Hi all,

I'm back to using PBS after a two year break. And I'm appalled, frankly, at the messages that I have been receiving, both prior to orders (RC I think they're called) and after requesters have received the books. 

People have RC lists a mile long that are basically asking for a brand new book. Is it wrong of me to want to remind people that is is a book SWAP, not a "FREE BRAND NEW BOOK" give away? 

I've also been reamed for not putting plastic on one of the books. Yes, I forgot, no I didn't mean to do it on purpose, but this person insisted on reaming me in a PM, telling me that he is "sick" of getting "burned" when people don't follow directions. Excuse me? From his description, the book had a couple corners that got a little banged up, which saran wrap wouldn't have prevented anyway. The book was not wet. And the whole thing was wrapped pretty well in plastic packing tape. This member went on to tell me that the smaller book, which was stacked on top of the "damaged" one was even damaged itself. I find this hard to believe, but I'll leave it at that.

My question is, when did PBS members get so snippy? I remember such a nice, helpful, giving and caring community two years ago, and the last 2 weeks have been hell, almost not even worth being a member of if I have to constantly worry that my gently used book won't be good enough for someone, or that I'll get screamed at because I forget saran wrap.

Is it pretty much always like this now??

Is it pretty much always like this now??

No. I haven't had any of the problems you described. RC's don't bother me because I do not take them personally. If my book meets the RC, I accept. If not, I decline and move on and don't give it another thought.

Like the above poster, if I can meet the RC, I send the book.  I haven't had anyone be snippy about an RC.  Sorry you're having problems.  Good luck.  Pat

Thanks. Maybe I've just had bad luck. 

Roberta, welcome back!

I think you've had a spot of bad luck with RCs. It's also approaching holiday time, so people might be hoping to get giftable books through the site, not to mention tempers can be a little short due to holiday stress. Hope it doesn't get to you and all goes well from now on.

I decline the RCs asking for like-new books.  There probably is more this time of year because of the Holidays coming up. 

Wrapping in Plastic is not required. Even if the book got soaked it would not be your fault for not using plastic unless they had an RC asking for plastic.  And you can decline that if you don't want to use plastic or don't have any.  I do accept the wrap in plastic ones but I am glad it's not a requirement. I would have pointed out that member where it says in the rules that plastic isn't required.  If he keeps harassing you report him to PBS.

personally, i find this to be good common sense, and have no objection to doing it, even if its being sent in a box. all i need to think about to know this is the last summer weve had.. more wet than the last four years combined here.

but yeah,, this is a swap.. you cannot expect a perfect, like new book every time.

Welcome back! As others have said, it's probably just a spurt brought on by the holidays. It does seem there are an ever increasing number of people with RCs, but whether that's due to the holidays and a search for "giftable books" or brought about by unhappy transactions they've had is difficult to ascertain. You are always free to decline - either because your book doesn't meet the conditions or because the tone of the RC makes you uncomfortable to enter into a transaction with the person. I know when I get an "I am unwilling to accept x, I am unwilling to accept y", and on and on and on for what seems like ad infinitum, I'm always tempted to respond with "I am not willing to accept this person as a trading partner" - but mind my manners instead, and gracefully decline. I don't know the person, and if there is a greater than average chance I'll be making them a gift of a book, a bubble or tyvek mailer, plastic, postage, and my time - I'd just as soon pass. Cripes, you can buy a credit for $2.50, why put up with a ton of aggravation for one?

Thanks to all, you definitely are making me feel better, and hopeful that it's just the holidays stressing people out. And thanks for the welcome back :)

Another thing. If you're posting a heavily wishlisted book, it's likely that the folks with excessive or rudely-worded RC's are stacked up at the top of the WL line. You might see several of them who have been passed over in favor of someone without or with more friendly and reasonable RC's.

As an update....When I pointed out to this member that it's not required to wrap it in plastic, nor would the plastic have prevented the kind of damage he was describing, I was told that I am a

"narrow-minded, inflexible, know-it-all". 

I will certainly never be dealing with this person again.

Welcome back Roberta.

If the messages are rude and abusive, please report them to the PBS Team.  Those are unacceptable, both to the team and to the vast majority of members.

Welcome back!

Is it wrong of me to want to remind people that is is a book SWAP, not a "FREE BRAND NEW BOOK" give away?

I don't think it's a productive use of energy. They can ask for what they want, and you and I are free to decline them. No arguments.

Welcome, Roberta!!

I'm sorry that person treated you that way.  Some people just revert to bullying when they don't get their way.  Please try not to take it personally - it is his problem not yours.  Also remember that in the 2 years you were gone, thissite has grown by leaps and bounds.  Lots of people cycle through here. Most actually stay. Not all.  And the ones who are abusive should be sent packing.  only way for that to happen is to notify PBS team when it does.

Ruth

Very good points. Thanks all.