2011: Have you renewed?

Yes? With what?

No? Why not?

No.

Because

1) Uninterested in the renewal offer.

2) Australian pricing.

No.

I really only joined for the O'Brians and then I got a 'little bit' hooked and bought some more.

Then I learned about the price differences and the problem with their descriptions of materials and thought that I'd better just stick to completing my Aubery/Maturin set and leave it at that.

Actually I'm not sure if I'm not just going to send back the O'Brians that I've got and call it quits. Kind of disillusioned right now.

As a photographer, I do like the idea of owning a nice copy of The Nude though.

Edited for grammar.

Yes.

Metamorphosis
Selected Poems - Frost
Black Tulip
Waverley

Will buy later on:

Utopia
The Golem
Wizard of Oz

not yet, waiting for prospectus

Yes. Despite being annoyed at getting one book less in my renewal offer than another member in the eurozone as posted here:)

I chose:
Black Tulip
The Selfish Gene
Brat Farrar
The Sun King

About to with (I think but still um-ing & ah-ing):

Medieval Civilisation
The Ionian Mission
Treason's Harbour
Moonfleet

Also swapping out The Nude for 60 quid's worth of books. Not sure what to pick right now though so holding off to sleep on it.

> 6

Same here. Also in the eurozone and I got The Nude and A Little Book of Language.

No. The pricing issue generally and the current offer is totally unattractive to me (except for the Nude, which looks good).

By the way, I added up the cost of the non-FS publications other books on Book Depository and found I could get them all for a total of $90 delivered (not counting the Nude of course) as opposed to the FS estimate of $180.

Have not yet renewed, waiting for prospectus. Will probably wait for better renewal offer.

Not yet but planning to. The renewal offer doesn't interest me and many posts in this forum have made it clear there's no rush.

Am torn between just going with LE Aeneid as commitment (and then seeing what pops up in sales through the year) OR going with e.g. Golem, Stalingrad, Periodic Table, Age of Innocence. Too many interesting books.

Not yet. Upset about the pricing, but I generally don't renew until the end of the year. I'm waiting for an offer that appeals and has enough value to offset the price discrimination.

Yes. I like the renewal offer (The Nude is a great book and beautifully produced by Folio) and have taken

4 Fairy Books
Stalingrad
Rural Rides
Moonfleet
History of the Kings of Great Britain
Metamorphoses

No - I probably won't until they up the offer twice. It will be difficult to wait while so many others here will be describing their new books in loving detail, but I vow steadfastness.

Not yet. I'll wait a while for a better offer - it always make me rather edgy, as a long-standing fairly high spending member, when other renewal packages are worth more than mine.
But I'm ready with three different renewal packages
- the LE route 'It'll never be cheaper': The Aeneid
- last year's late publications 'I'll save these to renew with': The Great Game, Beyond the Pale, The Pharoahs
- this year's publications 'This year I'll try to keep up to date': Robert Frost, The Selfish Gene, A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush, The Periodic Table

No. I'm planning to renew with the LE Aenid (to keep my collection complete) and The History of the Kings of Britain. Unfortunately, I don't like the initial renewal offer, I asked for an alternative of the Green, Red, and Yellow Fairy books and was told that I could only get one with the Diary for renewal. Or, I could choose three books so long as they don't exceed $100.

So, as of now, I will wait.

Not yet, though I probably will soon. I want to ask for other books, and am not sure which ones I want in place of the Nude. I am also unsure which to buy - love some of the new ones, but I don't want to lose out on some of the old ones. Decisions decisions!

I'm quite happy with “The Nude” as my presentation volume: it'll go nicely alongside Clark's “Civilisation” which was offered about ten years ago. So I've renewed with:

“Rural Rides” (though I can't warm to the illustrations);
“Hitchhiker's Guide” (ditto. Since this was a radio play to begin with I think it might as well have been left unillustrated: after all, as we all know, “radio has the best pictures”);
“Medieval Civilisation”;
“The Sun King”.

Not yet, I'm too busy being cross.

I renew every year (although sometimes I wait for the second offer) and spend hundreds of pounds, and the offer I have been made is that I should buy four books now to receive The Nude, A Little Book of Language and the diary.

I have a relative who only rejoins every few years when there is something specific they want, and never buys more than four books. The offer they have received is that they should buy two books now and two by 1st March, and they would receive The Nude, A Little Book of Language, the diary PLUS The Great Naturalists, The Great Explorers and the chance to order Nobel: A Century of Prize Winners for £4.95 if they order all four books now.

My offer? Worth over £72. Theirs? Worth over £122, plus £20 off another book. :(

Not yet - I'm not interested in The Nude. I'll probably renew when I like the renewal offer better, because I really want the Mapp and Lucia set, or maybe the Smiley books.

I did because I really want The Nude and the other freebies included. I also really wanted a couple of the new books!

I ordered:

All Quiet on the Western Front
Metamorphosis and Other Stories

I plan on ordering more books but figure since I have until March 2011 to order 2 more, I would just take it a couple at a time. No rush.

No, and don't think I will be renewing. I've received the full (I think) free offer (Nude +3 other books) but can't summon up enthusiasm for any of them. Of the new books, only Crusader Castles and Moonfleet tempt me; I would also have gone for Rural Rides if it had more robust illustrations. There's nothing I want off the backlist - correction: nothing I can afford! So like Ooshie's relative at Message 19, I'll probably bale out until a year that comes along with four irresistible books. In the meantime, this will be the year my book fund is diverted to buying shelves rather than more volumes that have to end up on the floor, under the stairs, under the dog's bed....
This could also save my marriage.

Not yet. I'm not at all interested in this renewal offer, so I'll wait for another one. When they do change the offer to my liking, I have a number of books and sets I'm ready to pounce on (Plutarch, Chekhov, Pagans and Christians, some of the new publications...).

