We should start a book trading org

[proudmom25]

Wouldn't it be cool if you could send books to one another? I wish there was something like that because there are series that i would like to read but can only get one or two books from the library because for some reason some books you just can't get it's like libraries have no more of them. Also books are very expensive or can be it would be alot less expensive just paying for postage back and forth. It's an idea what are your thoughts?

[StephenKingman]

I set up this idea in the off topic forum under "User Sale Thread" where people can buy and sell their unwanted books through paypal or eBay, it didnt really take off though for whatever reason, maybe people dont want the hassle of postage, dont have an account etc, I still think its a great idea as there are sone diverse members here with plenty of books so if you want I will post an updated list to the thread and see if you are interested in buying, trading etc.

-- Sun May 06, 2012 2:14 am --

I set up this idea in the off topic forum under "User Sale Thread" where people can buy and sell their unwanted books through paypal or eBay, it didnt really take off though for whatever reason, maybe people dont want the hassle of postage, dont have an account etc, I still think its a great idea as there are sone diverse members here with plenty of books so if you want I will post an updated list to the thread and see if you are interested in buying, trading etc.

[DATo]

Wouldn't it be cool if you could send books to one another? I wish there was something like that because there are series that i would like to read but can only get one or two books from the library because for some reason some books you just can't get it's like libraries have no more of them. Also books are very expensive or can be it would be alot less expensive just paying for postage back and forth. It's an idea what are your thoughts?

My compliments to both you and StephenKingman for your ideas. It is a very interesting thought but I think the postage would be ruinous - especially to another country. I have an internet friend in Canada who sends me used books that she thinks I would enjoy for Christmas or my birthday and I have had to insist that she stop because often the postage far exceeds the cost of the book and Canada is a bordering country. I do not read Steven King but the other day at the library they had two hard-bound copies of King's books (don't remember the titles) in mint condition. They looked like they had never been read. They were for sale for one dollar each. I know there are people here who read King and thought what a shame they did not have the opportunity I had at that moment. I would have been more than happy to have bought them and sent them to anyone here who would want them but as I said you could probably buy the books new for what it would cost to ship them.

This is a bit off topic but I once read of a fad which had started which involved just leaving a book in a public place for someone else to pick up and read. Inside the book would be a note to the person who finds it to also leave the book for someone else when they are finished with it and to leave their name and city on the inside back cover. There were stories in this article of books which had traveled hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles with many names inscribed. Of course it would only take one overzealous janitor to simply throw the book away and end its odyssey. Has anyone else heard of this?

[StephenKingman]

^ Hi Dato, you are probably right about postage, especially considering so many members live in far flung places like Canada and New Zealand etc so in that respect the cost would outweigh what you get paid for it. I think the main problem is books are so, so easy to get cheap these days so not many people will fork out more than they have to for a book in the shop which they can get half price on eBay, Amazon etc, not to mention the slowly overtaking Kindle and their cheap downloads. I sell a lot of things on eBay but never books because the market is so bloated and many books never sell for over a dollar!

If anyone IS interested though, I could start a User Trade thread where members list what books they want and what books they are willing to trade for it. I know the postage is still an issue but maybe the people who dont live so far apart can avail of it. Example, I may be looking for House of Leaves, so someone can post it to me and I post them a book they want, does this sound an ok idea, let me know people and I can set it up. Dato, I no longer want 84 Charing Cross Road if you are interested

I never heard of that idea about leaving notes, but it sounds very original! We have a book swap room at work where people come along and donate a book then take one they want etc and so on until you have a wide variety of books.

[DATo]

StephenKingman - I REALLY like the book swap idea you mentioned. Now THAT is more the ticket! No postage involved and presumably the clean up people would know not to throw them away. I have taken several boxes of books to work and just left them in the common room (where we drink coffee ect) with a sign stating that they are free for anyone to take. They usually disappear in about a week or two. For awhile others started doing the same thing but then it tapered off.

Now, I know you didn't like 84 Charing Cross Road but I implore you not to throw it away. Just as I would have gone far afield to get a Steven King book to you I'm sure there is someone you could give the 84 book to who would really like it. I know you think you would be throwing a blight upon them but I truly believe that there is someone you know who you could give it to who will bless you for the consideration.

[StephenKingman]

^ Oh I wont throw it away, the main reason I set up the trade thread was either making cash from small sales or getting some books I wanted in exchange for a book I didnt, there may still be people nearby who want it so I will hang onto it, as well as all the other books I have which I would be sickened to throw away. Its a hard market, second hand books, so maybe someone out there will be interested enough to start a few trades and give their books a new lease of life.

