tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post639957241587743424..comments2023-07-03T07:26:04.780-04:00Comments on The Rejecter: Vampires Who Fight Crime > Vampires Who Don'tThe Rejecterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087643296072075641noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-17209584746711024502009-01-08T11:42:00.000-05:002009-01-08T11:42:00.000-05:00I put books in the category of experiences rather ...I put books in the category of experiences rather than things, so I find the thought of returning a book I didn't like distasteful. However, I also get outraged when I buy and read a book that isn't up to my standards (although I usually get mad at the publisher/editor for letting dreck be put out in the marketplace, not mad at the author). Books are the medium, the content (or perhaps the experience of the content) is the product.Caitlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01902323705822523271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-88650416671967588442008-09-24T00:05:00.000-04:002008-09-24T00:05:00.000-04:00Personally, Breaking Dawn was tooooooooo far fetch...Personally, Breaking Dawn was tooooooooo far fetched. She lost the whole realistic vibe in Breaking Dawn. The point (my personal opinion) of fantasy/fiction is to mold a myth into reality. I love the idea of a hot vampire or attending a magical school (Hogwarts.)<BR/>You feel me?<BR/><BR/>The whole pregnancy? Imprinting? Jacob? There is a way of creating a happy ending with or without bloodshed. There were so many avenues she could have used.<BR/><BR/>Honestly, I think Steph used every first "great" idea she thought she had. Which in my opinion and experience in writing is a big fat no no. I don't even know that she went through the first draft to edit (and approve) her work.<BR/>For me it was a disappointment, I could not finish it.<BR/>Y<BR/>es I did want to return it, but it sits on my nightstand collecting dust.<BR/>If a shirt does not fit properly, will you not return it? Same should go for books. I for one HATE buying an album that sucks! But of course you cannot return it because the seal has been broken. So what do you do? give it away or it gets lost in your collection.<BR/><BR/>P.S. Breaking Dawn was way to drawn out (snore.) There was to much about things that us readers could careless about.<BR/>Though I must say, I still love her OTHER books.I hope she continues to write... WELL.lachocolatreinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03455488008757306950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-7816912614188543202008-09-20T23:57:00.000-04:002008-09-20T23:57:00.000-04:00Oooh, a fellow Forever Knight fan! I actually cam...Oooh, a fellow Forever Knight fan! I actually came into the fandom the odd way around. I read some of the fanfic--probably from a crossover fic or rec, it's been a while . . . <BR/><BR/>Anyway--liked it, devoured more, then decided, if the fic is this good, surely the dvds are great. So I bought them. Not disappointed. I've just recently gone into hiatus myself in order to work on my own works in progress.<BR/><BR/>--Jodi (a lurker)Jodi Ralstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02400458940845469179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-22169243261663942412008-09-20T08:14:00.000-04:002008-09-20T08:14:00.000-04:00Personally, I return books that I think stink. On...Personally, I return books that I think stink. On the other hand, I'm a very careful reader, and books I've read all the way through, even several times, often look like they've never been opened at all. I'm finicky that way.<BR/><BR/>If I weren't such a careful reader, and books looked used after I read them, I don't think it would be right to try to return a product the bookstore can't resell -- that's unfair to them. It's expecting them to willingly take a loss. However, if I return a book that still looks brand new, and they can resell it to someone else just as easily as if I'd never bought it at all, I don't see the trouble.<BR/><BR/>Personally, I see that as little different from sitting and reading the book right there in the store -- true, that does mean that it won't be available for someone else to buy during the days you kept it at home, but that's about it.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, if a book looks used after you've read it, which it seems to with most readers, returning isn't the fairest policy to the bookstore. Better to use libraries more often, and then donate/sell to used bookstores/trade on BookMooch any books you've read and didn't like.<BR/><BR/>At least, that's my opinion. For the record, I don't tend to return books unless I think they were actually awful; books that were good and just not my taste, I tend to trade online to other readers, even if they still look brand new. It's nicer to everybody.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16786940428737153633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-74337263540069161782008-09-16T18:25:00.000-04:002008-09-16T18:25:00.000-04:00I assume the rejecter is out writing the great Ame...I assume the rejecter is out writing the great American novel... <BR/><BR/>But the rejecter could also just be off enjoying the sun...<BR/><BR/>Or be very busy rejecting people in real life...