I hope for Folio that the great majority of their members renews at once when they get the first offer... Can you imagine the ?150000 or so members individually trying to negociate their renewal?

well for a start, it should be the same renewal offer for everyone; I don't understand why some get better offers than others.

> 25

Or better prices...

I'm renewed...

Metamorphosis
History of the Kings of Britain
Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe
The Monk

I'm stoked about The Nude and will gift or trade any of the other "free" swag I don't want to keep.

I was initially unattracted by The Nude, but now having looked into it further, and seen the pictures, I think it'll make a great addition. I've yet to renew as am mulling over the books to rejoin with, but they are likely to be
Moonfleet
Germinal
The Long Weekend
Rural Rides
although there are others that really appeal, including the Karla Trilogy and the two books to go with The Seeing Stone. I like the look of quite a few of the books later this year, but usually leave those till later or to renew next year.

I have also renewed.

Renewal Books:
Golem
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Last of the Mohicans
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Free
Nobel: A Century of Prize Winners
The Nude
The Great Explorers
The Great Naturalists
A Little Book of Language
The Folio Diary 2011

I will be waiting, nothing interesting for me at least.

I renewed. My offer was the same as SirFolio. I am never very interested in the renewal offer, so it plays no part in my renewal. I purchased

Golem
History of the English Church and People
Pagans and Christians

I am resisting as long as possible for the sake of my credit card, but I'm certain that I will soon give in to:

The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Brat Farrar
The History of the Kings of Britain
Count Belisarius
The Selfish Gene
The War With Hannibal
The Pharaohs
Reflection on the Revolution of France

I have decided to renew with Moonfleet, Hitchikers, All Quiet on the Westen Front and
Metamorphosis and Other Stories also Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde . Wizard and Golem. I have been a member for 15 years now and recently have had a renaissance, in that I bought about 20 books in the sale aswell as books through the year and second hands ones form the 60's(my favourite period)! I find it interesting reading here about the complaints re renewal offer etc. I will admit in past years I have bartered on occasion, but if one recalls when they started there was no free gift, and even in the 60's/70's/80's it would only be one book of their choosing. We have had it quiet easy in regards to how flexible they have been (and I am not talking about the issue of overseas pricing/postage which is another issue). And from what I can gather they are going to be much stricter and this has come from the owner, so don't expect to be offered a £120 set, I believe the next offer may be in nov/dec from what I've been told will only increase to £80, but it was pointed out that books like Wizard of Oz etc would only be for sale at full price, so you would lose the £7 dicount on that, so it could be swings and roundabouts......

>32 basil2001: My complaint about the renewal offer only relates to the fact that my offer is not as good as that given to others; it is the fact that not everyone is treated equally which leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I have never bartered (it never crossed my mind, how naive am I?), and the years in which I renewed on the second offer were years when I wasn't going to bother renewing but was tempted into doing so by the second offer including something I wanted. So cutting back on what is included in the second offer could well be swings and roundabouts for FS, too!

Yes, I renewed. I would have preferred a different renewal offer (like the Da Vinci notebooks for example) but I couldn't resist getting hold of the Red Fairy book (finally, and let's just be happy that TFS has republished it as requested) and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

My renewal books:
Dream Days
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Red Fairy Book
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

My renewel offer:
The Nude
The Great Explorers
The Great Naturalists
A Little Book of Language
The Folio Diary 2011

Oh, and the idea of not having access to the website also made me renew, though I am underwhelmed by the few books that are currently on discount to new members, but we all know that will change too. So I'm very happy!

ooshie I wasn't particularly meaning you! it seems generally some have a bugbear about what the 'offer' is before they will rejoin (and I do include myself in that in the past). It should be the books we want (and presumably all love how they are made) not what they can throw in to induce us. If they had offered just the diary, I would no doubt have joined as I want the books I've ordered (indeed they are quite a few from the new year and from the current that I still want, but hopefully there may be a sale in jan/feb!!). I do find it odd that some have been offered more on the non folio books in their offer.....

Basil2001, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have always wondered what FS was like in the 60's. I think you make good point there about that the FS are seemingly generous to members with the renewal offers now than earlier. I think sometimes some members take for granted how much they are getting from FS. (I am not pointing any fingers at anyone)

>35 basil2001: Sorry basil2001, I didn't mean I was taking your comments personally, I was just explaining further my thoughts on the unequal renewal packages and what tempts me to renew on the occasions I have decided not to. :)

I have always thought of the renewal volumes as a nice "present" when I rejoin - and, personally, the non-Folio volumes they offer never interest me, it's the FS books themselves that I love.

Not yet.

USA renewal offer? I kinda like the Naturalist books; the others I don't care about.

The only thing tempting me at this point is the Red and Yellow Fairy books. I have the Blue and Green. I am concerned they will sell out again....

p.s. I have a set of 8 Waverly novels from 1910.. The Folio edition looks nice though. Perhaps they will publish more.

No, I have not renewed because of the outrageous pricing issue particularly for Australians. I have resumed buying on eBay - example: Lives of the Engineers (new, sealed) $55AUD on ebay, $115 via FS.

Not yet, not interested in the offer.

>25 overthemoon: I agree that the renewal should be the same for everyone.

I'm getting a bitter taste in my mouth from recent dealings with the Folio Society. Although it is nothing as bad as the unequal pricing strategy for some members, it still doesn't sit right with me.

Towards the end of the Spring sale, I wanted The Oxford Companion to the Book with the purchase of four regular priced books. I don't remember which books I choose and really that doesn't matter. The OCB was pending and then I received a notice that it was not going to be in stock. They offered me several other alternatives. I didn't really like those and asked if I could pick other books. Their reply was that I could pick $60 worth of books. I was rather disappointed as I was looking forward to receiving the OCB. In the end, I chose the first four Patrick O'Brian books.

Along these lines - there is definite evidence that the FS is tightening up on their offers.