[Fran]

@DATo
I think what you are referring to is http://www.bookcrossing.com/ ...... an excellent idea IMO

[Bighuey]

I used to give books I didnt want to the thrift stores. Ive tried to sell them at yard sales but not many people want them. To exchange them by mail would be too expensive for my taste. I order a lot of books from Alibris sent to my box in San Diego, some as cheap as 99 cents but the S+H is 4 or 5 dollars, plus California state tax. It would probably cost a million dollars to have them shipped to Mexico, and take six months to get it.

[proudmom25]

Wouldn't it be cool if you could send books to one another? I wish there was something like that because there are series that i would like to read but can only get one or two books from the library because for some reason some books you just can't get it's like libraries have no more of them. Also books are very expensive or can be it would be alot less expensive just paying for postage back and forth. It's an idea what are your thoughts?

My compliments to both you and StephenKingman for your ideas. It is a very interesting thought but I think the postage would be ruinous - especially to another country. I have an internet friend in Canada who sends me used books that she thinks I would enjoy for Christmas or my birthday and I have had to insist that she stop because often the postage far exceeds the cost of the book and Canada is a bordering country. I do not read Steven King but the other day at the library they had two hard-bound copies of King's books (don't remember the titles) in mint condition. They looked like they had never been read. They were for sale for one dollar each. I know there are people here who read King and thought what a shame they did not have the opportunity I had at that moment. I would have been more than happy to have bought them and sent them to anyone here who would want them but as I said you could probably buy the books new for what it would cost to ship them.

This is a bit off topic but I once read of a fad which had started which involved just leaving a book in a public place for someone else to pick up and read. Inside the book would be a note to the person who finds it to also leave the book for someone else when they are finished with it and to leave their name and city on the inside back cover. There were stories in this article of books which had traveled hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles with many names inscribed. Of course it would only take one overzealous janitor to simply throw the book away and end its odyssey. Has anyone else heard of this?

Wow I have never heard of that but that sounds really cool!! One book so many places so many ppl who would think I should do that one day.

-- 07 May 2012, 17:18 --

^ Hi Dato, you are probably right about postage, especially considering so many members live in far flung places like Canada and New Zealand etc so in that respect the cost would outweigh what you get paid for it. I think the main problem is books are so, so easy to get cheap these days so not many people will fork out more than they have to for a book in the shop which they can get half price on eBay, Amazon etc, not to mention the slowly overtaking Kindle and their cheap downloads. I sell a lot of things on eBay but never books because the market is so bloated and many books never sell for over a dollar!

If anyone IS interested though, I could start a User Trade thread where members list what books they want and what books they are willing to trade for it. I know the postage is still an issue but maybe the people who dont live so far apart can avail of it. Example, I may be looking for House of Leaves, so someone can post it to me and I post them a book they want, does this sound an ok idea, let me know people and I can set it up. Dato, I no longer want 84 Charing Cross Road if you are interested

I never heard of that idea about leaving notes, but it sounds very original! We have a book swap room at work where people come along and donate a book then take one they want etc and so on until you have a wide variety of books.

I really like that idea that's kind of exactly what i had in mind.I say definitly something i would like to participate in. i say go for the thread!!! Plz let me know when you do if you do Have a Great day!!

[Geneen Karstens]

Our two local libraries have areas where you can leave books for anyone to take and read and they can bring them back or not. I've taken some books there and picked up many books. I give a lot of mine to a shut-in who really appreciates them. I've sold some at garage sales also but as Bighuey said it's not always successful

[DATo]

@DATo
I think what you are referring to is http://www.bookcrossing.com/ ...... an excellent idea IMO :lol:

Fran - Thanks so much for the link! I knew I wasn't dreaming but as is often the case I lose the sources of my information. The website you posted as well as the concept of giving books a new (temporary) home via this method is fascinating.

[Maud Fitch]

I'm not sure about the US library system, ProudMom, but in Australia we have public libraries that can source books using ILL or InterLibrary Loan service. Also, libraries can access the State Archives so if the book is out there, it's available. With the decline in real bookstores around the country, I feel starting another resource would erode book production even further.

[proudmom25]

I'm not sure about the US library system, ProudMom, but in Australia we have public libraries that can source books using ILL or InterLibrary Loan service. Also, libraries can access the State Archives so if the book is out there, it's available. With the decline in real bookstores around the country, I feel starting another resource would erode book production even further.

That is true.I do agree with that. Which is why i came up with this idea is because i searched my library for a book series it says damaged when i search the archives they all say same thing damaged. Dosent make any since why havent they just replaced the damage book?