Ugh.  We'll see what sort of response I get from the sender from the note I sent.  Basically told her it was against PBS and USPS regulations and that I am horribly lucky that my package was not inspected.  it was not tucked in with the book, it was sitting loose and fell out when I opened the package.  At some point, a receiver will not be quite so lucky. 

I included the PBS stuff from the help docs as well. 

What do you mean personal advertising? That can be so many things.

I received a thank you card in the last media package I got. I know it's against PBS and USPS rules and could have jeopardized the delivery of my package but I didn't feel the need say anything to her - or rip her a new one. I hope you were polite!? :-o It sounds like you weren't by your post and I hope it's that you're just venting your anger here instead of being rude to her!?

I once received a personal advertising, nicelz printed, which I thougth was pretty neat. It was hidden between the first few pages and told me with my next request from this user I can choose a second book for free. I thought it was nice and I did so. :-)

It was a business card for Avon.

There were actually two cards, one of which was perfectly ok, wishing me well with the book and reminding to mark it received.  The other was a blatant business card.  No freebie, etc, just advertising a business not related to book.  At all.

And yes, my PM was polite.

I recently got 13 "business cards" for another book site with a book I ordered from someone here.  I did what you did - sent a nicely worded PM reminding her of both PBS and USPS rules saying that I would have refused to pay extra for the book had it been inspected and she would have received it back.  I was very polite, but never heard anything back.  **shrug**

I understand folks wanting free ways to promote things, but, this is not the way to do it because at some point it may not be free, if the package gets inspected.  And it's against the rules. 

I think they're stepping up because it's the holiday season. More people are going to to try to get away with sending a holiday card/letter with the package that is sent media mail. My post office asks everyone on every package the obligatory questions. Those that kow me don't ask me on PBS books anymore because they've gotten to know me but they still do if it's not a PBS labeled packaged. 

http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/173.pdf

This is a link to the post office rules concerning media mail. A surprising number of non-media enclosures ARE permitted. The relevant information about what is allowed is on the last 3 pages.

I think there was another book club business cards enclosed in books......a bunch at ome time.

Thanks Bren - I was looking for that and couldn't find it.   IT IS amazing the things you CAN send with media mail.  

I"ve gotten business cards for Avon and Mary Kay with my PBS books.  Tacky!!

I got something for bookmooch that was taped to the outside of my package. I was a little shocked but did not say anything.

I got some business cards advertising condos last spring.  I sent them a PM telling them it was against the rules and put similar info in the info box that goes back to PBS just in case this person was a frequent offender and needed some extra help at stopping the habit.  I've had a packaged get inspected before so I know they check around here and I don't want to get dinged for extra postage.  And it is tacky and not even book related.

I got a wierd one once. The person printed the PBS info on the same sheet of paper that advertized her used book site. It gave the site info and prices. I didn't PM her about it, but thought it was kinda tacky.