Greetings,

New PBS member here and I have a question for all the experienced swappers.  I have a few books that I'm 100% sure meet postability guidelines, but have definetly been through a few hands (I purchased from a used bookstore).  Problems are mainly spine creases (but the titles are still definetly readable) and some bent corners on pages (no tearing).  I would be ok with receiving a book I requested in these conditions.

What do the majority of PBS books look like (what are PBS members expecting/used to)???  I removed any of the really questionable books, but the remainder would be a good addition to the circulation. 

I'm asking this because I love the idea of PBS and don't want to be a problem swapper.  I also want to save hassles (for receiver and myself) or shipping expenses.  I have just received my first 2 books and they were both brand new - not even a spine crease and I didn't know if this is usual or what is expected.

Any insight/guidance would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Hi Christina and welcome to PBS!

Creased spines and dog ear pages are ok by guidelines.   If a member is requesting a book that is better than PBS guidelines, then they will have a RC (requesters conditions) that will appear when the book is requested.  If the book meets those extra conditions you can accept the request and if doesn't then decline the request.  Members who post books within the guidelines are not problem swappers and your books sound postable.  Many books are in "like new" conditions and some you will receive will be gently worn.  I have received all types,  mint, like new, gently worn and books that must retire.

Enjoy swapping!

Hi Christina,

Wel, you may get different responses to this but I'll give you my 2 cents worth. As long as my books don't break any of the Book Condition Guielines, i am just fine with posting them. As you start trading more, you will see that book condition can sometimes fall into a gray area. Some people are comfortable sending books that fall into a gray area under the rules, and some people aren't.

I myself am comfortable sending books that fall into a gray area. I never send books that break the rules (or at least, I try really hard not to). But, I have a ton of older paperbacks (20, 30, 40 years old, etc)  mostly lightly-posted books, that are slightly harder to obtain. I also send out a lot of older less popular Wish List books that are harder to obtain, as well.

As to what I receive, most of the books I receive are used, but well within postable guidelines. I also frequently get books that look brand new, as well as books that are reaching the end of their life (but are still postable).  And, a sprinkle of unpostable books, but honestly, those are very few.

I frankly expect the older books to be old.  Have been surprised to hear complaint threads by folks who are talking about 40 year old paperbacks.  Books age.  If I have a book that I feel is hovering on the edge, I'll select the later mailing date, then PM the person to warn them and offer them a second book for free.  I have also gotten books that you can tell by looking at the passport (footprint) that they have already gone throught 4 or 5 people.  I find that kinda exciting.  (You can see the list of most traveled books under the Search tab.)

I'll post books that are worn, but not stains or water of any kind.  That is basically how I want to receive books.  And for me, how rare the book is gets thrown into the mix.  I'll post a more worn book if it is out of print and rare, but turn down the same level of wear if there is a lot of copies in the system.

Welcome Christina  Come on in and get addicted just like most of us already are.  If you are swapping a paperback, you are going to have creases-that is just a fact.  The books sounds fine to me.  I have received book eveything from looking like that just came off the shelff at Barnes and Noble to .......very worn, but in one piece.

Welcome Christina!  Make yourself familiar with the posting guidelines in Help documents. 

The biggie complaints in the discussion threads are liquid damage, stains, cleaved spine, torn cover, loose pages, and writing/highlighting on text pages (not agreed upon via textbook waiver).   Some of the less common complaints include mold, dead bugs, pet urine, and mouse turds (major eeew). 

If none of the above applies to your book, post away!!