What I don't understand is the rationale for making these different offers. In common with many on this forum, last year I spent a lot of money on FS books, including 3 LE volumes. Yet my free offer was for the diary, language book, the Nude and the Great Explorers. But no Great Naturalists. Why?

I can't believe that someone at the FS sits down, reviews each member and decides what offer they deserve to have made to them.

Is it based on geographical location?

Is it based on length of membership?

Is it based on average spend ? On this analysis then arguably those members who have spent least on books over the past year will get the more generous offers to tempt them back in.

I don't understand why Folio risk upsetting members with this apparently arbitrary method of treating some members better than others. It not good PR.

> 42

I despair. I am not surprised.

> 42

I don't understand either. You were lucky, QS, I only got the Nude and the language book and I've been a member for several years.

#42
Is it based on length of membership?
Is it based on average spend ? On this analysis then arguably those members who have spent least on books over the past year will get the more generous offers to tempt them back in.

I think the rationale is that loyal customers don't have to be bribed.

I was a member for a continuous period in the 90s, and at that point, all I would get in the renewal offer was the single special book for the year. When I let my membership lapse, I started getting much better offers (especially full sets) to tempt me to rejoin. So I found a pattern of join one year, skip a year or two, rejoin when given a really good offer, repeat, got me much more of the mix I wanted.

If the bulk of the membership renewed regularly with the minimum offer, then the society could afford to only break even on bringing in new members, or enticing old ones back. I think that model, (like the separate US/Canadian/Australian operations) worked very well in pre-internet days; now that people can communicate so easily all over the web, I think it contains the seeds of a lot of resentment.

> 44

Another example of apparent arbitrariness.

> 45

That at least makes sense. If that's the reason I can live with it.

I still think that it is unfair that loyal members, who buy a lot of books, get a worse offer than members who only fulfill the minimal requirement.

Surely it would make economic sense to offer the same renewal offer to everyone? I can understand that it worked pre-Internet, but in this era, if enough people do like EveleenM suggests, then they would lose business in total?

> 46

I did get the Folio Diary (I wasn't counting that since I imagine that it is de rigueur). Perhaps they do keep a close tab of everybody's purchases and adjust accordingly. With the Spring and Summer sales I have managed to accumulate (and distribute among friends) 4 copies of Address Books, 2 tote bags and 4 umbrellas.

As I mentioned in another post, in the end one feels confused and schizoid about the whole affair.

No, none of the books interest me.... I will wait for the next offer or lapse the membership for a year....

>46 Quicksilver66:

EveleenM's explanation is surely the right one. Price discrimination, as I've mentioned before, is at the very heart of FS's business model. This isn't always a greedy tactic (whatever "greed" means in a business context) - sometimes it's the only way to stay afloat. Price discrimination relies on opacity and confusion, but the internet provides new and intense transparency, threatening the model, because (as we well know by now!) no-one likes paying more than the guy next-door.

The distaste of "loyal" members receiving inferior deals is understandable, as it seems perverse to punish rather than reward loyalty. Of course the loyal are the saps you can abuse with impunity - the harsh reality. FS is not alone in punishing loyalty - in the UK, for example, Sky routinely offers better deals to new than existing customers. I'm sure heroin dealers practice likewise.

Anyone game can challenge FS to match the best deal (or better) they can find - FS will back down if discovered and confronted here and there.

I'm from Canada. I called in and asked if I could have an alternative offer to The Nude. Without any haggling, I was told that I could order any books totalling to up to $100. I ordered The Big Sleep and The Age of Innocence as my free books and Stalingrad and Count Belasarius at regular price. Has anyone else had similar success?

As far as I can gather you don't have to haggle, but you only have two choices, either the 4 (or 5 in some case) books they offer or £60 pounds worth of other books, they don't have a problem with the latter. What they won't do now, which they did previously is for example if you want the nude book but none of the others, you could have the value of the other 3. This they will not do now, an edict from above.
I do find if quite droll that quite a few are put out by what the offer is, whether new or old members, surely the fine line is that we do like the books the Folio society produce, and in the final analysis that should be paramount surely?

> 52

I disagree. The books are very expensive and the renewal offer goes in many ways to offsetting the cost.

>52 basil2001:

For some of us (myself, anyway), it's not so much being put out by the offer, or feeling it's not good enough, as it is wondering what I'm going to do with the books I don't want. I live in a small apartment with limited shelf space; my internal debate is do I take The Nude (which I am very interested in) and spend the next several months figuring out what to do with the Naturalist/Explorer titles, or do I wait for another offer? Or ask for a credit and get The Nude later? For me, it's not about how much the gift is worth - any gift is very generous. It's just about keeping clutter out of my home!

I do feel sorry for some individuals here who like drasvola are only offered the Nude and language book and not the others. I am also like many here only interested in the Nude and not so for the others. I would welcome an equitable scheme here to give away the volumes to other members that have not been allowed to receive them by those who have no need for them like beatlemoon mentions. This would at least make both parties happy but at least afford some balance to our problems.

I am also happy for example the free address book I received from SpoonFed as I did not participate in the last two sales. Maybe on the basis of altruism we should stop being negative and help each other out if we can.

The very fact that the renewal package differs depending on certain variables means that it is not really "free." Nor are the other "free" articles that may be offered during sales. I don't think that any of us fools himself. The cost has been factored in, as it cannot be otherwise, since FS are not losing money. We keep going in circles and so are back to square one: FS members renew and buy books taking into account the value that is attached to a particular item wanted given the conditions offered. I love FS editions, some for physical, aesthetic, quality features and some for all these plus literary considerations. And I buy the book when I believe that I can afford the checks and balances involved.

I haven't actually renewed yet, but when I do my four choices will be:

Scott's Last Expedition
The Monk
Metamorphosis
Brat Farrar

I will definitely be ordering more during the year, too.

