OK so I just posted a book today that was a signed first edition of a book that was published this year. Wouldn't you know it, the person who requested the book had conditions - one of those people who wants a like-new book. So I PM'd her to find out if the writing in this one was OK because obviously an author's autograph is considered a bonus to most "book people." And she cancelled the request because of it! I just can't believe anyone on this site would turn down a signed first edition! Fortunately it had a long wish list and the next person was happy to take it off my hands...but I'm still shaking my head over it.

So I sent a suggestion to R&R to maybe make author signatures an allowable exception to the "no writing" rule...

Silly!  I'd sure like an autographed book!  Maybe this is one of the few who is on PBS to get near neew books to turn around and sell them again.

One would think that if her goal was to turn around and sell it,  she'd want the autographed copy! She might be able to get more for a "signed first addition"

Um...yeah! A signature can add significantly to the value of a book. If she's a reseller and she doesn't know that, she's losing a lot of money...

Wow, that is really strange. I would love an autographed copy of most books, even if it doesn't meet the "official" requirements.  I have sent a few autographed books out over the last few years and most people were shocked (in the good way) and really appreciated. Of course, most of these books have been fairly obscure.

Brian

•  

Bren, I get a similar feeling with some of my books. I have some that I've registered with BookCrossing. All I do when I register is to put the standard 2"x4" sticker inside the front cover. When I get a condition that says "No BookCrossing Books" I look at my like-new, near-mint condition book and think, "Well, they said no BookCrossing...." and hit the decline button.

I would have done the same with your book. If it says "No Writing" or "Like New", and I'd look at that autograph and I'd think, "Well, she said like new..." and click on decline. I'd be sure to put a note for the actual recipient that says "Surprise! This one's autographed!" I'm sure it would make the recipient's day! :)

I guess their loss is someone else's gain :)

WOW!! I would love an autographed book. :) 
In fact, unless the words have been worn off the pages or there is just to much "guck" for me to read the book, I'll take any book.

Im not picky.

I got an autographed copy of a book.....blanking on the name right now!  It was the first book I took the book jacket off so it wouldn't get creased or torn while I was reading it...then made sure to put it back before I sent it on   to it's new home!

I automatically turn down a condition-ed request for "like new" etc. Go to a bookstore.

Now, I just ordered a book, and lo and behold, the poster was the author of the book. What a pleasant surprise. YOU BET I wanted her autograph. She graciously accomodated me, and I'm looking forward to receiving and reading the book.

I think I asked this once, or maybe read it in the help section but a signature, "property of Sue" or short sentance like "To Billy on his 5th birthday love Aunt Alice"  was postable.  Although I also would PM the member first.

For the record an autograph would be a huge plus for me, I collect autographs and signed books make me squee with delight!

lol

Although I also would PM the member first.

No need. If it's allowed by PBS rules, there's no need to get pre-approval. If someone wants one without writing inside the cover, it should be written up in the conditions. I only PM someone if it's an extreme case, such as a BX book where the member got overzealous on marking the book. Otherwise, it's up to the requestor to specify those things above and beyond the PBS guidelines.

Tammy, I have never "squee with delight" but it sure sounds like fun!

I have a lot of autographed books too, from when I used to review books.  I used to collect them but I have too many books, so I just post them now.  I can't imagine someone actually being put out by an autograph....how strange.  Heck, if you're lucky, you can find autographed books for sale at Barnes & Noble after a booksigning.  Can you see B&N reducing the price of a book because it's autographed?  Hardly.  They advertise the fact. 

I guess some people are members here for a different reason than I am.

I love to read.  A lot.  I really don't care what condition the book is in, as long as it's readable.

It totally baffles me that someone might be upset that a book is autographed by the author!

Turned down a signed first-edition because the book had writing in it????

Why, yes, yes, I believe I'd do the same thing, just please give me the opportunity. Please do throw me into that briar patch.

Lawsy, lawsy me......

I had a scrapbooking book signed by the author and swapped it here.  I emailed the person first and they were happy to get it!!!  That adds to the value as far as I know.

Wow. 

Whenever I get an autorgraphed book, it's like an extra bonus!