<BR/><BR/>Either way, there is a void in the blogosphere...Joshuahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10220524073929116679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-41908401737328454762008-09-16T12:49:00.000-04:002008-09-16T12:49:00.000-04:00rejecter, where have you gone? we miss you!rejecter, where have you gone? we miss you!Etiquette Bitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15656611315466903464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-77416215076407867802008-09-15T00:53:00.000-04:002008-09-15T00:53:00.000-04:00Morally disagreeable, meaning the distinction betw...Morally disagreeable, meaning the distinction between what is right and what is wrong is one to be made at the individual level. There are many legal and acceptable practices I don't believe are morally right. For example, I would never wear fur or leather. Others do. I don't agree with their choice, but it's still their choice to make.<BR/><BR/>I'm not trying to "sugar coat" anything. But this isn't a black-and-white issue like shoplifting or piracy, where ethical (and legal) boundaries are firmly in place. Bookstores that allow returns have given their customers the choice of keeping the book or returning it for a credit/refund. I don't return books, regardless of how I felt about them, or encourage my friends to return books they no longer want or didn't enjoy. But if someone wants to return a book, that's their decision. Not mine or yours or anyone else's.<BR/><BR/>I'd also like to clarify that my focus on this topic is on those who returned a particular book because they felt it was unreadable, not repeat offenders who abuse the privilege of returns by treating book stores as libraries.<BR/><BR/>A couple of posts ago, you mentioned the costs of returns being passed down to the customer, and you were right. They're also passed down to the author. But who's to say that won't happen regardless? Stores allow returns because they have nothing to lose by doing so. They, too, have the option to return books they can't sell, which is why many are willing to take a risk on a midlist or debut author. If by axing its return policy, a book store lost sales, do you not think they would pass those losses on to the consumer? Sure they would.<BR/><BR/>On a higher level, if publishers did away with their return policies, what else would they do away with to cut their losses? Coop? Advances? Fewer books and lower print runs? Those things would ultimately affect the cost of books, too.<BR/><BR/>As I said before, I do think the way returns are handled now is flawed. But I also can't think of any other solution that wouldn't be just as bad or worse in the long run.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-40132301483439554622008-09-12T20:49:00.000-04:002008-09-12T20:49:00.000-04:00Sock said:It may be morally disagreeable, but it i...Sock said:<BR/><BR/>It may be morally disagreeable, but it isn't "wrong".<BR/><BR/><BR/>Ahem ... in what world is "morally disagreeable" (an hysterically funny turn of phrase, btw) not "wrong"?<BR/><BR/>I once knew a lady whose husband was a pathological liar. She said he had "honesty problems."<BR/><BR/>It amazes me how people in this day and age can "sugar coat" things in this fashion.<BR/><BR/>Also, store policies exist to protect consumers from products that fall apart after one or three wearings or in the washer, not so that they can make a test run on how their friends think they look in them. Unfortunately, store policies are flagrantly abused.<BR/><BR/>And, yes, if a pair of shoes caused me unmerciful pain upon actual wear I would consider returning them - although, if it was a pair of 3" stiletos I'd hope that I'd have enough sense to have seen that coming. I'm guessing that Carradee didn't have that particular problem because sometimes a pair of sensible shoes can surprise you, too.AndieJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03642077250380342321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-42892919233673029732008-09-11T09:04:00.000-04:002008-09-11T09:04:00.000-04:00If you buy anything at the store, and decide you d...If you buy anything at the store, and decide you don't want it, and it's still in like-new condition, you're free to return it. If you start reading a book and don't like it enough that you're not gonna finish, sure, return it. I've returned shoes that proved impossible for me to wear after two tries.<BR/><BR/>Now, once I put white-out in a book, to avoid the language. That one got bad enough that I didn't finish it, but I didn't return it. It had white-out in it. If it had lacked the white-out, I would've returned it in a heartbeat.<BR/><BR/>People who work at some book stores are allowed to borrow and read whatever's on the shelves as long as it still looks new when they're done. I see nothing wrong with returning a book for a plot defect as long as it still looks new.Carradeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05431561739001270522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-38504740542460021222008-09-10T14:40:00.000-04:002008-09-10T14:40:00.000-04:00"All you can do is shrug, donate or sell the book,..."All you can do is shrug, donate or sell the book, and move on."<BR/><BR/>No, they can return it. The fact that many don't like it is irrelevant.