Frances51:

Although I agree that there are improvements that could be made to RiSi and some of Richard's original suggestions have been made before (e.g. adding a description when none is available on Amazon, other options for rejecting books) but I really don't see that anything that changes RiSi so it is no longer a simple book swapping site is an improvement.

There have been developments in the time that I have been a member but nothing has changed the fact that RiSi does what it says on the tin. You read a book and then swap it for one you want to read.

It's a site for people who love books and reading of all kinds. Isn't that why we joined? 

That's it in a nutshell Frances! 

wendye:

mrsauk:

I also enjoy looking up different books and like Anne have found some gems I might not have if I had just read the usual blurb. As for adding a fee, I am a definate NO. As I already spend around £45 to £50 a month on postage a fee would make me quit.

Blimey Carol and I thought I was getting through a lot (I've sent off 7 so far this week and have another to send tomorrow) - mind you over £8 of that last lot was for those you sent me.

Wendy

  I didn't include those only swaps

riccardo:

My time really is money.  It would be cheaper to just buy one from Amazon etc.

Richard

Hello Richard,

Please don't take this the wrong way, but why don't you just go to Amazon instead?

I love swapping books. Looking through the lists, never knowing what you'll find. I love wiating to see if your swap will be accepted and waiting eagerly for the postman every morning (or afternoon!). To me, that's what makes the site fun. I love the thrill of the exchange and I like to know where the book is going to. It's made me be much more ruthless about which books to keep and I wouldn't be like this if they were all going to charity where no one might buy them.

I like that there's no fee to use this site and I doubt I would use this site if it cost. Like you say, it would be cheapr then to go to Amazon.

As with the hardbacks versus paperbacks, I once had some accept my swap and request a book which was only 50 pages. I emailled her to say I'd be happy so send another as it was so small. But usually I don't mind swapping big books for small and vice versa. It all evens itself out in the end.

Hi there.  Seems all my suggestions - some good, some bad - have started people thinking about what they want from RISI.  There are many improvements that can be made but I agree that a fee isn't one of them.

As far as my "...cheaper at Amazon." comment is concerend, you have taken this completely out of context and therefore, with respect, missed the point. 

This is what I said originally: "And as I have already said, this is even more important when the book is specialised non fiction.  I have been looking for books on language and piano studies.  When I search for them the site gives me a list.  The when I click on each one I usually get a message saying it isn't available.  on the very odd occasion one is available, there's no opinion or description given.  My time really is money.  It would be cheaper to just buy one from Amazon etc."

As you can see, my comment did not relate to fiction books.  There is however a particular problem with non-fictional books not being described and usually not being available either which adds to the irritation and the time involved.

Regards, Richard

I list the books I want to swap, I give a description if one doesn't come up, I love getting the e-mails when some-one wants a book, and I go over and over their list to make really really sure that there's something I like. We are all happy and the swap is done, no money, no fee, just good old fashioned helping each other out. Thats the way I like it, all simple and straight forward.

I do feel that an extra option should show up for instance "Please PM me re this swap" as sometimes "I don't want to read any of their books right now" can be a bit harsh as it makes me feel that my books arn't good enough.

I'm not the least bit interested in DVD's, Audio books and down loads-Nothing can beat holding a book in your hands-thats the whole point for me. 

I would like to see a 'right to reply to feedback' button on the feedback side (a little like eBay).  I would like the opportunity to respond to any feedback that may be taken out of context by potential swappers. 

I had a less than 5 feedback for a book before Christmas that had got caught up between 2 postal strikes.  I had emailed the receipient but this didn't stop them putting below a 5 - even though the circumstances were out of my control.

Whilst I agree that sometimes feedback can seem unfair and unjustified, I really would not welcome the 'reply to feedback' option.  I feel that this is often abused on EBay and ends up as 'tit for tat'.

Most swappers look at feedback as a whole, one lower starred feedback out of a good run is not usually enough to put swappers off.  

I really would prefer the feedback to stay as it is.  Tit for tat feedback just causes more resentment, once you get a few more 5 stars your feedback will revert back to 100% 

riccardo:

Hi there.  Seems all my suggestions - some good, some bad - have started people thinking about what they want from RISI.  There are many improvements that can be made but I agree that a fee isn't one of them.

As far as my "...cheaper at Amazon." comment is concerend, you have taken this completely out of context and therefore, with respect, missed the point. 

This is what I said originally: "And as I have already said, this is even more important when the book is specialised non fiction.  I have been looking for books on language and piano studies.  When I search for them the site gives me a list.  The when I click on each one I usually get a message saying it isn't available.  on the very odd occasion one is available, there's no opinion or description given.  My time really is money.  It would be cheaper to just buy one from Amazon etc."

As you can see, my comment did not relate to fiction books.  There is however a particular problem with non-fictional books not being described and usually not being available either which adds to the irritation and the time involved.

Regards, Richard

Richard

This is something quite new to the site as we can buy books through RISI bookshop on Amazon, so it will often list a book and only have it on amazon.