Reading all the messages,(and other threads) there seems to be three camps-
1-Those that think free gifts are a right (in built or otherwise) with some commenting they won't join if the gift isnt right, which personally I think is ludicrous (and not to do with price or space, these obviously being different concerns)
2-Those who like a little something, as it is the proverbial cherry on the cake.
3-Those to whom it isn't that important as the books as a whole are the important issue.
I am between 2 and 3. If they only issued a diary and maybe a small history as they did in the 60's 70's I would still join, but obviously I also would like the cherry.
And for what they are they are certainly not expensive. My collection of 3 to 4 thousand books span the gamut of paperbacks, hardbacks and special editions from the 1900's onwards and the folio editions are far superior to anything everyday from amazon or a bookshop. yes a hardback from amazon can be as little as £10, but paying £20 odd for something special is not expensive in my mind.

>58 basil2001:

I think your spot on with your examination. I see a free gift from them as not necessarily ancillary to their original offering but even the lack such a gift I would still join. Their fine editions are far superior in quality to make me decide otherwise and not join with or without a free gift.

I wrote a message to FS asking for clarification about their renewal offers. If there are differing levels of rewards, why the mystery? If they insist on this kind of promotion (on 58's scale I'm a '3') perhaps they could offer a "cut through the BS with the FS" 10% discount on all books for the year?

Here's what I wrote:

"Hi there, this is my first renewal with The Folio Society and I have a question:

It appears there are differing levels of renewal offers. Can you please provide me with a description of how to qualify for the differing levels."

>51 leo6:
"For some of us (myself, anyway), it's not so much being put out by the offer, or feeling it's not good enough, as it is wondering what I'm going to do with the books I don't want."

Not difficult surely? They're free. Give them away to friends/enemies/hospitals/charity shops.

I don't think the 'entice people back with a better offer & give longer term members a worse one' model is correct. I've been a member for several years, spent well (including LE books) & I got the best of the renewal packages mentioned here. I don't know how they are worked out but I don't think it's this way.

For me, I just love the books & they are worth the money I pay for them to me so I'll keep renewing while I can afford it. I look forward to a book package. The renewal offer is just the icing on the cake but I'd still buy the books if there was no renewal offer.

I haven't renewed yet because I'm not interested in the presentation volume. Since joining in 2002 this is my ninth renewal year and only once did I have interest in and accept the presentation volume. My first renewal year (2003) I called FS customer service and asked if the presentation volume would be the only offer I received. I was told honestly that if I did not renew I would receive a different offer in a few months. So I waited and selected a set from the second offer. For 2004 I was either not interested or owned what was offered until I received my fifth offer (and I know wish I have made a different selection) and for 2005 I waited until my third offer.

I didn't wait to get a better offer, although pricewise they were, but to get an offer I was interested in. I was more than willing to not renew and part ways with FS. In 2006 after my second offer I didn't want to wait for a third offer so I picked one of the sets, but wrote on the order form a counter offer of a different set, which was accepted. This year there are a number of new book I want, but I will wait until I receive an offer I am interested in to renew as it sounds as if FS is no longer agreeing to members' counter renewal offers.

If anyone would like to see what my offers were from 2003-2008 the are on Message 53 of the Benefits of membership thread. I accepted the 2009 presentation volume offer (Life) and last year I negotiated a renewal that FS accepted.

On the subject of different add-ons to the presentation volume, does anyone want to compile a list of different offers to years of membership? I have been a member for nine straight years and I received the minimal offer of:
The Nude
A Little Book of Language
The Folio Diary 201

>61 featherwate:

You know, it's so easy in theory, but you wouldn't believe the difficulty I'm having in getting rid of nearly four boxes of books right now! This book sale only accepts donations on two days in April (and I don't relish having these boxes around until then), that shop won't take half of them because they are review copies, the hospitals only want bestsellers, another charity only accepts donations from 10-12 on Wednesday mornings, when I'm at work...

I haven't renewed yet.

I have had what I think is the full offer (The Nude, Diary, Little Book of Language, Great Explorers and Great Naturalists), but I am not 100% convinced that I want the Nude, and am disappointed that others (except the Diary) are not actually FS publications. So I am still thinking about it. I know that I will renew though, as there is a bumper crop of things I would like this year.

But what is most troubling me is that quite a few of the books which people are reporting buying are not even offered to me (in the UK) - so I see no Wizard of Oz, no Golem, no Roland, no Reflection on the Revolution in France, et al.

I can, sort of, understand the difference in renewal offers from a marketing perspective, but am really at a loss to understand why they are not prepared to sell me books which they will sell other members. (And, yes, I have cleared out cookies, etc., just in case.)

wizard of oz, golem etc are only offered(in the uk anyway)once you have renewed. its something to do with the folio system, once you have placed a renewal order they become available to view. this has happened before, there were some last year like this.

For me, the free books are just that...free. So if they don't interest me, I got what I paid for, if they do then even better. Especially when they are not even Folio Society books. If anything, maybe they make my $$/book spend look a little lower, if I ever wanted to figure that out when I look at my always over budget book budget. But I usually use that justification artifice with the sales more than the renewal.

If I really don't want a free book, I would take it down to my local used bookstore (The Bookman in Orange), get 50% in store credit of what they think they can sell it for, and use it to buy some of their LEC, Heritage, Folio Society, or Easton Press Books that I DO want. It's a win no matter how I look at it.

I'm a (3) on the basil2001 scale; I would renew without any gift.

#58
1-Those that think free gifts are a right (in built or otherwise) with some commenting they won't join if the gift isnt right, which personally I think is ludicrous (and not to do with price or space, these obviously being different concerns)

For me, it's a question of value for money: if I get £100 worth of mainlist books, and £100 of free books that I actually want, then in my personal accounting system I've paid £50 for the mainlist books and £50 for the 'free' books, bringing them much closer to everyday hardback prices. If I don't actually want the free books, this doesn't work, so naturally I'd wait and see what other offers they're prepared to make.

