Someone just PM'd me about how disappointed they were because they "received the wrong printing of the book, they had ordered a different one." What am I - Amazon.com?! No, I didn't say that. It was the right book, simply a different printing/cover and the system had the newer cover. We are allowed to post a book with a different cover right?

If I am wrong, someone tell me how to amend it. But I think I didn't do anything incorrect (I certainly wasn't intending to - the book was in very good condition) and I didn't appreciate being made to feel bad, kwim? I replied that I was sorry they were disappointed and gently suggested that if they have a very particular wish they may want to buy the book next time (they mentioned passing up the right book at the bookstore).

I am not easily offended but I guess you can tell it got under my skin.

Well as long as the ISBN you posted matches the book you sent then it's really her problem. If she wanted a particular cover she should go to Amazon.com and buy it.

Kristina is right.  You did nothing wrong, as long as the ISBN matched.

It clearly states that the cover does not have to match when you post the book. You did the right thing.

Yeah - what they said.  The ISBN and the binding have to match, not the covers.

You're right.  Like the others said, if the person has ever posted any books, it clearly states that the cover DOES NOT have to match what pops up when the ISBN #s are entered.  I've gotten quite a few that had different covers.  What's the big deal?  What matters is the story itself; I don't order/buy them for the covers.  I think if someone is going to be that particular, they would be better off just buying what they want in a store, that way they can be sure to get what they specifically want.  Or in the future, PM the person and ask which cover the book has before ordering. 

I would just pm the person back and tell them that all the REQUIRED criteria were met (ISBN, binding, condition, not an ARC, etc.). 

I agree, I would PM the person back and tell them where to find the PBS rule that says the cover doesn't match.  Not to encourage an argument, but to let her know so she won't continue to be annoyed when she gets books with different covers.  (And annoy senders with her criticism.)  If I was unaware of a PBS guideline I would want someone to tell me.

Thank you all!!!!

Here is what I replied:

<<I am sorry that you are disappointed. The system did not contain the cover that I had and we are allowed to post a book that has a different cover. I do not know if there is any recourse under the system as I didn't really do anything incorrect. I would gently suggest that in the future if you have a very specific desire, that you PM first or go ahead and buy the book at the book store.>>

You are right that it is important to let someone know the rules and I hope that my reply did that. I can see now that I could have been a bit more direct and clear. I was trying so hard not to be snitty that I went too far the other way. I have been so very fortunate and my  exchanges have been so pleasant (I just received a pack with two books that I wanted that were like new) that I think I was just taken really aback. And kind of mad at myself that I didn't PM first to check. I have done that before if I wasn't certain that a book would meet the requestor's desire. Not that I had to PM, but I like to please - probably why I made way too big a deal out of this!!

Thanks again, I am glad I posted, I feel MUCH better now.

I think your PM was very good, polite, but let her know she was the one that was wrong. You do not need to PM about different covers and I would probably say don't. I think way more people will be confused/annoyed by a PM like that than would be helped and then you are sitting there waiting for a response before you can send it.

It says when posting a book that the cover does not have to match the picture shown. I wouldn' t worry about it then.

You are a very polite and kind person, but do not blame yourself.  You did nothing wrong.  You've followed the rules. 

Since this is a used book swap site, I am really surprised people would make a fuss about a different cover.  In my opinion, as long as the book by the author I requested, I could care less what is pictured on the cover.  I guess it takes all kinds.  :)

And on further, someone suggested Amazon. Well, that won't necessarily guarantee her to get the exact cover either. I've seen more than one edition's cover posted to the same ISBN & date, so there's no way she can guarantee it without contacting the seller directly, rather than relying on images posted.

Wonder why the book cover was such a big deal? They change all the time anyway.

I mean if the inside is the same isnt that the important thing? She should be worried if the ISBNs dont match.

Since the rules state that the covers do not have to match you should not have to or need to PM people if the cover is different.

As others have said if the requestor is wanting a certain book cover, go buy it from somewhere so you can be totally certain of what you are getting. I do know people that collect books for their front covers and they mostly use Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Yea, what Sherry said.  I've ordered used books from amazon and have gotten different covers than what's listed but the ISBN matched. 

Covers might be important if the requestor is trying to complete a collection or series of books.  

I bought a copy of The Jungle by Upton Sinclair for someone who is a butcher.  I looked through a lot of covers before I found one that I thought captured the story.  It was a carcass of meat hanging with the various cuts on it rather than one showing a bunch of workers.

I got the book at Half.com.  Like everyone here said, I wanted to choose the cover, so I paid for a copy there rather than hoping for one here.

He thought it was great and I'm sure he hasn't read the book very much, but it's the thought.  

Hi Karen, I agree with the others.  Though if my cover is different than what the system says, I usually go above and beyond and let that person know so they are ready for when they get it.  =)

~Keri

Oh goodness...A few weeks ago I got a paperback that had different cover art from the edition that was pictured and I wrote  the sender that I actually liked the cover that I received better.  I hope they didn't think I was being snarky. 

I used to PM people if the cover of my book was different then the one shown. I stopped because then you feel obligated to wait until they respond before you mail a book that meets PBS guidelines.  Some people don't check everyday and I ended up waiting 3 or 4 days for a response. Not worth the trouble when it states clearly that the cover doesn't have to match as long as the ISBN/Title and Author match.

Keri, have you thought that maybe you are actually causing people like the OP's receiver to feel that the sender should PM about the differences? If the first few books a newmem receives come from someone that goes beyond the requirements and PMs them about every thing (diff cover, wrinkle here or there, no DJ, whatever) that is not listed in their RC's, then they got the OP that doesn't PM about a difference, and they chew her out because she didn't tell them, afterall, experience up to that point has shown that people PM if there is a dif or flaw. The OP may not have the time to be going above and beyond the rules, and just plays by them rather than enhancing them.

You are, of course, welcome to do as you feel you need to, but I'm just sticking the question out there for you to consider :)

Well it is only when I have a different cover that I do that, and it is my choice if I want to do it right?  That is the ONLY time I do it. 

~Keri

Yep, as I stated, it's certainly your choice. I only pointed out the possibilities for you, didn't make any rude comments about you doing so, if you thought I did, then I'd better apologize. But I was just giving you food for thought. Don't have to think about it if you don't want, that's perfectly your decision too. Did not intend to put you on the defense.