Hi,

I haven't had a problem with any books before now.  I am unsure if I should mark it RWP, maybe I am being too picky.

My book came speckled, the cover and the edges of the book all around.  It reminds me of the books in my parents damp basement.  It doesn't smell like mildew but I still feel like I should wash my hands.

Anyone have any thoughts?  Thanks

It sounds like foxing - age related spots. Is it an older book by any chance?

I didn't know there was a name for it.  It is an older book, a little yellowed but that doesn't bother me (I planned on wearing this book out anyway.)  But I don't like the spots.  Is foxing OK for swapping?  Does anyone know? 

Sounds ok to me. You can read it, it doesn't smell and it isn't water damaged. If its an older book,its understandable.

I looked through the rules. I saw no stains, no mold, no highlighting, etc. But, I can't find anything that says it can't be speckled. If it is foxing, it's fairly common in older books that haven't been properly cared for.

So basically, I'm stumped. I understand your not liking the spots, but I can't definitely say one way or another as to whether it is acceptable or not. So, I guess I'll stop talking now and let someone more knowledgable chime in.

I appreciate your time, Tim.  Thanks!

I searched the forums for foxing and I found this

"I sent a message asking R&R about this and they said foxing is allowed."

It is from this thread http://www.paperbackswap.com/forum/topic.php?t=120185&l=25&ls=0#r

fifth post down.

You can use the "contact us" link at the bottom of this page to verify this info with the people who run the site.

I didn't think foxing effected the cover, though, just the pages.  I could be wrong but if the front and back of the book are speckled (as opposed to the inside of the cover) I wouldn't be so sure it's foxing.

Wikipedia has a good article on foxing.  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxing

The causes of foxing are not well understood. One theory is that foxing is caused by a fungal growth on the paper. Another theory is that foxing is caused by the effect on certain papers of the oxidation of iron, copper, or other substances in the pulp or rag from which the paper was made. It is possible that multiple factors are involved.

It is believed that high humidity contributes to foxing.

This means that anything that is made out of paper (including covers) can have foxing.

I searched the forums for foxing and I found this

"I sent a message asking R&R about this and they said foxing is allowed."

It is from this thread Link

fifth post down.

You can use the "contact us" link at the bottom of this page to verify this info with the people who run the site.

It was me who contacted the people that run the site and they said foxing was allowed.

"Foxing is not against the guidelines.  Thanks for asking!"

This is an old thread I'm bumping so another member can reference it concerning foxing being allowed. 

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