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Topic: Disappointed in WL/ISBN system

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Subject: Disappointed in WL/ISBN system
Date Posted: 2/17/2008 5:32 AM ET
Member Since: 10/27/2007
Posts: 643
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I'm disappointed that a book that is WL'd by 2 members is still on my shelf because it has a different ISBN. It's a shame because it  is in like-new condition, exactly like the WL book. I brought it to the attention of every relevant forum, but no luck. I guess the system doesn't work well in this situation.

in case you're curious, the book is:


In Search of Robinson Crusoe
Tim Severin - ISBN-13: 116066 - ISBN-10:

taken (there was a completely different ISBN inside from outside ????)



Last Edited on: 2/17/08 5:08 PM ET - Total times edited: 2
rxrcds avatar
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Date Posted: 2/17/2008 6:29 AM ET
Member Since: 12/3/2005
Posts: 3,434
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So, was the ISBN on your book not in the system, is that the reason for custom posting?  If the ISBN was in the system, the people on the WL would have been given emails stating a different version were available.  Considering that it's only WLed by 2 out of thousands of members, it might be difficult to get them know about it (especially if they don't read the forums).

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Date Posted: 2/17/2008 7:29 AM ET
Member Since: 10/27/2007
Posts: 643
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Melissa,

When I posted the book with its ISBN, a competely different book/title came up which forced me to custom post it. Does that mean the members who WL'd it would not  get an email telling them this was available?

Is there something else I could do?

annakanga avatar
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Date Posted: 2/17/2008 8:31 AM ET
Member Since: 2/28/2007
Posts: 2,164
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Rose  - I have over 20 books on my shelf which are wishlisted under different ISBNs.  It's unfortunate, but that's just how it goes!  Some people are particular about what edition of a book they want.

drewsmom avatar
Date Posted: 2/17/2008 1:26 PM ET
Member Since: 5/29/2007
Posts: 13,347
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In one's personal settings there is a box to check if one would like emails informing them of different versions of available WL books.  If one hasn't checked that box, they will have no way of knowing that a different version is available.  Personally, I think that "similar to wish" email should be mandatory, but it's not.  Hope that helps to answer your question.

Correction:  One "checks" the box if they DON'T want those emails.



Last Edited on: 2/17/08 1:27 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
Cathy avatar
Cathy A. (Cathy) - ,
Date Posted: 2/17/2008 1:53 PM ET
Member Since: 12/27/2005
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If you post a book without an ISBN, then I'm pretty sure the "similar to wished for book has been posted" notification email does not go out.

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Standard Member medalFriend of PBS-Silver medal
Date Posted: 2/17/2008 3:15 PM ET
Member Since: 5/10/2005
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Julie: I don't think it should be mandatory.

Many people specifically want audio books, and having that checkbox marked means they are notified everytime a non-audio is posted.   Other people need to have large print.   If your hands are weak paperbacks are better (if the book has to be laid on a table, hardbacks might be needed).

If it could be marked "Similar books of the same binding type" I think more people would leave it checked.

I leave mine checked because I don't care--but I've had enough relatives with specific either preferences or needs, and I hate meaningless email, that I can understand why people would not have it selected.

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Date Posted: 2/17/2008 11:22 PM ET
Member Since: 8/23/2007
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I'm glad it's not mandatory. I like certain books in audio form. I was getting a barrage of emails from PBS everyday because there were many paperbacks of my audio WL book in the system.  I have dial up and let me tell you want a pain that was waiting for all those emails to download every day. I turned the email function off. 

constant-reader avatar
Date Posted: 2/18/2008 12:00 AM ET
Member Since: 1/13/2005
Posts: 2,317
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I agree with the need for a "similar books of the same binding type."   I was also getting a lot of emails for a particular book that I only wanted in audio, to the point where I checked the box to eliminate the emails.  What would REALLY be nice is allowing you to choose whether you want those emails for a specific book, maybe when you add it to your wishlist.  I know the powers that be are already programming like mad, but if they would consider adding it to the list ... .  :-)

Bravescatz avatar
Date Posted: 2/19/2008 9:11 PM ET
Member Since: 1/12/2007
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When you get a book on a WL with a different ISBN post it in the Book Bazaar, there is a post there just for different ISBN WL books. I've had good luck with getting them adopted and I've found a few on my WL to get too. It's cool. I've only had one book offered to me that said it was similar. I don't think that always works.