I just marked my 1st book  RWAP and it was the 5th I received.   The book had wax all over the back cover, I am hoping it is wax.  The person I requested it for said she will try to clean it up - which she thinks she can do -but I am not sure.   The wrapping wasn't great either it is a thick book and instead of using more printer/copy paper she used a piece of writing paper to fill in the gaps.  I wasn't bothered that much by the wrapping because the book did make it ok and some people can't afford envelopes.  I would have at least used more copy paper which is thicker.   

Anyway, I marked it RWAP, sent a PM that I wasn't looking my credit to be returned, but that there is wax or a wax substance all over the back cover.  I think that falls under the category of stains.  I didn't mention the wrapping - it wasn't really a big concern of mine.

If you received a book in this condition would you do anything different in my place?  Thanks

Unless the wrapping is damaged, i don't mention it, even if it is spectacularly bad.

If a book arrives dirty and I think I can clean it up successfully, I usually don't even RWAP it. But, if it arrives dirty and I don't think it can be cleaned, or if it arrives stained, then I would definitely RWAP it, and also ask for my credit, especially if the stain/substance is very obvious, like yours.

So, I guess you did the right thing. If it was me, I would have been after that credit, though!  :)

I received a book that was kinda ratty. The spine was coming apart in one area and some pages were beginning to come apart in another. I marked the book as being fine since it all still stayed together, but I did send the member a PM, just letting them know that I didn't have a problem the book, but some people might not be as okay with a book in that condition.

Thanks Sarah - I appreciate your insight.  I didn't mention the wrapping  to the sender (just commented here in the forum) because the book wasn't damaged.  I was on the fence about marking it RWAP - but it is all over the back cover and I don't know if it can be cleaned w/o ruining the cover.  Since there wasn't any plan to repost the book and the person I requested for - wasn't too put off -  I didn't feel comfortable asking for the credit back.  Maybe when I swap more books things will become easier and I won't feel so insecure about procedure and decisions.

Heidi - thanks - I wouldn't have had a problem if it was normal wear and tear -it was an external substance.  Also if it was a drop or two that could have been cleaned easily - I would have just marked it received and wouldn't think twice about.

This is only a comment - the book was from bookcrossing.com.  I had no idea why members are always commenting on the site.  Well those stickers are nasty looking.  I have no plans on adding an RC but now I can understand why some people would be opposed to them.  Why do they have to make them so ugly? 

Thanks again Sarah- I feel better about my decision.

Glad to be of help.

I got my very first bookcrossing book this past week, and it only had one sticker inside the cover of the book.

I've heard of these awful stickers, though, just haven't seen them for myself.

I'm sorry that this happened to you.  But I can only suspect that it will keep happening until receivers utilize the RWAP and return of credits.  What's to stop them from continuing to do this?  If the book was bad enough that it bothered you, and it seems it did, then you had every right to ask for your credit back.  And I think you should have.  You might not have gotten it, but as long as senders don't get the penalty for sending bad books, what's to stop them?  And the longer it goes on, the more they think it's okay.  Please do us all a favor and call a RWAP what it is and ask for your credit to be returned.  That's how the system is supposed to work.  Stop feeling sorry for these people and don't be afraid to confront (and I'm a person who HATES to confront) them.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  It helps the overall quality of books and members of PBS.  P:lease!

Ruth

I just got a PM from the sender - she automatically sent the credit back - she said she didn't see it.  The book was many in a box of books she purchased.  I am sure some will think me a sap  (I probably am) or disapprove - but I sent the credit back.   I appreciate that she was so swift returning the credit and seemend geniune with her concern.  She has been a member for sometime and has made alot of swaps - things happen.   It is readable, the person it is intended seems to be ok with the back cover - I asked her again. 

Sarah - I will keep what you said in mind with future books I receive and use it as a guideline to make decisions on how to mark them.  

hmmmm - thanks Ruth  eekkk - I gave the credit back.  I now know why I like working with computers - I hate this stuff (confronting).  I did the first half right - I marked it RWAP!

I'm so glad she gave your credit back - and it's yours to do with as you please.  She is one of those great PBS-ers that we always hope we are trading with.   Most members are like that - very honorable.  But there are a few who aren't.  I realize it's only a credit and a book.  But multiply the value of those credits by the number of people who come in here with the same problem and don't get theirs back even when they ask.  Wem can't ask PBS to do it for us, we have to handle it ourselves so I believe in following the rules.  You are a very generous person and I value that about you.  I wish you only great trades from now on.

Ruth

Thanks Ruth.  I agree she a member I would want to swap with again.  I wanted to be fair - I felt the book cover was messed up enough to make it official but not messed  to take away the credit as well.  I am sure I will run into the not so friendly members eventually - but I hope not for awhile )  Thanks again  Sarah, Ruth and Heidi for your insight....it is appreciated.

I look at it from the point that if it's such a bad RWAP that I couldn't repost it, I ask for my credit back.  Fortunately, I haven't had to do this often (maybe 3 times).  Pat