Between renewal offers, sales, and discounts offered during the year, it's impossible to tell the average price at which a Folio book is actually sold, as compared to the list price on the site. They're the ones who set it up that way - I'd prefer more transparent pricing, but since that's not on offer I see nothing ludicrous in wanting to get the best possible value for the money I spend.

>65 beatlemoon: "it's so easy in theory, but you wouldn't believe the difficulty I'm having in getting rid of nearly four boxes of books right now"

beatlemoon, as Al Jolson said in the movie, "you ain't seen nothin' yet!"

My library system here in Pasadena (a very bookish town that 15 years ago voted to approve an added city-wide sales tax to fund the library system to keep branches from closing and services from being curtailed--and the vote was by an astonishing 75% of the voters), my library system isn't interested in accepting classic literature titles any more, even in fine press editions, except at library sales, where you can often pick up a Folio Society, Heritage Press, or even LEC volume for a buck or two. (A few years ago, I picked up an reprint of an old dime novel called Aces High, that was printed by the Grabhorn Press, one of the most famous fine presses in the US, for $0.25!) And with many libraries starting to predict the "bookless library," where everything will be downloaded electronically, your unwanted books may end up in a recycling bin somewhere. "Oh brave new world," indeed.

>70 Django6924:

Oh, I would believe that! Around here, most donations to libraries turn up in the book sales, if they aren't thrown out first; they only want the books the librarians purchased. And their purchases mostly focus on bestsellers, DVD's, and videogames. (I have friends who are public librarians, so I know this firsthand). It's all about giving the people what they want!

However, I am jealous at the things you are finding in library sales! There seems to be a severe lack of fine press books in this corner of the country. I have never seen a Folio, a Heritage Press, or an LEC at a library book sale, or even a used bookstore. The only used bookstore around here that seems to have any of these is the Strand in Manhattan and even at that, their selection isn't great. I often wonder - where have all the fine press books gone? Sounds like they've all headed out west!

>70 Django6924: and 71

My husband is a librarian, and I know they are frustrated that they cannot put donated books into the collection. It has to do with money and not having personnel to do catalogueing any more. Books are bought pre processed by libraries because it is cheaper for them. Book donations do benefit the library in that the proceeds go directly to the library and are used for things like programming.

>54 beatlemoon: beatlemoon

I have the same issue. My husband and I sold our house and moved to a small apartment a few months ago. We have room to add to our book collection, but we do need to be careful because we will get overcrowded. With this in mind I intend to contact Folio and ask for a volume I really want, and renew that way. It will partly depend on their willingness to allow me to buy two books now and two before March 1 (as my current offer states), because the two that I want to purchase now are a bit pricey, and with all the summer sale purchases I made I would prefer to buy two now and two in December.

> 1 Not for the moment, the books I want will be published later in the year

Besides in the renewal offer I'm only interested in The nude so the rest only mean clutter

I'm also worried about donations finishing in the bin or at the warehouse.

I use a program (tellico) to manage my collection. It delivers neat screenshots for posting on e-bay. I've ebayed paperbacks in poor condition for 0.50€ plus postage which is a donation..(Or a foolish loss of money and time, depending on how you look at it ). But then I'm sure they ended up in the hands of people who had an interest in them.

>70 Django6924:

And with many libraries starting to predict the "bookless library,"

Which is why we have our own libraries... I do have a Sony Reader, but I really prefer the physical book. I bought the reader last fall, but use it rarely.

I know this is discussed a lot amongst the physical book groups, but as with many things, there is possibly a "trend" with young people these days that might suggest the physical book will endure. At times I like to search through YouTube under "book collections", "home library", etc. There are many young people who have made video tours of their bookshelves. Granted mostly paperback from a cost standpoint and trendy literature, but they are reading and they are reading physical books and like the fact they have their own libraries.

A new phrase popping up is "book haul" where they get books on the cheap and are eager to vlog about them. I think this young man will be on his way to collecting better quality books when he can afford it.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AlexReadsBooks2010#p/u

Surely electronic books will be in the future, but imagine it, a library that is filled with nothing but computers to read books on or watch movies. Going further why would we need physical libraries at all? That would put libraries as we know them out of business - they are basically feeding their own demise. So when the library is moth-balled and the door is locked you will get the "how did this happen?" look.

I am not so sure this is a great proposal for the publishers either. What would be the point of collecting? I don't see a file on your computer as being quite the same thing as having the physical book. If you want to re-read a book just go rent it again from an on-line library. Big deal.

No I haven't renewed. If I had the funds to purchase the four volumes, I probably would. I've been offered the full renewal offer, and I don't think I'm someone who spends excess amounts on FS but I'm not someone who only buys the minimum required a year. I'm on a very small wage but to be honest, books are the only splurge I allow myself.

I'm not interested in the Nude.. or I wasn't interested in the Nude until the reality of it actually being offered to me with the word 'free' next to it. Now I wouldn't mind so much, and if the other books were Folio I'd be gutted I couldn't renew immediately as I actually really do want The Great Naturalists and The Great Explorers.. (willing to trade for these :P)

But as I am now income-less till January and out of the country till December, I'll be waiting, which is probably for the best. If I had an average income I'd probably renew without thinking, though.

I haven't renewed yet, and will probably wait for the second offer. From the renewal offer (The Nude, Explorers, Language and Diary) I'm only interested in the Explorers, but not really passionate about them either.

Basil2001's scale was an interesting thought exercise for me - I'm not sure what I am on that scale! Rather, I'm two things at once - if there were no gift at all, I would still renew. But since there *is* a gift, I'm trying to get the best one I can. (Does it qualify as Doublethink?)