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-53080223851967646752008-09-10T07:38:00.000-04:002008-09-10T07:38:00.000-04:00ALC -- Those who return books haven't stolen the b...ALC -- Those who return books haven't stolen the book, downloaded it illegally, or infringed against the author's rights in any way. Just because many of us here don't agree with returning books to the store after having read them doesn't mean it's wrong. It may be morally disagreeable, but it isn't "wrong".<BR/><BR/>I do think the way returns are handled now is flawed, and you're right that some of that cost is diverted back to the reader. But there's little that can be done about that until the rules change. As long as stores say it's OK to return a book, there will be those who take them up on that offer. I don't like it, but I can accept it as how things are at the moment.<BR/><BR/>Just FYI, about the partied-in clothes, they were placed back on the racks and sold anyway. If they were damaged, they were discounted. If they were dirty, they got pressed -- not cleaned, just pressed. It's one of the reasons I don't try things on in stores anymore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-16616172558270021232008-09-09T18:25:00.000-04:002008-09-09T18:25:00.000-04:00It would have been nice to get my money back on "T...It would have been nice to get my money back on "Twilight", which I thought was utter rubbish, but I didn't even try because, well, you don't. If I'd then gone on to buy "Breaking Dawn", I can't see how I'd have any justification for complaining about its quality, or the lack thereof. All you can do is shrug, donate or sell the book, and move on.nonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00415222406280230021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-16111573619834620202008-09-05T18:37:00.000-04:002008-09-05T18:37:00.000-04:00That's interesting since most people I know would ...That's interesting since most people I know would all agree that, regardless of store policy, buying an expensive outfit (or any outfit) for a one-time party or gig, using and abusing it for that one-time gig and then returning it - again, regardless of store "policy" - is, and always will be, a "sleazy" thing to do.<BR/><BR/>It's just a step "above" shoplifting, because guess who ends up paying for the now "unsellable" merchandise? And who do you think they'll pass those costs on to?AndieJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03642077250380342321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-16469798620782579292008-09-05T14:16:00.000-04:002008-09-05T14:16:00.000-04:00...and without it being labled a sleazy thing to d......and without it being labled a sleazy thing to do.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06796352396826829466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-45237068667340630592008-09-05T10:10:00.000-04:002008-09-05T10:10:00.000-04:00I used to work in a department store. Every Monda...I used to work in a department store. Every Monday morning, we would have returns in the double-digits from people who had purchased an outfit the Friday before, spent all weekend partying in it, and then wanted their money back. The clothes would be in bad shape--wrinkled, stained, damaged--but we took them back anyway, no questions asked, because that was the company's policy. Yes, it was annoying. But the company's promise to the customer that she can return an item for any reason within thirty days trumps my opinion that it's a sleazy thing to do.<BR/><BR/>So the way I see it, whether a book is a product or an experience shouldn't matter. Neither should the question of whether or not returning books is ethically or morally an OK thing to do. If the store where the book was purchased says their customers can return books they didn't like after reading them, then the customer has every right to do just that, preferably without being labeled an asshole.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-2944375511691169572008-09-01T08:02:00.000-04:002008-09-01T08:02:00.000-04:00A question and a comment. First the question.Reje...A question and a comment. First the question.<BR/><BR/>Rejecter: I don't remember seeing an article in Publishers Weekly about the number of returns on Breaking Dawn. I searched the PW archives and couldn't find one. Would you mind advising when the story appeared? Thanks.<BR/><BR/>Comment: I've returned a book exactly twice in my life. The first time was in 1998. The book was When the Wind Blows by James Patterson. I'd plunked down my $25, expecting to curl up with a solid mystery. Instead I found myself reading a sci-fi/paranormal about children with wings. Despite the fact that I LOVE paranormals, I was seriously torqued. I felt I'd been a victim of bait and switch. The flap of the book was misleading, talking about the mystery confronting a widowed Colorado veterinarian. I returned that book to the bookstore for credit and, in the ten years since, have never purchased another Patterson novel.<BR/><BR/>The second time was a few years ago with Amazon.com. I was cruising the mysteries and saw one by an author unknown to me. The concept was intriguing so I ordered it. <BR/><BR/>When it arrived, I couldn't read more than four pages--it was THAT badly written. I couldn't believe any publisher had actually released the book. I turned to the copyright page and realized it was self-published. I was so damn mad, I called Amazon (it wasn't easy to find a number, which tells you how mad I was). They agreed to let me return the book, which I did.