I do not post coloring books but I do look for them because certain ones make great educational tools for homeschoolers. So why are they unpostable???

I think the main reason is that they can't go media mail. 

The guidelines say:

NOT ALLOWED:

Anything that is not a book (this includes calendars, coloring books, blank journals)

USPS says:

Media Mail® service is a cost efficient way to mail books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, and recorded computer-readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Media Mail can not contain advertising except for incidental announcements of books.

And as a placed to swap read (i.e. "used") books...who wants a USED coloring book? :>)

Also, if a coloring book has been used ... to color ... most people would not want to receive it.

I've always liked to use the Dover "coloring" books to use as patterns for painting things like wildflowers...  I don't use the book itself - I copy the picture...but I'm sorry that we can't get them here.  They aren't all that expensive - but I wouldn't like to get one that was colored in, either.

Ruth

I don't think the reason is "they can't be mailed media mail" because PBS allows *other* things to be posted that can't be mailed media -- for example, a book that includes a non-book item (like a toy or whatever).

Logically, it can't be because they get "used up" either, because homeschooling workbooks are allowed, both new and with writing (as long as the rules are followed, etc)

Personally, I think someone lumped them into the same category as "magazines and comic books" for relatively arbitrary reasons. JMO Educational coloring books (like the Dover ones) should be considered the same as workbooks. Absolutely postable if they are unmarked, postable with agreement from the requestor if they have marks in them. again, JMO.

Dunno, but color books can probably be posted and requested in the book bazaar or homeschool forums.

Thanks for all the replies. I did find a few posted that I can use so I guess some slip throught the cracks and get on here. Also post office says they are media as long as there are no advertisements. It is a book with words on the pages. Thanks. I will keep looking.

When I put "coloring book" in the search box I got over 400 hits.  That's a lot of something we are not supposed to be posting!! 

 Absolutely postable if they are unmarked, postable with agreement from the requestor if they have marks in them. again, JMO.

Opinion doesn't really matter when the site specifically states they should not be posted here.

Some POs will let them through under MM, some will not. If you send it MM, you run the gauntlet of the USPS's varying opinions in hopes your package doesn't arrive postage due. Usually it wouldn't matter because most are larger, thin, light and bendable so they can go via large envelope rate instead of media mail.

There are a lot of coloring books (and other non-book items) in the database because PBS gets the data from outside sources. They delete it when they have time, but they should be able to trust that members are following their rules and not posting stuff that they specifically prohibit trading of on the site.

I have seen like new coloring books at yardsales.  As far as disposing of yours, donate to a hospital for the kids to color, or a daycare center.

I did a search and 546 coloring books are listed here  so people are listing them here ..

Somebody above wrote:

PBS allows *other* things to be posted that can't be mailed media -- for example, a book that includes a non-book item (like a toy or whatever).

This is actually not true. It's clear in the Help doc What can be swapped here? that books which require a non-media item cannot be posted.

This means that these items are not allowed:

• The Klutz Book of Marbles
• The Book of Classic Board Games
• Tarot (Cards with Book)

Of course, just as there are 546 people breaking the rules about coloring books, there are also a lot of people posting these types of books.

When we find these items listed, it behooves us to post on the "Report Suspicious Items Here" thread, so that they can be removed.

I have many "Mandalas" on my WL - some refer to them as adult coloring books - (mandalas) are acutually used for meditation in some eastern countries.  They are growing in popularity because they are used to help for medical & mental illnesses.

I wish that there would be a direct decision made here about mandalas/adult coloring books.  I actually posted "Mystical Mandala" book here - uncolored and it was gladly/immediately  requested.

I personally have numerous Mandala books on my WL.  I don't use the term "adult coloring pages" - those aren't what I use.  I use/prefer Mandala - coloring pages. 

I see Mandalas as distinctly different from adult coloring pages.  When I mailed out Mystical Mandala - it went first class because of weight.

Elaine

I can understand this problem, elaine.  i love to use Dover "pattern" (coloring) books for art purposes. I don't color the pages- I use them as patterns by copying them and transfering them to whatever surface I want them on.  They are a "craft" book for me.  I'm no artist!  I have a few of the Mandala books myself and I use them as patterns,too, because I would hate to color the original pages.  I copy them on to cardstock paper.  So this rule is a sticker or thron in my side, too.  I just buy them elsewhere.  But I wonder if they could be put on the Book Bazaar instead of posted into the system.  Or on the Craft forum, maybe?  It's an idea.

Ruth

It is a good idea - I haven't spend too much time in the craft's forum - strange considering that I crochet quite a bit and x stitch from time to time. 

I too would especially like to see a thread in the craft forum.  In fact, I'm going to buzz over and take a look ------>

Elaine  ;o)

Those of you who think adult coloring books should be allowed, should use feedback and make a good argument for them.  That way the site owners will know how you feel.  Who knows - if enough of you do it, they might change the rule.

Denise said:  PBS allows *other* things to be posted that can't be mailed media -- for example, a book that includes a non-book item (like a toy or whatever).

Cathy Said: This is actually not true.  (HC info snipped..it's in the post above)

Actually, the hitch here is if the accompanying item is *required* for the book to be used.  If so, they cannot be posted.  Here is an additional HC point that mentions a postable item that could *not* be sent Media Mail.

Books that originally had accompanying non-Media materials that are not required to read the book (ie, jewelry) MAY be posted.

• The extra material does not have to be included, and if it is included, the book must not be sent using Media mail rate.

Now, that said, I don't think it happens very often that the jewerly or other little "do dads" in a kids book (where I think the "non required' stuff normally comes up) are going to be with the book.....

I wonder if the people who wish for coloring books (which I see quite often in the Medicine Daily WL) know about this...

I don't think that PBS does a lot of patroling for these items that aren't allowed.  It's up to the members to do this.  A lot of them do get caught by members and a large number do not.  I don't know what category or genre these show up in, but if you're interested in finding them quickly, you might subscribe to the Daily List of that/those genres to find them each day as they are posted.  I do know other things like the little kits that Running Press puts out periodically show up and I've gotten one in the past.  They really shouldn't be here, but do show up and are requested.

Ruth