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Topic: Question about sending books with binding, edges having small tape on them

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Subject: Question about sending books with binding, edges having small tape on them
Date Posted: 6/10/2008 2:25 PM ET
Member Since: 5/17/2007
Posts: 3
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For minute tears or reinforcement.

I have a lot of books I received as a lot from EBAY and some came with a small piece of tape on the top and bottom of the binding to reinforce or take care of minute tears.

Otherwise the books are in good reading shape.

Would this be a problem to list them in that condition. I know I would not suggest getting and giving as a gift, but still great for taking to the beach or pool to read this summer.

Thanks,

Gwen

JimiJam avatar
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Date Posted: 6/10/2008 3:45 PM ET
Member Since: 6/4/2007
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I looked over the Book Condition Guidelines (here: http://www.paperbackswap.com/help/search.php?terms=guidelines ) and couldn't actually find anything that mentioned tape.  It mentions that a small amount of fraying or denting at the bottom or top of the binding is acceptable, so personally I can't see why a proper tape job in the same areas would be a problem.  However I don't recommend entirely basing a decision on my opinion, I'm sure this has come up before and that other people have dealt with this question already.  Eventually someone else will throw a few cents on top of mine.

(Out of curiousity are they older books??  I'm always intrigued by anything that sounds vintage.  I'm a huge fan of old books and if you decide to post them hopefully you'll mention that in this thread so I can look.  I wouldn't mind tape, I just want pages that stay in the book and covers that stay on.)



Last Edited on: 6/10/08 3:45 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
Doughgirl avatar
Date Posted: 6/10/2008 3:48 PM ET
Member Since: 11/11/2005
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I see no problem with this.  Libraries do this to their books frequently to protect the edges of the covers, and former library books are allowed on PBS.

melanied avatar
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Date Posted: 6/10/2008 4:01 PM ET
Member Since: 8/16/2007
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I've always listed mine that had reinforced spines. As long as it doesn't look like the tape is there becouse the cover had fallen off it should be good.



Last Edited on: 6/10/08 4:50 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
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Date Posted: 6/10/2008 7:25 PM ET
Member Since: 8/23/2007
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I think it would depond on the amount of tape is on the book and if it was an actual tear that was taped or just the beginning of one that was taped to prevent further damage.   Books with a tear over 1" can't be posted even if they're taped.  If if the book looks like it has a tear going up the cover that was taped over-then it's unpostable if over 1".  If it's just taped because the bottom started tearing a little bit than it should be ok. 

Punkin avatar
Date Posted: 6/10/2008 7:57 PM ET
Member Since: 1/7/2008
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I would review the book posting guidelines here: http://www.paperbackswap.com/help/search.php?terms=book+posting+guidelines.

If the book meets these guidelines in every other way I would go ahead and post it.  If, however, you feel the line of "excessively worn" is a bit hazy (which is the one I was thinking that might come into play here) just PM people that have requested from you and be sure it is okay.

 

Edited for a punc. error



Last Edited on: 6/10/08 7:58 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
CozSnShine avatar
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Date Posted: 6/10/2008 8:04 PM ET
Member Since: 2/5/2007
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I respectively disagree with Kimberely.   You should never need to PM a requestor about a book.  To start with you can't DO that until after you agree to send it.   AND if the book meets the guidelines, a PM in not needed.  If the book does NOT meet the guidelines, it shouldn't be posted. 

I keep seeing advice saying you should PM the requestor.   I have not seen anything regarding that in the helps except that IF you have conditions they should be clear enough to NOT have to send a PM. 

Sorry - this is a pet peeve of mine.   If I order a book, I want it if it's postable.  If not - then why did you list it? 

Punkin avatar
Date Posted: 6/10/2008 8:20 PM ET
Member Since: 1/7/2008
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What I was referring is the "excessively worn" category.  Which is somewhat arbitrary.  I always err on the side of caution and since I am picky about books myself, I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing a book with someone that wasn't up to MY standards.  But MY definition of Excessively worn may be entirely different from someone else's!  And PBS in the help center has stated this:

If you feel your book falls into a "grey area", you can either post the book and send a Personal Message to the requestor, or not post the book.  We have delineated what we can, and we expect members to follow these guidelines, and use their common sense in cases that are unclear

Which is where my advice came from - directly from help center.  Though I respect Cozette's opinion (and really am of her mindset overall) - even PBS has recognized there exists a "grey area" that must be delt with at times,  I am always so cautious with books that if there is even a hint of a potential problem, I PM according to help center suggestion.    Just wanted to FYI that that was in Help Center guides.