Because I like r.l.stine well I'm not

I'm 23 years old so please don't report me again

for those who did you know who you are.

I got an email last night saying they got reports saying it appeared that I was under 18.

I'm just upset and need to get it off my chest because I was blocked from using this site last night and I wasn't happy. I almost closed my account because of it.

I don't even know if I want to still be here because of this

I just wanted to let you guys know how I felt.

I'm 24 & I like his books. *shrugs* I hope you have a better experience here. :)

Ouch! Sorry that happened. Guilty until proven innocent, huh?

I wonder how old people would think I was based on the books I like to read? Probably anywhere from 9-16 years old.

I'm sorry that happened to you. That really sucks.

thanks I feel alittle better

I was just insulted that one would report me without even knowing me or asking me my age. but rather just go on reporting me without knowing the facts.

i'm still fairly new to this site and I really liked the idea of getting all the books I don't have in my collection. But now I'm alittle wary even though in a email the site told me when I left a voice message that I don't seem underage. But still I shouldn't have to through this hassle to begin with.

Well, that sucks. I've been picking up a ton of Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books and I'm 31. Your age doesn't dictate your tastes, it just means you're flexible. :)

I'm 41 and I like the Fear street books. Actually, I like a lot of the YA books.

It's sort of sad that people would report you without at least trying to get the facts.

I read YA books, always have a Hello Kitty avatar... lol I'm a big kid. I didn't really read Adult books until a few years ago.

That sucks! I am sorry to hear about that...

Gawd! This reminds me of a prevoius discussion on people being judged based on what was on thier bookshelf or on their Wish List.  I hope everything works out for you from now on!

Did PBS say it was because you liked r.l. stein that people thought you were younger?  Might not have had anything to do with that at all.

Amanda, please try not to take it personally. It's really not the job of members to talk to you to try to decide whether you qualify to be a member. If they suspect an underage member, it really needs to be reported to TPTB and let them handle it.

Look at it this way... Given the material that is often talked about on these boards (often very mature subject matter), would you want a possible minor on the forums? If you were the minor's parent, would you want your child on here without your knowledge?

I'm sorry you were mistakenly reported. But if someone thinks there's even the possibility of a minor having an account, it needs to be reported to be checked out.

Later PBS emailed that she seemed suspicious to them because she had mostly children's books on her shelf.

Even though they were right in that case, because the member was underage, this bothers me. A lot.

I hope their suspicions were actually based on a whole lot more than just the fact that a member's shelf was mainly children's books. I bet there are a lot of members here whose shelves are predominately children's books.

I copied the email

We got a few reports after you posted in the forums about R.L. Stine being your favorite author.  A lot of our members are moms and are aware that children can't hold accounts.  The PayPal account used to buy credits is not in your name, and this is usually what we see when children use an account.

We apologize for the confusion.  If you are able to fax proof of age (a driver's license or the like) to us at (678) 802-1922 this would settle the matter completely.

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I know they were doing thier job but I still didnt like it.

but I will try to give them another chance.

That is certainly not a fun thing to happen just as you become a member.  There will be times later in your life where you would be glad to be "carded" for anything :  )

Don't let it get you down.  You haven't done anything wrong.  You can now relax and enjoy the site.  Beware, there are some "hot" topics that bring out some rabid responders, so always remember to take what is posted with a grain of salt... and at times a pillar of salt :  )

Welcome to the insanity of PBS!

Some people think it is their job to police this site, which can get really annoying. Don't we have better things to do then go looking around for things to report as suspicious or whatnot.  Amanda you will get use to it, and pretty soon you'll be able to roll your eyes and move on without gritting your teeth.  If you love books this is a great site to be part of.  You should check out the games forum, it's really fun.

I will try not to let those people ruin it for me/

Because this site does seem fun and I always wanted a website just for my book addiction.

Looks to be a few factors that prompted them to ask. Don't sweat it. Take it as a good thing the the site leaders are active here and look to make it a fun safe place to be. Enjoy swapping and soon you'll find even more authors you love.  This place has given me so many new favorite authors and I am reading genres I would have never considered prior to PBS.

That sucks! I am almost 23 and I have been on a huge YA kick lately. I always feel a bit weird walking into the Teen section of the Library still but oh well.

Glad you are still here!

Oh for heaven's sake !

How can someone judge another's age based on books that are traded or ordered ? or even on what author they like ??

That is ridiculous to "report" another member -

I'm surprised I wasn't reported because I traded many, many Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew mysteries ! I also ordered 2 copies of Rainbow Fish - just becasue I personally love the pictures- and I am much older than 18 !

Sorry that you had this experience --

Welcome to PaperBack Swap and enjoy your books !

Is it at all possible that this came from someone other than the PBS powers that be? I'm just asking because I would not be faxing proof of my age to anyone I wasn't absolutely sure were who they said they were. I'd be very leery of faxing my drivers license because of the possibility of identity theft.

ETA: I wasn't sure if the phone number was available on the contact us page and found that indeed it is. I stand corrected.

Now that's a scary thought.

It was from PBS and I am sure there was more to it than the selection of books....but it's over now and we can move on. Welcome Amanda.

Amanda, this really is a great site with many great people and a lot of opportunities to enhance your own personal library and/or reading options.  As Tonksy said, probably many factors were considered, besides the predilection for a certain author.  I'm sorry that this happened to you, but am encouraged that the site admins do take the rules and the age 18 limit seriously.  Please stay, and try to enjoy your time here!

(I mostly order manga/graphic novels and spend time in my local library in the Teen Scene section...   hmm, that might give someone the idea that I'm much younger than I am...)  LOL

Hope you have a lot of good swaps coming your way soon!