There is a space for comments when doing the mini-survey when marking a book received. 

If I make comments there, what happens to them?  Are they read? 

Although I did not mark the two books I received today as RWAP, I did write in the Comments section about how poorly wrapped the books were.  One large hardback was torn open at both ends of the thin brown wrapper, completely exposing the book's ends.  The other book - a trade size paperback - was packaged in a too-large, thin envelope which allowed the book to be tossed around inside the envelope during transit.  The results were a badly bent cover and many  creased pages.  However, neither of these books were rendered unpostable.

So what do other members write  - if anything - in the comments section?  Was it just a waste of my time to write the comments?

Thanks for your input.

I imagine they might be read.  I don't often put anything in that box, except to say that it was sent first class, which probably isn't necessary either.  Boy, I'M a BIG help, huh?  LOL!

With over 34,000 books mailed every week, I can almost guarantee that every comment is not read. If even 10% of people comment on a transaction, that's an awful lot of reading. I would think the comments would be available and looked at only if an account or transaction is being looked at for some other reason.

My guess is that it will only be looked at if the account becomes problematic. (Several complaints or whatnot.) I'm pretty sure that they can't read every single transaction, there are just too many!

Personally, I make a comment if the transaction is particularly poor or particularly good. I've noted what the problem was when marking RWAP (and whether I felt it was grievous, or it didn't bother me). I've also commented when the book I received was in particularly good shape or well-wrapped. I figure if the person has a problem down line, that at least the fact that I was very pleased will be on record. :)

I believe they use those comments mainly if there is a problem with an account and they are reviewing the history for other problems.  I use that comment box to note any problems or compliments (i.e. torn wrappers) so that it is part of the record.  I also try to politely let senders know if there are significant problems, like poor wrapping, that they can remedy, to help them avoid future RWPs.  I'd want folks to let me know if there was a problem with the materials I use for wrapping, and I've never had anyone be snarky in response -- just be upbeat, constructive and polite.  Often it is newer members not understanding that "Scotch Tape and toilet paper" won't get a book safely across the country :-)

If you have a problem with a transaction that the site owners must know about (i.e. someone sends blatent, Media Mail-violating advertising info with a book), use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of any page to let them know about it.  Just remember they won't intervene in individual swaps (unless the sender won't respond to PMs or is rude).

Cheers,

Catt

I just wanted to add that I do what Elizabeth does w/poorly wrapped books.  I politely PM them that although the book arrived unharmed their packaging barely survived.  I usually say something like "I'd hate for you to get a mark against you because another book wasn't as lucky and arrived damaged" Usually I get a "thanks for telling me, I had no idea" pm back. 

I don't think people realize how much abuse some of these packages take enroute to their new home. I've had well wrapped books come with boot prints on them and big gashes in the packaging. One came wrapped in plastic from the PO w/a note saying it was damaged in transit and how to make a claim.  It sure was: the wrapper had red wine all over it but luckily the book survived.  It was well wrapped so I didn't bother to notify the sender.  Had it been poorly wrapped I would have.

I don't put anything there unless there's been a problem.  I do note there if there's a big discrepancy between the date marked mailed and the postmark or meter strip on the envelope but that's about it other than RWAP transactions.

I've been pretty lucky throughout the 3 years I've been here and I have had very very few "problem" books overall (but those few  were doozies! LOL!)

.  I put notes in the comment section on those.    But I also have used the comments to praise those members who have sent outstanding packages - the book itself in excellant condition, wrapped & packaged with extreme care and thoughtfulness & shipped promptly. 

I won't hesitate for a moment to issue polite criticism if it is warranted - but IMO, praising the "extra-fine" transactions is just as important to me.   I've wondered also, if those comments are ever read - but hopefully they are on record for the person's account.

I have always assumed that you didn't need to note the discrepancy between the date the book was supposed to be mailed and the postmark as Sarah said she does. 

If you fill in the little survey, one question is about the postmark.  I think that generates an email to the sender, if the book was postmarked past the date the system expects the book to be mailed, with a reminder about mailing items / marking items mailed by the deadlines.

Am I wrong on this?

No, Ange, you aren't wrong.  There is that question about the postmarks.  When people use PBS postage there usually is no way to tell when it actually went into the PO system.  It only owrks if they bought postage at the PO.  Most of the time I have to leave that blank.

The comments I make are the facts about how the books were wrapped and what condition the book was in upon receipt.  I make sure to say when plastic was used and when it wasn't.  I keep hoping that that will eventually be used to give greater emphsis by PBS for people to use plastic wrappers.  I always compliment people who do a good job of wrapping.

Ruth, I go by the date printed with the postage as the mailing date when I answer the survey.  Though I never considered that date as unreliable because you don't necessarily know when it hits the PO and gets scanned.  Though I guess I should have because I've seen books I've mailed not get scanned until days after I've mailed it and I've also got APC postage with dates from last year.  The books I get with stamps tend not to have a legible postmark or were never postmarked with a date. 

The only time I make a comment is if a book is damaged in transit due to only being wrapped in just the printed PBS wrapper.  I just write book was damaged in transit (water, whatever), I wish it was mandatory that books be wrapped in plastic. 

And I know that this is not the fault of the sender, as it is not mandatory,  I just wish it were.

I make comments about the book condition and if the wrapping job is poor, I note that as well.

R and TPTB read the comments if someone pops up as a "problem swapper" based on their stats.

I figure the more data points they have, the better.

Another thing I use the comment box about is if there were two books mailed together, so they know that the postage amount covered two (or more) books.

Mimi, you reminded me that I also mention whether it was a Book Bazaar deal and whether the deal was properly filled.

I always leave a comment for the record - type of wrapping, if plastic was used, and the condition book and wrapping arrived in.  I would also put in a comment for anything unusual, like if it was multiple book order, or if something was done exceptionally well or poorly.