate. I do think it is important that the information about APO mailings be clarified upfront -- as it is on PBS -- so people can opt out if they can't make it to the PO, etc.  (And I do think the SwapaDVD team needs to get on the ball with creating RC for APO addresses.)

I can't imagine anyone being upset if they remember you are at an APO address. I for one am very happy to send to any APO and don't care how long it takes or if I have to fill out the extra form. I think that is the least any of us who are sitting safe in the US can do for those who are keeping us safe.

I feel the same way. For starters my son is military and I know how hard it can be with the mail for them. I just send my stuff out and don't even think about it. LOL If it weren't for the email reminders I probably wouldn't even be aware that they were still in transit. And I don't mind filling out any extra forms. Do it all the time anyway.

susan/vt