<BR/><BR/>For some time afterward, I was very careful to check the publisher before making a purchase on Amazon. Nowadays, I've stopped buying from Amazon altogether because I just don't like the bullying tactics they've been using on publishers.Maya Reynoldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12791278987339976101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-57396704667669047362008-08-31T16:46:00.001-04:002008-08-31T16:46:00.001-04:00ALC is bit fired up, no?If you return a book becau...ALC is bit fired up, no?<BR/><BR/>If you return a book because you didn't like it, than your an asshole.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06796352396826829466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-21989767447086680082008-08-31T16:21:00.000-04:002008-08-31T16:21:00.000-04:00Anonymous said... Well I personally think an autho...Anonymous said... <BR/>Well I personally think an author who is paid MILLIONS OF DOLLARS is expected to have some sort of quality, or at least fluffy enjoyment, in their stories. To me, "It was ok" isn't good enough for an author who is being paid seven figure numbers.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Why? And, who are you to dictate what is appropriate pay for someone who isn't getting their millions DIRECTLY from you? This is such an assinine argument.<BR/><BR/>It's like a 350 pound couch-potato lamenting that the pro-football quarterback doesn't deserve what he's being paid. Until you can get off of your behind and do the same job with even mediocre by comparison to the quarterback's WORST results - you are in no position to judge what is appropriate pay for the job.<BR/><BR/>The simple fact is, Stephanie Meyer has made an exorbitant amount of money for her publishers. She has managed to write at least three "pleasing" best-sellers for the fans (what have YOU done lately?), and has done it as a first-time author- Literally! Twilight was her first work of fiction EVER.<BR/><BR/>And, just so you know, I didn't care for Twilight. I read to pg. 317 and couldn't bring myself to finish. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I ended up giving it to my niece for her birthday and creating a new Stephanie Meyer's fanatic.<BR/><BR/>The ONLY justifiable reason I could possibly think of for returning a book is that there was something so completely offensive within its covers and that it was labeled as a family (i.e. safe for everyone) read.<BR/><BR/>Buying a book, reading it and then returning it just because you didn't LIKE it is like buying an article of clothing and using it 'til it's worn out (because once you've read the book you've completely used the product)and then trying to return it because you didn't LIKE it.<BR/><BR/>You bought the book. You can't prove that there's anything reprehensible enough to warant a return after having read it. NOT LIKING it is, as has been stated here a number of times already, the chance you take on ANY book you buy whether its from an unknown or a tried and true author.<BR/><BR/>People, they can't all be winners.<BR/><BR/>I bought a new collection of short stories by Stephen King six years ago. I'm not a HUGE King fan, but I'd read some of his novels and shorts years ago and thought that it would be the perfect way to pass a long flight. I couldn't read ANY of the stories to completion. They were all filthy! The ones that didn't start out filthy turned filthy suddenly at some point into the story.<BR/><BR/>Was I unhappy about this? Absolutely. Did I feel ripped off? To a certain degree, yes. However, I realized that I hadn't read any of his work in years and that times have changed. It was the chance that I took when I purchased the book. <BR/><BR/>If any of you people are aspiring writers you might want to think twice about encouraging people to return books just because they didn't LIKE them. If this becomes the trend then getting published will be even more difficult for first time authors.<BR/><BR/>THINK people.AndieJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03642077250380342321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-16543228682357146432008-08-31T15:09:00.000-04:002008-08-31T15:09:00.000-04:00Hey amy?KOO-HOO-DOE's.Nicely done.Once I'm publish...Hey amy?<BR/>KOO-HOO-DOE's.<BR/>Nicely done.<BR/>Once I'm published, make sure you and thoes like you buy it. OK?<BR/><BR/>;-)<BR/><BR/>~michaelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-87315622372610124242008-08-31T15:01:00.000-04:002008-08-31T15:01:00.000-04:00I wouldn't return a book simply because I disliked...I wouldn't return a book simply because I disliked it, the same way I wouldn't demand my ticket price back from a movie theater if I disliked the film, or from the box office if I were dissatisfied with the dramatic content of a play. Entertainment is a subjective thing; we therefore expect consumers of entertainment (which books like BD are) to take a slightly greater chance of dissatisfaction. If the actors just stopped in the middle of a play, or the projector broke down during a film, then I'd ask for a refund; if a book were lacking chapters, or if it had been sold with the wrong dust jacket attached, something like that, then I'd return it. Other than that, I take my chances. I think this is the most appropriate response. In other words, we don't treat books like any other consumer goods because they aren't -- they're entertainment.