I'm fairly new and got a quick question.  I've started checking books when I receive them (after marking a few received without problems only to later realize they were unpostable-stains, water damage, etc.). Today I received a book that had some sort of liquid damage to the top right hand corner, from the cover to about 20-25 pages into the book.  I marked it RWAP, noted the condition. I didn't ask for my credit returned. I'm still going to read it but its definitely unpostable per the guidelines.  Should I have asked for it back?

That's up to you, but since it's not postable because of the condition you got it in, you have every right. Unless you were planning on keeping it, why should you get stuck with it? Losing credits for sending bad books is the only was some people learn.

It's entirely up to you Lori, whether or not you request credit returns for RWAP.  I've gone both ways at various times and depending on the circumstances.   I tend to give new members more leeway while they learn to navigate site guidelines.

I might send a PM: "I'm not asking for my credit back for the staining on several pages, but if it happens in future members are entitled to do so."

Thanks! I didn't ask...but she refunded my credit anyhow. I guess I felt kinda guilty asking, because tho the book did not meet postability guidelines, I'm still going to read it.

I don't always ask for a credit back.  If it's still in decent conditon and the damage is something that could have easily been missed-then I mark it RWP and then usually immediately resolved.  Sometimes I wait for a response just to see if they apologize. 

I ask for a credit back when it's an obviously damaged book that any idiot could see did not meet the posting guidelines.