I had someone contact me unprompted saying they had a reader's digest book with one of the books that I have on my wish list which is fairly new...it also had another couple of fairly recent bestsellers in this same book. I was like "great" and looked on their bookshelf, and it is not there. They say they can't post it because it doesn't have an isbn. They keep "pm" ing me asking me for my address. I don't know if they are trying to be nice (which is great), or what, but this is a new one for me. Does this sound safe? They don't appear to be experienced, they don't have a profile, I am not experienced really, and I was just wondering if I should send them my address?

I would ask them to use the post without an isbn option and then let you know so you can order it from them.

Have you researched the Readers Digest book?  I don't know much about them, so not sure what to ask.  Couple thoughts that come to mind tho, the book should have an ISBN (OK the ones on Amazon appear to be posted with ASIN numbers).  How did the other member find out this book is on your wishlist?  And IIRC these Readers Digest collections are abridged. 

The other member can post the book with a short ISBN, then you could request it off her shelf.  I wouldn't send my addy until/unless you are more comfortable with the offer.

This does not sound safe or legitimate.  Any book can be posted, it does not need an ISBN.  Please don't give me them your address

You should contact the Team and let them know what this person is doing.

The Reader's Digest books will not have an ISBN, but they are postable (I have several posted on my bookshelf).  I would suggest that the member do this.  It is fairly easy to do they need to click on the "Post Books" tab when they are on the main "My Account" screen.  Then there is a "click here" link for non-ISBN books underneath the UPC graphic.

Unfortunately I haven't found a good way to look up what Reader's Digest has published (to verify that it is a valid book), Amazon and Ebay are the best sources I know (which isn't saying much).

I would say that if the PM'er doesn't want to post it in this fashion I would be leary of working with them, but I am also a newb.

I would respond back that I am only willing to do trades through the system as arranging trades of books outside of the system is frowned upon and you could get your account in troublle for doing so. The book can be posted into the system by using the book without an ISBN link in the lower right of the Post Book screen. If she posts the book, please let me know, otherwise no more contact is necessary because I am unwilling risk my account by arranging a trade any other way than requesting it through the system properly.

Its stretching the truth a hair, but the site does frown on unofficial swaps since the receiver has no recourse if the sender is a scammer.

I would never give my address to someone I don't "know" who requests it in a PM. Not having a profile makes it fishier because that means they are not a forum user so how did they find out it was on your Wish List?

It's been mentioned earlier, but I just want to emphasize that the Reader's Digest books are abridged. As others have said, don't go outside the system, let them post it legitimately and then PM you.

I was just curious - I am new - If I search for a book and its on my bookshelf will the site show me all the books including mine available for swap? I was just curious if I am lising books that already have a bunch of copies listed??

Stephanie, you need to add the book to your reminder list, then you will be able to see how many copies are available for that particular ISBN by checking it under your reminder list (it won't show you how many copies of the same title with different ISBNs or no ISBNs are available).

Don't be too discouraged about a high # of copies posted (unless it's like 500+).  I frequenlty find heavily posted books get added to the order when I post a WL book. And some of them get ordered pretty quickly just because they're popular.