What do you think of them? I did just say, "I understand the condition of old paperbacks." And am in a brouhaha with someone who sent a paperback with part of the spine missing, the book consequently coming apart, part of the cover torn, and pages falling out!

Sorry these are long, but experience has shown I need to clarify what I mean and will save you writing a PM. Most are saying what I WILL accept. PBS postable is what I am looking for, except I don't mind unsticky cover stains.

Ex-Library books/remainder marks ,  front cover corner clipping is fine. Leave price tags on. No dustjacket is okay .

If I order an old paperback (pre-1980), I understand the condition of old paperbacks. A few  unsticky cover stains, yellow pages, worn cover are okay. I expect spines to be intact and backs not broken. Reading creases and a few dings are fine with me.

Any audio books need to be unabridged UNLESS the title or description states the tape is abridged. or language tapes. If I miss it in the description, that is my problem not yours.

I really have a very low tolerance for underlining and highlighting.

seems clear but I could see where many would just say "doesn't meet" because the RC are long.  I know you are restating PBS guidelines (and it is a shame that it has to come to that it seems!) but some will just say doesn't meet without reading or will say it does and won't have read the RC to confirm that.

You should not accept "unsticky stains".  Right off the bat you're willing to accept something that's unpostable.  Liquid damage, sticky or not, is unpostable.  My two pennies.  I do understand the frustration tho.

Julie sez:

<<You should not accept "unsticky stains". >>

Ditto on this.  The purpose of RCs is to set conditions which are above and beyond PBS posting standards, not to give senders permission to send items they should not have posted to begin with :-)

<<Any audio books need to be unabridged UNLESS the title or description states the tape is abridged>>

This could be problematic, as any member can edit book information at any time.  If the abridged/unabridged status of an audio is important, I recommend you check with another source (such as OCLC) and only request ISBNs which meet your needs. 

<<I really have a very low tolerance for underlining and highlighting.>>

Does this mean you don't want books with underlining/highlighting? This is unclear.

I can tell you from my own experiences using RCs that the more clear and concise they are, and the less thinking and interpreting the sender has to do, the more success you'll have.  Stick to what you are not willing to accept, and bear in mind that some members will reject any request with RCs, regardless of what they are.  If you want to reiterate PBS condition guidelines, say something brief to that effect and include a link.  My own RCs say (after an asthma-related request condition):

My only other request is that books meet PBS Book Condition Guidelines -- no stains or water damage, no highlighting or underlining, and the binding intact.  I'm not looking for brand new books, just ones I can repost when I'm finished.

I'm not making any claims of being a PBS RC laureate, just an example, of course. :-)

Cheers,

Catt