Hello! I love this site to death.

Now that that is out of the way I have two questions regarding box-of-books.

First-I have listed in my RC, profile, everywhere I can, that I only read Historical Romances but I keep getting offers from other members who don't have any of the books I read.  One member had all crime stories, another that just sent me a request only has 20 books on her shelf-not a single one of them historical romances. I hate to decline and lately it seems I've been doing it alot. I always offer them a deal, if they are interested. Is there something I'm not doing correctly?

Second-what would you do with someone who wants to swap books with you-is totally excited about your bookshelf and then takes her time doing anything?  I have someone who was so excited to swap-I was, too, as she had some great books I like to read. In the meantime, I rec'd several requests for books in her box, this was the first time that has happened to me. I wrote her several times asking her to pls accept if it was okay. She finally did, after 4 days. She told me that someone else had told her she takes too long in dealing with box-of-books.  so, we have accepted each other's boxes and I printed off her address and packed the box - it weighs 10 lbs as she chose all hardbacks, which I know is her right, even though I'm getting paperbacks. She still hasn't printed off my label and I am wanting, seriously, to just cancel this whole mess and put the books back on my shelf.  Before you think I am an awful person, pls let me tell you this has been going on for almost a month now and I'm ready to pull my hair out (and it's thin already).

Thank you so much for any advice/help you can give me.

debbie

HI Deb,

I just went and checked your account from my own BoB page. My suggestion is to Move the part about only wanting Historic Romances to the top of your Bookshelf header. It seems like folks arent reading it all the way through, and moving it to the top may help. Separating the part about being in a non-smoking home by a line may be helpful also.

As for the month long BoB transaction, you are certainly within your rights to cancel it or let it ride. For some, swaps take longer to fulfill, Others are fasters. It may depend on what is going on with the other member, or just their habit to be more deliberate and relaxed in their swaps.

You  may want to contact them via PM once more to ask what their intentions are, and then you can make a decision based on their answer or non-answer. You could also ask for an answer by a date you are comfortable with. Or even ask that they complete their portion of the box within a certain time period.

Thanks Cheryl-your suggestions were very helpful. I went in and changed my bookshelf header (at least I hope i did!!)

I am going to send the other boxer a note and give Friday as a deadline. That makes a little over a month we've been doing this...

Thank you for your help!

Debbie

Not a boxer, but many members (and TPTB recomend) dating certain transactions.  I could see the benefits of setting a deadline if you are a regular boxer, as it would keep transactions moving along or timing out.  Probably less stressful for you.  Hope it works out!