I don't see those gifts as our inalienable rights or something - but for me they do form a big part of the fun of being a FS member. (When speaking to friends or strangers about the Society, one of the things that seem to impress the most are the introductory/renewal/Spring-sale-free-sets gifts - mention casually the Art of Florence I received at one Spring Sale, and such :)

Well, I tried to renew this morning but was not able to. I requested Myths and Legends of Russia and after the very nice woman on the phone checked, said that unfortunately I could not renew with this book right now due to stock reasons, but thought it was possible I could in about a week. I got the impression that perhaps the book is not currently in inventory - she seemed quite receptive to my renewing with an altrenative book. She also mentioned that new offers would come out very soon (I thought they generally waited until some time in October). Has anyone else had a similar experience?

>78 elmaynard:

Thanks for the news about Myths and Legends of Russia; I was planning on renewing with this, too. Guess that buys me some more time to ponder the renewal offer!

I think some are under the impression you have the have the nude or nothing. they are very willing for you not to have the nude and something else ie for example the Myths and legends of Russia as long as it doesnt exceed £60. the next stage if you don't do anything is for a small box set or £80's worth of books. what they won't allow you to do, which they did in the past, is have the nude and another folio book-in my case I suggested nude and songlines, but it wouldnt wash!
I know if I had waited I would have got a slightly better deal, but I dont want to wait three months for OZ!

Does anyone know when the second offer usually comes out? Thanks!

#81: I think it doesn't come out before mid October (or even later?)

#81 elmaynard: Last year the new offer came out October 14th. UK and Canadian members had a wider selection of sets than members in the US. Third offer came out around Nov 12th, at least for those of us in the US--if I recall correctly, this offer was the same as the one offered to the UK/CA folks on Oct 14th.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/75038

Looking through other old threads, it seems that in 2008 the second offer came around Oct 15th. A third offer appears to have been made around Nov 20th.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/47552

And in 2006, the new offer appears to have been made around Oct 27:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/887#29210

I haven't renewed yet as the offer isn't tempting enough. I'm keen to get the Fairy Books (and note that it's a new introductory offer so I'm wondering whether to have my girlfriend join as well) and Ideas but they're both fully priced so I'd like to see a discount on one of them. (I have the feeling that the prices of the Fairy Books have really shot up in the last few years). Still, in the Members Room they did say I could pick up books even if I haven't renewed so I might do that for a few of them.

No, I won't be renewing. I predict the FS will continue to espouse fairness and transparency as corporate goals but, somehow, will never realize them until it is nece$$ary.

Here's the response I received to my inquiry:
Dear Mr.

Thank you for your email.

I am pleased to advise that, in Canada, our renewal offer is the same for all members regardless of who they are or how long they have been with us, namely ‘The Nude’, ‘The Little Book of Language’ and the ‘2011 Folio Diary’ for ordering two books from our new books list. (We will ask you to buy a further two books later in the year, but you are under no obligation to do so).

You are right in suggesting that there have been slightly different levels of renewal offer in the past. While members would essentially get the same offer, some of the free gifts and terms of membership might differ depending on a wide variety of criteria: the books a member had ordered in the past, the offer terms that they originally joined the Society on, or us testing the popularity of certain new titles.

This is something we want to move away from, however. We want to be more transparent in the way our offers work, and treat all our members fairly by offering them the same gifts. Canada is the first place where we’re trilling this, and if it works (fingers crossed) we will be able to offer the same for all our members, all around the world.

I hope this is of some assistance, but should you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

>85 StunnedTuna: I'm getting the full offer (worth £122 one) but compared to you I have to buy 4 books now.

> 85

The response I received was -

"Thank you for your email. The Folio Society often runs test offers for marketing purposes, for which accounts are selected on a random basis. I do apologise that your account was not included on this occasion. If you would like to place a renewal order I would of course be happy to include this extra volume with your order. You can place the order with me by calling 0207 400 4200 and asking for myself. Alternatively, if you would like to order by post, please mark the envelope for my attention and include a note of our conversation."

>87 Quicksilver66: I got a similar reply, and have now renewed to include Nude and the 2 'Greats' volumes - all books I am now really looking forward to reading. I was initially somewhat underwhelmed by the prospect of the former, but forgot what a great writer he is (I've just been browsing my FS version of Civilisation), and the volume looks excellent.

In response to 58, I am a solid 1. I will not rejoin unless there is an offer to my liking. I often wait until March to renew, but I end up getting what I want. Last year it was the Plutarch set, the year before it was the Macaulay. I am on a budget, and to me, Myths and Legends of whatever is just not worth 90 dollars to me, but it is worth 45 when I factor in a good solid renewal offer. Just my philosophy on it.

In response to 58, I am also a solid 1. These gifts are not 'free'. If they were, they would be given to people without the requirement to order any books. Yes, I know that sounds ludicrous, but it points up the fact that these books are offered as part of a barter to induce people to rejoin and purchase more books at full price. I have no problem with calling it 'free' because most marketers do the same thing and FS should not be singled out for criticism on that count, but I do have a problem with people actually believing that they are free.

For my part, there are a number of new books that I would like (e.g. Primo Levi's The Periodic Table), but I don't see value in rejoining with the current offer and I don't want any books enough to pay the prices they are charging without a counter-balancing offer. I'm treating them like the business they are and holding out until I can get books at a price I'm prepared to pay. By the way, I would likely rejoin if I was paying UK/Rest of the World prices as I would really like the Nude.

>85 StunnedTuna:. I was originally outraged at what appeared to be a totally dishonest letter (I have the full offer on the website, but I'm not interested) but on re-reading I now think it's quite funny. FS appears to be saying that they are trying to see if they can get away with offering less inducements to join up than in recent and you Canadians are so lucky to be given first dibs at this policy. Aren't you lucky!

Are there any Canadians who have been excluded from this sensational offer and sadly have been offered Naturalists and Explorers as well?

> 90 Hear, hear as to the first point. As to the second, I wondered if the privileged Canadians were being offered less because they are apparently only required to buy two books. Or does the offer that unluckily applies to the rest of the world (buy two now and two more before March) really mean only two now?

