I'm almost certain I read this yet I STILL get people who complain their received books don't have dustjackets :-(

They're getting a 20-30.00 book for the prioce of postage, what more do they want?? SIGH. Makes me NOT even WANT to swap hardbacks anymore, it costs me more and then people complain.

You are correct, dust jackets are  not equired.  If you get a complaint, point them to the Help (see below).  If someone prefers to receive hard cover books with dust jackets, they must put this in their requestor conditions.

from Help doc:

cover:

• Must both be present (front and back)
  • note that a paperback missing its front cover is  usually an illegal, unsold copy
  • "cover" does not = dust jacket.  Hardcovers do not need to include their dust jackets to be swapped here.

If someone wants all their hardbacks to come with dust jackets, they need to put that in their requestor conditions!

Well, I know why I prefer dust jackets, and it's because most of the time it makes the book look better. If the hardcover looks good by itself, maybe has a cool font, or colors, or design on it, then I'm in. Yes, I'm shallow enough to judge a book by its cover.

But, it's not a prerequisite, and sometimes the jacket does get in the way. Rules are rules though, & it's ridiculous that anyone would actually get upset over that, unless they'd put it in their conditions.

I know it's in my conditions, and I would get cranky if someone ignored those and sent me the book anyways.

I've had the opposite problem, people refusing to send me paperbacks because I ask that all hard covers be sent with dust jackets.  *dies*

They have no right to complain *unless* it is in their RC.  I agree with others, quote or tell them to look at what is required in the help docs.  If t hey are rude, I believe there is a way to forward their comments to the site powers.

BTW, I feel your pain on hardcovers.  I was just thinking yesterday that I've requested mostly paperbacks but probably half the books I've mailed out are hardbacks.  :-/  Oh well, I joined mostly to clean out my shelves... now if I can just stop ordering altogether LOL

patti

I like DJ mostly for looks on my shelf.  that said, I rarely order a HB and would only do so if it is for my keeper shelf and those are very rare.

everyone else has said what you should do for those that complain....so ditto to them

Cyn - I was having the same problem so I asked for help here and finally came up with:

If your book is a cookbook or a paperback or a book that was published without a dustjacket, please send it.  I don't have any conditions on them. If your book is a fiction hardcover that originally came with a dustcover, I prefer it to have the dustcover - they look naked without. :)

It seems to have worked. :)

Given that a dust jacket adds value to a used book, it's possible that people who are really demanding about having them are trying to get books cheaply here to re-sell on other sites. Or they're collecting books to keep, and want to add value to their collection by having the jackets. 

Most of the books I read are paperback, so dust jackets, or lack there of isn't an issue.  The few times i have read a HB book, I make sure to take the cover off, put it in a safe place and put it back on after i have read it. I does make a book look more uniform, if you are collecting them for a keeper shelf...or just because.

I like having the dustjackets with my HC books whenever possible and when they are in good shape, but nope...they are certainly not a requirement here. Unless they have "Must include dustjackets if this is a hardcover book" as a condition, I really don't see how they have the nerve to complain to you at all.

Edited to add: Wow Cyn, that is a ugly shame! I guess some folks just really don't read the conditions someone has on their account before hitting the deline button. Which is really odd since this is a BOOK swapping site and you would think that everyone here could read nu? *evil grin*

Nope, dust jackets are not required.  I bet if you search help you can find the actual quote to copy and paste in your replies to these people. 

Julie, I doubt people are trying to get books to sell.  Sure it is possible but the likelihood is pretty slim.  more times than not it will be someone that wants it for their keeper shelf

I've gotten some R.F Delderfield novels with beautiful dustjackets.  I just love the illustrations.  But I consider them an extra treat.  I sure don't EXPECT dustjackets and wouldn't complain if they weren't included.  I also find it necessary to remove them while reading, but I still love them!  =0)