Is it postable?

I just got a wishlist book that I I didn't realise I already have. "Twilight" by Stephaenie Meyer.

On the top of the book is written a person's name in big red marker. Its not on the cover, it is on the pages itself. I know some used bookstores mark books with a big black marker line and I think those were ok to post. I just want to double check if a name on the side is postable.

I think that what you are saying is that when the book is closed, you can read the name written with the black marker across the edges of the top of the closed pages.  Am I right?

This issue came up  about a year ago and caused a little bit of controversy.  Originally,  PBS ruled books with these markings unpostable.    Then they realized just how many books that took out of the system - especially children's books.     From what I understand, a lot of children's books are marked this way.   And then of course there are the used book stores that put large "remainder" marks across the closed pages to indicate that it is a used book.

So .... PBS changed their ruling on this type of marks.   And I believe that books marked like this ARE postable.

However, if the marker has bled considerable onto the pages, that might be another issue.   And frankly, if I had an adult book - as opposed to a  childrens book - that was marked this way, I probably wouldn't post it.

Twilight is a Young Adult book that is also read by adults, so it kind of crosses genres.

I personally wouldn't mind something like that.  If the marker hasn't bled through onto the pages then I would think it's postable.  You could post in the book bazaar or in your signature that you have this book but it has that marking and find someone to whom you can post it directly to their WL. 

I received a book recently in which someone had wrote on the top and bottom "Not for Sale!".  On the side they wrote "www.paperbackswap.com".  It kind of ticked me off.  Since the book is postable, I didn't send a PM but if I repost it, I will send a PM to the person ordering it.

Terri - that was actually written directly on the book, not on a sticker or attached or something? That would really tick me off. The nerve of some people to deface a book to control what other people do with it. I would be embarassed to donate the book anywhere and have people think that that is what PBS is about.

For the OP I would post it, but PM someone about it. You really shouldn't have to do that and most of the time you don't want to be in the habit of PMing about postable books, but that would be an instance that I would give the receiver the opportunity to say they'd rather wait for a clean copy.

You said you already had a copy...what  about posting your copy??

I wold definately PM any requesters to let them know if it matters to them or not.

Also, add the book to your reminder list to see how many copies there are in the system. If there are a lot, I wouldn't post it.

I can understand where the person who wrote "Not for ressale"  is coming from though. I am a  new member and I recently posted a new hardcover book that is still available for over $20.00 in the book stores. I didn't mind because I really wanted someone who possibly could not afford that to enjoy  this book. The first request I got for it had the conditions that it had to be a hardback and had to have the dust cover. I really thought those were interesting requests from someone who only wants to read the book. I really was under the impression this person was probably going to sell it. I refused because I actually always take off the dust covers and don't know where it is but still....

I believe none of you that have posted would do something like that but I am afraid there may be people out there who find this may be an easy way to get books to sell. Can you think of any other reason to put those kinds of conditions on a (brand new) book. There may be reasons I am just not aware of but it seemed suspicious to me.

Many people collect certain authors and want their keepers to look a certain way. I have a condition that anything listed in the system as a HC must be a HC because that is all that fits into my book holder on my treadmill and I order certain books for that. I also order some out of print books to donate to my favorite library, they need to be HC with dustjackets that are in decent shape.

The site does not dictate that we order book just to read. The book is the receiver's to do as they please with.  Systematic resale is not allowed and the site often catches those people and kicks them off the site. I cannot see how anyone would go through the effort to get books from here for resale, it would be a slow PITA process since most books worth anything go through the WL system. IMO if someone wants to dictate what happens to the book they should keep it, once it is mailed it is none of their business what the next person does with it.

Melanie,

  Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your input for some of the reasons people may have for putting those conditions on. Yes, I understand that after the book  has been mailed it is theirs to do with what they wish. I posted the book though with the wish for someone else to enjoy the read. Honestly it is a brand new expensive book I could probably sell on ebay if I wanted. Like I said I wanted someone else to be able to enjoy it that maybe could not afford to go buy it new.  I would just sincerely hope that the person who receives my book (or if they wish to donate it then someone) enjoys it. I know how expensive books are and I sincerely want to pass mine along free of charge for others to enjoy!

Thanks again Melanie : )

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Bookcrossing books also have writing on the edges of the pages, plus stickers, and they are acceptable.  I just received my first BC book and thought it was pretty cool!  But I can see how some might think otherwise! =0)

Yeah, Lisa. Some BX members really go overboard! I just put the sticker in the front of the book. Life's too short, KWIM? :)

For years whenever I get a book, I put my initial on the 1st page on the inside.  I can't seem to break the habit, and it is not a big initial.......is that wrong?

Stace, I'm with you.  I have never contemplated selling any books I have received from PBS members, but when I got the book "Do Not Sale" written on it, my first thought was "I should sell this book."  Maybe I just don't like being told what to do.  It currently is in my Mt. TBR pile and I don't know when I will read it but I probably won't sell it when I am done.  It currently has 55 members wishing for it.  If I do repost it, I will send a PM first.

You said you already had a copy...what  about posting your copy??

My origianlly copy had a little accident involving the bathtub. I don't read wish list books there anymore. When I'm done I put it in my unpostable pile for free.

I took the advice of advertising it in the BB. I got a hit right away. I did offer the person a 2 for 1 deal so it would be easier to just order another book off my shelf for a credit and take this one for free.  I have 4 boxes of books taking too much space that I like to offer deals when I can.

Since I generally don't mind HC or PB I tend to put all versions of a book on my wish list if I just want to get anyone fast. If I am not in a rush I usually just wish for PB so to save on shipping when I repost. I have to remember now to delete all the other versions of a WL book when I get it so I don't order a duplicate copy again. This book was part of a series so I just assumed it was one of the other 2 books when I accepted it. Oops.

Lisa R. what is bookcrossing?