While the answer to my question seems pretty clear to me, I just want to see what y'all say.

I just got a book that has some water damage on most of the back cover and last few pages, and about an inch in on one of the corners (cover to cover). I am not comfortable re-posting this book (guidelines say no damage at all from water or other liquids), I would like my credit back since it's one I won't be able to send out. (does the PBS website do that I wonder?)

So, what's the consensus here... mark received with a problem or chance sending it to another member?

ETA: I should have read more posts here, Lisa R's post is answering my question! (thanks for taking the lead, Lisa!)

That book does not meet PBS guidelines, so you cannot repost it.  You should mark it received with a problem at the very least.  This is important, as it helps to weed out repeat offenders.

Are you certain that the water damage occured before it was sent?  If it wasn't wrapped well, it may have suffered some water damage in transit.  If you want your credit back, you will have to PM the member who sent it to you and ask for it back- they system will not return it automatically.  You can tell them that PBS guidelines specify that books with water damage are not postable, that you will not be able to repost this book, and you would like your credit back.  Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will get it- it is up to the member in question to return it if they choose.  If you ask for it and they decline, then there's really not much you can do, except add the book to your list of unpostables and offer for free with order.  Just be polite, and you might also copy the help center document about water damage into the PM so they can see it for themselves.  They may just be ignorant of the rules and made an honest mistake.

Thanks for replying, Lesley, the book was damaged by sender, the envelope isn't wet at all, that was the first thing I checked after I noticed the water damage.

The key when asking for a refund of your credit is to be really really nice...I have a tendency to say..."hey, this book is badly damaged what where you thinking to post it here, don't you know it doesn't meet guidelines, if you don't know that then you need to read the guidelines and if you did know are you just stupid?"  Well, now that wouldn't go over very well...but, I'd sure feel better...

oh well, my crazy .02

I usually do try to be considerate when I communicate with others, but that approach might be worth the loss of a credit just for its 'Roseanne'-esque humor!!!! Thanks Christy!!

FWIW, Mahbaar/Jane K. posted a useful form letter in this thread http://www.paperbackswap.com/forum/topic.php?t=103377&l=25&ls=25 that is helpful for reporting problems to members and asking for a credit refund.

Cheers,

Catt

I wouldn''t post it, but I can't speak for anyone else.  I would love to say that no one here would, but I would be lying, since I recently got one that was water damaged.  The sender refused to refund my credit and called me a bully for asking, even after I sent her a picture to prove the damage. So, no, not everyone has the same scruples.