I requested a book two weeks ago, and multiple members have simply not responded to my request.  Can't PBS submit requests to multiple members at the same time in order to maximize the possibility of a quick response?  I'm sure a system can be worked out that once a request has been picked up by a mbr, PBS then takes the request out of circulation or marks it so that those others who have been notified that someone wants their book can't also send the book. 

This is sooooo frustrating to me.  I need the book for book club in two weeks.  Now, it's really going to be too late to get the book through media mail with enough time for me to read it.   There has to be a better way.  Since joining, I have shipped off three books very quickly...now, when I need the program, I'm going to have to resort to buying the book.

I hate waiting too, but the plus side is when this happens, it's letting PBS know that these may be inactive accounts and helps weed out members who are no longer active here.  One way to try to get a copy faster is to go to the Book Bazaar and post what you're looking for.  Someone there may have it and be able to mail it within a day or two.  Sorry for your frustration - I hope you get the book you need soon!  =)

Ann - the system runs by FIFO and I think it is a great system.  It automatically rolls to the next member in line if the member declines the request or doesn't respond.  I agree the 5 days is a bit long to wait for acceptence.  I would rather see a quicker acceptance and a longer choice to mail the book.  Many will wait to the end so it hits on a day they can make it to the PO.   I understand your  pain - I have been waiting but not long as you have.  Have you posted in the book bazaar that you are looking for a particular book? 

What book are you looking for - maybe someone has it on their bookshelf - unless it is a WL book.

Thanks for the suggestion of Book Bazaar - I didn't even know it was available.  I'm still pretty new around here.  It's just frustrating that the one time I have actually needed the book by a deadline, that I've had to wait so long....and I know that media mail can take a bit longer too which just adds to my angst.  But I think I'll go take a peak at Book Bazaar and remember that for the future.

You can also post on certain genre forums, as some of them have "Is this on your bookshelf?" threads where members are looking for books available in the system.   If anyone who reads that forum has it, they'll PM you and you can order it from them and avoid the dreaded no response time-out.

Ann,

I understand your frustration. All summer I've been saying the 5 day waiting period for a member to accept a request is too long. Should be 2 days.

I've also been receiving the same bonks on the head for saying so, but that's another thread.

On another site I use they have a wish list approach where they email everyone on the wishlist and then the 1st person to respond gets it.  I NEVER get there first.  So I think the FIFO system does work better for me.  Sending notice to multiple people can get into a difficult situation too. I would never send out or get any books if it were not for FIFO. :)  -- I almost always respond by the 1st weekday after an order, so I am not that slow, just not immediate.

Oh and 2 days to respond to a request is a little too quick for me since I don't log on during weekend.  3 days would be OK though.  I put my likely WishList items on autorequest, so I don't time out on the 48hour holds on those.  I wonder how often the average user takes between log-ons?