Well I try to keep in mind that every book eventually gets to it's last person as a postable book.  Sometimes that person might be me. So while I may not mark it as RWP, I won't repost it because I know after I read it, it'll look even more worn. I just use them in the Damaged Books Virtual Box and exchange them for another unpostable but still readable book.

My standards for what I will post is much higher than what I will accept. I only require that a book meets PBS condition when I receive it. If a book looks just too old and worn that I wouldn't buy it at a UBS, then I put it in my box to go to the Friends of the Library sale. I figure there people can pick up the book and look it over to determine if they want to get it for that price. 

When it comes to age on a book, I would consider how hard to find that title is, and whether I'm depriving someone of a good read before I'd not post it based on yellowing and aging paper. Unless there's a ton already posted, someone, sometime might be very thankful for that aged book.

I agree with Sherry.  I have a book here from the 70s.  I think it was probably postable, but it was definitely on its last read when it arrived here -- and because it was so old, the trip through the mail didn't help it any.  But I was very glad to receive it. 

Yes. I generally only post books that are in like-new condition, but certainly don't expect the same quality books when I order.

Ditto what Sherry said.  I often post books from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.  They are usually yellowed.  But I have found that people ordering these books are usually very happy to have found an older, OOP book they wanted.  So I post them.  I also tend to find that my older books get ordered pretty quickly.  I just mailed one out that was published in 1976!

As I am collecting the DAW series (1972-present) many of the older books are hard to find, and I really appreciate some of the lightly battered and yellowed copies I have received.  As a point of interest, the copies I have gotten from PBS tend to be in much better shape than those I find elsewhere.  Hats off to PBS members.

That said, there are a number of other books I have received that I think meet the letter of PBS posting guidelines that I don't feel comfortable reposting...books with minor tears and spine wear, etc.

When receiving I sit on one side of the gray postable line, and when posting I sit on the other side.   It seems a good way to be. :)

I have no problem at all receiving older (pre-1980) books in the condition you have described.

I don't mind posting books that are in decent shape with signs of aging like yellowing, creases spines, etc. I also don't mind accepting those. If they meet the PBS guidelines I'll post it, unless the person has specific RCs prohibiting certain things.

For MMPs that are a quick, light read, my own standards are definitely more relaxed than PBSs...I don't mind wavy pages, water damage (as long as it's not a goopy stain that interferes with the book's readability), torn covers and things like that. I would have no problem picking up books like that at a used bookstore, library sale, etc. and reading them. I wouldn't post those here, but I wouldn't mind sending them as a freebie with another order of a postable book from my shelf.

Cheryl

I really like Mary's philosophy: I try to keep in mind that every book eventually gets to it's last person as a postable book.  Sometimes that person might be me.

When the oldest books on my bookcase are requested, I will PM the person about the yellowing and age.  Sometimes I even offer deals.  But I have posted some OOP books that have never been reissued.  Folks who are hunting those books are often thrilled.  The books don't go out as fast as I give a day in case the request gets canceled.   Most of my oldest and most worn books are ones that I love, and I want to find them homes where they will be loved. 

I always select the latest mailing date and send a PM to the person who wants it. For example, there are some Georgette Heyer books that you just can't find. They are old. So when someone asks for one, I always PM and describe it in detail. If the person really wants it, they take it. Mind, these are books that pass the rules but they are old and might have a creased cover or something.,

I send the books I can't bring myself to pass on to the senior center.

What really burns me is the people who think a really bad mildew smelling book is just peachy because they can't smell it. I've had 3 of those lately, but now I don't bother to complain, because they can't smell it. I have to throw those away.