I haven't renewed because I don't like the offer and don't feel like figuring out what I want instead. Several times I've taken a dollar amount instead of the actual offer, and I'd probably do that again this time.

Since I'm planning to move to Australia next year, this may be my last time renewing! Though, maybe I'll keep my American account and just have my family ship the books along with other packages I expect them to send.

As far as #58, I don't think the "free" gifts are a right. But they're not really free gifts of the sort that I get from my dad on my birthday. They're supposed to entice me to spend my money, and if they're not good enough (enticing enough), then I may not spend.

As with vat1sem, I have no problem with them calling it free. But the real way to think about it is that they're included with the full prices that you're paying for your renewal.

>90 vat1sem:
I had a similar experience when approaching my email from FS.
As long as FS keeps up the charade, they should continue to provide merriment of this calibre.

Doesn't FS realize Canadians are easily insulted (I wish this was just a joke, but we are, we are).

Time to read.

>93 StunnedTuna: I feel a little insulted that you seem to think your fellow Canadians are easily insulted, that is simply not true.....well ok maybe, a little.

As for renewing, no I haven't because I think I may be the only person still not able to access it, even with clearing my cookies and whatnot, which makes me feel.....

Just did it.

The Ionian Mission and Treason's Harbour with two more by March 2011.

I got what appears to be the full package of 'free gifts'; The Nude, The Great Explorers, Great Naturalists, Little Language Book and the 2011 Diary. What the heck a nerdy geek like me is going to do with a paper diary, I don't know. Christmas present probably.

>89 chase.donaldson:

Chase, did you ask for those sets specifically (and if yes, how did those conversations go?), or did they offer them to you by themselves?

>89 chase.donaldson:/90 what would you both do then if they only offered one history book as they did in previous decades????
yes they do try to entice people back and the free offers are an inducement, one staff member admitted this, also that they are looking at making it fairer for everybody, so less big offers. I put it to them that those that joined on 1st offer would get less in books than someone waiting for the third. he agreed but stated they they believe the discounted new books like wizard of oz was as great an inducement. now even though I have renewed straight away, their thinking is not true. it would only be if I ordered all the discounted books. so anyone waiting to renew would have to buy wizard for £32 instead of £27 unless they wait for the 2012 sale, for example.
I wonder if it is nationality that creates the philosophy on what one thinks of renewal. it seems the american/canadian contingent have the need to get a great offer whilst the british are more philosphical, and obviously not everyone, but reading the messages the most vocal for gifts are american/canadian.....(unless it all down to the fact that the books cost more to anyone overseas, but that the same with anything, an australian cd would cost me more than buying it here in the uk)

>97 basil2001:

The fact is that they don't offer just one book these days. If they did I would make the same judgements as I do now - based on three criteria:

- do I want what is on offer?
- Is it good value subjectively (with the corollary of whether accepting the offer is the best use of my money)?
- How happy am I with the deal?

I think everyone here applies these criteria, although the weight that each is given varies dramatically from person to person. I give a lot of weight to the question of whether I am happy with the deal. That's just me.

At the same time, I will still buy FS books if they are cheap enough. For example, I refused to buy Jan Morris's Venice at $100 full price - partly because it was expensive and partly because the actual cash differential between the Australian and UK prices irked me enormously. I jumped at the opportunity to buy it at half price though. Despite the price differential remaining the same percentage wise, the actual cash differential and the cost of only $50 made it attractive enough to me to buy.

If the renewal and pricing policies changed I would make a judgment on that new arrangement as to whether I wish to accept the offer. However, the fact that the FS has made a rod for its own back through its renewal and pricing policies is not going to make me feel sorry for them.

In summary, I'm not going to boycott the FS because of its policies because I recognise that it's a commercial business just trying to make a buck. At the same time, I know that they can do better for me and I'm going to hold out until I get a deal I'm happy with - and if I can't I can let it go for a year or two while I work my way through the large library I've acquired to date.

No. I don't like the current renewal offer. The presentation volume does not appeal to me at all, the other gift volumes have minimal appeal. I'm waiting for a better offer.

FS Mole, if you're out there, here's a better idea. Why not just set a value on the gift volumes and let the member choose those which appeal more to him or her.

For example, the current renewal offer gift volumes total US$254.75. That's including
Nobel: A Century of Prize Winners

and assumes I choose all of my four purchased books at the same time. I don't have a problem with choosing four volumes at once... rather the problem is limiting myself to just four volumes in one purchase.

I could easily find $255.00 worth of books I'd rather have than the current offer.

As for the books I want to purchase... I'm most likely to buy these:

The Complete World of Greek Mythology
Robin Hood
Treason's Harbour
The Ionian Mission

> 99

FS Mole, if you're out there, here's a better idea. Why not just set a value on the gift volumes and let the member choose those which appeal more to him or her.

They don't listen.

I'm slightly worried with the tone I find in some posts against FS, in this thread and in others. (Please, take no offence individually.) We were accustomed in this group to be rather cool and consider things with more philosophy.
I acknowledge that, at the beginning of this year, I was myself rather upset against FS because of my Visa card being rejected, which caused a several months delay in my renewal. I could see that FS visited many times my LT profile page, probably to check who was complaining.
But I don't think we can expect from FS that they provide us with our favourite offer at once. It's already fine they make a second and also a third offer, and they even accept to negociate customarized renewal offers. I believe that, in their early days, in the 50s, they were much less generous.

>98 vat1sem: no I dont think everyone here is that dogmatic, several at least said they would fall into no 3 bracket of my original posting.
Now money of course makes a major factor, especially for some. Now I personally don't have a limitless pit of money, but the folio books are very good value, some years I only buy 4-6, but some like this year 20 odd. an average book is about £25-28, which in the uk is very good for what you are getting. I can certaining understand any wariness if overseas are being asked to pay £35-40 odd for an average book. but that is a different matter to 'free gift'. I presume in your mind you are equating it because the 4 books do cost you more so the free gift evens it out if a box set? and incidently I don't think its wrong to hold out, I have done it before, well only to stage 2, there's usually been a box set I fancied. Except for 2 years ago, in recent times I have gone for the first offer, especially when it was pointed out many of the box sets appear half price in the spring sale anyway!