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16506299532993391141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-65840301231139333702008-08-29T06:01:00.000-04:002008-08-29T06:01:00.000-04:00I think the people trying to return books to make ...I think the people trying to return books to make a statement have an impossible expectation of the publisher. Art is a matter of taste. Personally I think the painting we have in one of our local libraries is hideously ugly. The only impressive thing about it is that it's big and contains a lot of expensive oil paint. But someone liked it (or the artist) enough to procure it for the library, and I'm sure there are people who like it just fine.<BR/><BR/>There's never a guarantee with art. The author pleased some people. The author will not be able to please all people. It's a shame that she couldn't please a higher percentage, but I'm sure she did her best in good faith and in the hopes that the readers would continue to enjoy the story she's telling. The publishers and editors out there can't and shouldn't write the stories. If the readers like the story so far, the assumption is that they'll keep liking the story. If they don't, it's a shame but out of the publisher's, and honestly, out of the writer's control. Writers aren't psychic and can't always guess correctly what the readers will want, though I'm sure SM sure wishes she was about now. Ouch.Kamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531243633193697440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-91068824692577016322008-08-27T21:34:00.000-04:002008-08-27T21:34:00.000-04:00If bookstores didn't allow returns of "used" (read...If bookstores didn't allow returns of "used" (read) books, I wouldn't buy new books. If I was interested in it and the library didn't have it, too bad for the author--they aren't going to be making a fan of me.Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07435179659711364646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-83832220902721863992008-08-27T10:31:00.000-04:002008-08-27T10:31:00.000-04:00At the movies one time, my father-in-law left befo...At the movies one time, my father-in-law left before the movie started and demanded his money back because he didn't like the <I>previews.</I> (He got the refund, too.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-56077874865185656132008-08-26T16:21:00.000-04:002008-08-26T16:21:00.000-04:00I can't opine on Breaking Dawn, because I haven't ...I can't opine on <I>Breaking Dawn</I>, because I haven't read any of the series and don't particularly plan to. <BR/><BR/>Now that that's out of the way ... I don't think I've ever returned a book to a bookstore because I didn't like it; in fact, I don't think I've ever returned a book to a bookstore <I>ever</I>. Oh, except once or twice to the university bookstore when I was a student, as when a course for which I'd already bought the books was cancelled or similar. (I tried to return the Spanish language textbook from which pages began to fall out in the last week of September, but they wouldn't take it back, even though it was <I>clearly</I> defective, because it wasn't still shrinkwrapped. ::fume::) <BR/><BR/>But then, I don't buy a lot of books I haven't already read, and I buy more second-hand books than new ones. You can always take second-hand books back to any old second-hand bookstore, not for what you paid for them but for cash or credit, because then they can sell them to somebody else who also isn't expecting something pristine, and everybody wins.<BR/><BR/>I don't think authors owe their readers a particular ending or a particular type of plot or whatever. I think when a publisher markets a book to twelve-year-olds that has adult content in it, that's a problem (I'm not saying they did that, but it sounds like a possibility), but I also think that some people have a much lower "adult content" threshold than I personally do, so ...<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I can't imagine ever taking a book back to a bookstore and asking for a refund because I thought the book sucked. When I think a book sucks, really sucks, so much that I don't even want it on my shelves (this is a rare occurrence, btw), it's likely to end up at the Goodwill or in the Hadassah donation box or something. A lot of those books came from the remainder bin to begin with, and taking them back to argue for my 2,99$? So not worth it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35623128.post-13840654863322685142008-08-25T16:23:00.000-04:002008-08-25T16:23:00.000-04:00Bookstores are actually allowing returns from cons...Bookstores are actually allowing returns from consumers? Sounds risky to me. <BR/><BR/>Wouldn't people abuse the system and simply return books and get their money back, even if they liked the book?<BR/><BR/>Bookstores are having a hard enough time keeping their doors open without being treated like a library. The whole process seems silly to me.<BR/><BR/>Returning a book after reading it is like returning a dress after you wore it to the Prom.<BR/><BR/>My friends at work are lapping up the Twilight series like it's HP or something. My daughter says it's badly written. I'll trust my daughter's judgment.Sandra Cormierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00231342310371529022noreply@blogger.com