The Chronicle/SF Gate had an article recently about two book swap sites; Bookmooch.com and Paperbackswap.com.
Now this is a wonderful idea whose time has literally come, but towards the end of the article comes one of my main caveats-
Mooching is one thing. But lending - and expecting the book to return - may still not be advised for many a reader. Even Milner keeps her favorites from Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse or Henry James for herself.
"I only lend books," she said, "to people who I know really well and I know where they live."
7 comments:
Lending is giving something to a friend, not worrying about getting it back.
I became a library girl several years ago. I know writers hate to hear that because it slows down their sales, but economy and space have dictated.
The couple shelves or so that I do have filled with books that are dear to me (and many are signed), so I'm like the lady you quoted, I don't loan them out freely.
I do have a few cheezy paperbacks that you are welcome to.
Rosaria,
Exactly and emphasis on friend.
Pyzahn,
Thank you very much, but when ti comes to cheese, save yourself the postage ; )
"I know writers hate to hear that because it slows down their sales, but economy and space have dictated."
Well, virtually every writer has been to a library, and they should also realize that one has to find a new audience somewhere.
Books are one thing I don't feel comfortable lending out. People's mitts all over them, no thanks. Go buy your own, or visit the library.
Creepy,
I don't mind lending them out to friends and even one friend has a tendency to eat, which really ticks me off because I don't want grease on my books or them smelling like food. I had to learn to let that one go to a degree.
As far as germs, I hit the used book stores, so I'm not a germaphobe when it comes to books, though I wash my hands everytime before I eat, regardless.
Found my way here from somewhere or other so stopped to say hello.
I lost a sentimentally valuable book through loaning it to a so-called trustworthy friend who, although she had promised to return it, passed it on to someone she hardly knew. I never saw it again.
Valerie,
Welcome and I'm sorry to hear that, if you can't rely and trust on a friend to the book back, well...
I have leant books to some of my coworkers and I have a fifty-fifty return rate, not good odds.
Post a Comment