i don't know about anyone else but the one thing that really ticks me off is creases in the binding of a paperback...now i know this is hard to avoid but i've mastered the art of reading a book and not leaving a single crease...and don't even get me started on dog earing pages...makes me want to scream...

i loaned my copy of the black train, slither, and the infernal series out...got them back today and they all have nice, brand new, fresh creases...the black train looks like the reader would read two pages and dog ear it...this goes on throughout the entire novel.....

i don't know what it is or even why but i like to keep the books i purchase in great, to near mint condition...i want it to look like it's never been read...

am i just overreacting or do any of you practice proper book care etiquette...

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"When Carol noticed the two ticks attached to her nipples, she very understandably screamed" - Edward Lee - Slither

and i meant to add...i'm re-ordering copies of those books as i type this out

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"When Carol noticed the two ticks attached to her nipples, she very understandably screamed" - Edward Lee - Slither

I'm the same way as you, but I know people who aren't bothered at all by creases or dogears.

I remember years ago, the first Stephen King novel I read was Desperation. I liked it so much I loaned it to a friend, and it came back with about 3-4 creases down the spine. Drove me nuts.

As long as they're not heavily creased, I'm okay with that. Dog eared pages though, do bother me. That's what bookmarks are for. Also, stickers on books annoy the hell out of me as well.

well now i know i'm not just crazy...haha...and i forgot to add when readers take the cover of the book and wrap it around the back...AHHH!!!!..i mean do that all you want with your own books but don't expect to read any copies i may have...

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"When Carol noticed the two ticks attached to her nipples, she very understandably screamed" - Edward Lee - Slither

I'm there with you, too, i hate it when people crease the bindings on my book. My ex used to like to bend the spines so that the book would lay flat on the table. It drove me nuts when she'd do that!

For me I don't like the creases but I will occassionally dog ear a page. It just depends on the book, sometimes I don't have a bookmark or I forget one and sometimes I just like to mark a page that has something good in it-a quote usually. When I order books from Barnes and Nobles used sellers tho I try to get the best copy available.


~Tony Beals

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"What?Is man merely a mistake of God's?Or is God merely a mistake of man's?"-Frederick Nietzsche

i completely understand you on the buying used books thing...i just got my copy of messenger in yesturday from a independant seller off amazon...the description said "used - like new" but the copy i got has 7 creases down the binding...the is kind of what brought me to start the topic...needless to say this seller didn't get my good review...i mean i'm never one to complain or even leave negative feedback...i thought i was rather nice in letting the seller know to get his book condition judgment fixed real quick

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"When Carol noticed the two ticks attached to her nipples, she very understandably screamed" - Edward Lee - Slither

Yeah, book rating is tough, since each person's perception is different. I've gotten in books that were stated to be in "good condition", that were in immaculate shape. On the other hand though, I've gotten in books in "good condition", that I've thrown away books in better shape. One time, I ordered a book used, and no word of a lie, IT HAD MOLD ON IT!!!! I emailed the seller and told them that the book is in no way readable, and that I've thrown away books in better shape, and that's what I'm going to do with this one. I even threatened to send it back to them. They refunded me my money and also sent me another copy of the book (in much better shape), but that's the chances you take, unless you go for a brand new book.

yes you are very right...the thing is i have to rely on finding used copies of all lee's older work...such as slither, and messenger which i have recently perchased....slither came in in brand new condition and was rated good - readable...so i was very pleased about that

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"When Carol noticed the two ticks attached to her nipples, she very understandably screamed" - Edward Lee - Slither

[quote="dancingwith2leftfeet]
I occasionally sell on eBay (gotta fund the book buying addiction) where you can throughly describe the book condition (although I've found some buyers don't take the time to read it) - it appears that Amazon (and Half-eBay) only allow a limited description. To be on the safe side, I normally select the seller who takes the time to specifically describe the book condition.[/quote]


I agree...I buy alot of used books from B&N's used sellers and I usually try to find best quality for the cheapest price from the seller with the highest reviews(and the most reviews). I also try to see if they actually put a description along with it. I also like that B&N has pretty good guidelines for used book descriptions.


~Tony Beals

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"What?Is man merely a mistake of God's?Or is God merely a mistake of man's?"-Frederick Nietzsche

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with this peeve. In the past I'd re-buy pb's of books I've loved, just in case. One of my favorite book possessions if the 1st edition pb of King's Salem's Lot. (No title, no author name, just the black embossed face). The binding is creased like holy hell but the actual cover looks mint.

Edward Lee

I've had this same affliction for many a year. I actually only lend out books to certain people.
I remember being still in high school and a friend of mine asked if they could see the book I was reading. -If I recall it was Dragonlance: The Legend of Huma-
Anyways I let her see it and almost shit when she proceeded to open the pages well past creasing and basically ruined my copy.
Well I in turn finished reading the rest of my book then, I gave to a friend to keep, and went back to the store to buy a new copy for myself. (Yeah I'm a maniac when it comes to my reads!)

I don't care whether they are worth much or not, they are my babies one and all.