This is the RC I recieved:

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I am getting particular about the books I get.  I was under the impression that most people know how to determine if a book is in good condition, so I am listing a few things as to what I'm looking for and what I do not want to get:

Hardcovers must have dustjackets with minimal wear, unless they are published without (children's books, leather/plastic bound editions, etc. and dustcovers not in pieces or falling apart.  Please no grime, indentations or excessive wear on the books (this also for paperbacks.)

I prefer minimal spinal wear (if you can't read the title without looking inside for it, then it's too worn, or if the binding is split)

Binding preferred as firm, not split or loose pages.

Covers on paperbacks must be intact.  No holes punched in the cover, corners ripped off, or if die cut covers, no excessive wear around the diecut.

No missing pages or covers.  Also, please!!!!  NO library pulls at all!

I don't mind books coming from homes that smoke, but if the books smells like an ashtray or a smokebox, leave it on your shelf.  If I can smell it through the packaging, it's too strong!

I am looking for William W Johnstone books to be reading copies, so I will accept his older novels with more wear, but not trashed or Library pulls..

Am I in the wrong for not wanting to send the book to this person? The book is postable but it is over 20 years old and a paperback bought at a used book store over 16 years ago.

Just say no thanks.

I always try to meet RCs when I can, but I'd probably respond with "Conditions too extensive to follow." They really need to cut that down. I certainly wouldn't send a 20 year old book to them. Even if it looks good now, that old of a book may not handle mailing well.

And what the heck is a "library pull"??? I've never heard that term in my life. Do they mean library discard?

I think I'd be too scared to send it. I would hate to lose my postage because the book didn't fit this grocery list of requirements. Esp for an old book.

Also, what part of your body are we looking at?

Oh, my goodness.

I'm someone who tries to comply with RCs, but I would be afraid to send to this person.  They really need to tone it down.

That would be a "decline" for me, even before I finished reading it. Too long! Too many subjective terms! Too picky!

Good luck to her...I wonder if she'll ever get another book from here?

Cheryl

If you want to accept this RC, I'd recommend taking pictures of your book before sending. But it sounds like a frustrated member who is asking for the following as above-PBS conditions:

dust jackets if hardcover (which by definition has to meet cover conditions)

ability to read title on spine

covers completely intact

no ex-library books

(just to be safe) currently non-smoking homes  

I'd personally decline because I have no sense of smell.

I'd decline even if my book was brand new.  Just too many subjective conditions.  That person sounds like they're better off buying their books in person so they can see the condition up front.

I'd decline for sure.

I did deny it, I just figured for sure it would have been a rwap. Thank you all for answering. 

Rick B. It is my back.

No possible way I would ever even consider sending to that person.  I am glad you declined.

uhh....  NO WAY, JOSE!!!

that would have scared me! decline!

I declined this exact one a month or two ago.  Didn't think twice about it.

Rick B. It is my back.

I thought so!

I wonder sometimes if the sole purpose of some RCs is simply to irritate the people they're sent to...

decline.

Pam

I couldn't even finish reading that RC without forgetting what she had demanded before.  Way easier to decline.  And maybe send a link to the thread on how to write a good RC

Just....wow.

And what exactly is a smokebox?  I've never heard that word/term before.

I would also decline.

I've only declined one request. The requester was allergic to cats and I have cats. I did have one really strange RC where the requester didn't want any reminder marks on the book.

I have a friend who got an RC where the requester wanted a perfect book so that she could read it then turn around and sell it on Ebay.

I'm a huge proponent of the idea that turning down an RC you can meet is only really punishing yourself (because you are out a book order), that said, even I would turn this one down on principal. Sheesh.

I am always in favor of turning a down a request from someone stupid enough to yell at innocent people.

I'm a huge proponent of the idea that turning down an RC you can meet is only really punishing yourself (because you are out a book order)

That's only true if you're confident they wouldn't want their credit back.

Wise choice to decline, and I usually agree with Lisel on this issue.  My eyes crossed, and the brain fuzzed before the member was finished making their third point....much less the 4 or 5  followed.  Definately in need of good RC advice.

I'm with Denise.  My eyes just shut before she got to the third point! 

Mercy I'm glad you declined because I wouldn't have even thought about that sucker!