I just wanted to understand the rationale behind the different offers. Now that I understand (or trhink I do) I am quite cool about the situation and looking forward to another good year of FS books.

>103 Quicksilver66: although you could say there is no rationale behind the different offers. Even though its been explained by a member of staff I still don't see why two people for example, in the uk can be offered different amount of books, that is unfair. unless of course they are saying, but wont admit, that if someone buys 10 books in a year they will get a better offer than someone who buys only 4. if that's the case I can see the logic, although I am sure some would find that unfair!

>103 Quicksilver66: The email that QS received mystifies me - is FS apologising because QS's account was included in the random test? And it seems somewhat disingenuous - we were using you as a guinea pig to see if you would renew on the basis of a lesser offer, but now that you're found us out, here is the full offer? Or am I missing something obvious?
As a general point, why doesn't FS cut out all the tat and flim flam that they buy in from other publishers and then represent as worth X when in fact the non-Folio books they peddle can be bought much more cheaply on BD if one really wants them - and the impression I have from this thread is that mostly punters do not.

> 101

Hi Pepys.

I believe some people are past the point of dissatisfaction and have moved on towards incredulousness at the contradictory and beguiling responses that they have received from the Folio Society.

Hmm, guys, I think we're overdoing the 'unfair' issue. The FS is not obliged to any of us in any way whatsoever. They could offer one person £200 worth of books and another one nothing at all, if they so wished - and it wouldn't be unfair under any business consideration. Think about mobile phones companies, broadband providers, etc etc. Each customer is on his own to negotiate a better deal, but if one succeeds, there's still nothing 'unfair' if another one doesn't (except for 'unfair' as in a general unfairness of life, but the FS isn't to blame for that).

I think it's the same here as with any service provider - if we cannot strike a deal we're happy with, we do not renew the contract, and seek alternatives (in our case it would be obtaining the books from eBay or Abebooks - not the best perhaps, nor always the cheapest, but that's the reality - part of the benefits of membership is precisely the ability to purchase their books new, shrinkwrapped, 20%-off-on-new-books and the various sales). The company has its own considerations when weighing whether the potential loss of a customer is worth offering him a better deal, and they act upon them - and we likewise. I don't see any issue of (un)fairness here.

My own opinion is that, surely, FS can set any conditions it wishes and we are free to go along with FS or not. This said, FS should treat all members (we have joined as members of a society, we are not individual market agents) equally.

> 107 / 108

I think that these two posts illustrate the crux of the issue perfectly. I agree with what Boris says 100%; 'but', the FS has chosen to market itself rather differently from most other companies. i.e. as a members club. Personally, I am not so naive as to believe that I am anything other than a customer of a business, engaging in a series of transactions to mutual benefit; however, if as a result of the marketing strategy, others do see things in a more cosy, clubby way, and consequently get upset about lack of fairness etc, then the FS really only has itself to blame.

>107 BorisG: - FS is indeed not obliged to do the same deal with everyone, but it is a profit-making company and the thing that such companies need the most is customers. Lawyers may recognize that "fairness" is not required, except in those cases when the offer being made (and the deal ultimately deemed acceptable) is discriminatory against "protected groups", but customers react to the perceived fairness of an offer. Imagine how you might react if you discovered, after buying your morning coffee (feel free to use a different example if you, like me, don't drink coffee), that the next person in line was offered the same coffee at a lower price.

The perception of fairness can be changed by information - if we had no idea that others were getting better offers, we'd have no basis for thinking that the offer we received was unfair (and yes, I received the lowest of the offers so far mentioned, and I joined FS 25-30 years ago). If you walked out of the coffee shop without hearing the next person's offer, you'd presumably be content to go to the same coffee shop tomorrow, with no feeling of having been treated poorly. The exchange of information is what we do here, along with providing a group of ready enablers. The internet has changed business in many ways, one of which is to highlight the perfectly legal price discrimination that companies engage in.

At one time, price discrimination such as what FS appears to be doing was a perfectly rational way to maximize profits. Once the "game" becomes known, the calculation of the customers changes, and therefore the calculation of the company must adjust to the new circumstances. We here are a small group, and our willingness to negotiate a better deal or resign our membership may not be damaging enough to convince FS to change their ways. The chance of their practices being highlighted in the newspaper or on the nightly newscast is mighty small, so this information that we have may never become widely spread. But if it does, then FS will have a public relations problem on their hands - companies have suffered badly from price discrimination allegations and the attendant loss of good will.

Edited because it took three edits to actually appear!

Isn't it a shame that these threads go on and on without any resolution or agreement, when one simple post from someone within the FS could put them all to bed by giving us the FS mission statement or at least their Customer Services Charter.

>109 HuxleyTheCat:

I agree with Huxley completely. I think that if we don't want to get upset at the perceived unfairness, we'll probably have to ditch the image of the FS as the kind, well-meaning, slightly absent-minded Aunt, whom we can persuade to give us a little something every time we visit. :) If we compare it to companies like Orange or Sky, we'll see that the FS is still a lot nicer than most of the business sharks that are out there.

(By the way, I've been thinking about this, and it's not that the Society thing is a complete ruse - I've been asked for my membership number every time I bought books at the Members' Room, so I assume that a non-member couldn't just walk in from the street and make purchases. So, it's a sort of a hybrid society/free market mix. I wonder if there are other organizations with similar business models.)

> 112

The closest I can think of is the National Geographic Society where they persist with the illusion that subscribers are members of a learned non-profit organisation.

I would actually vouch for one single attractive volume that everyone would be satisfied with rather than a whole set that no body wants. It does not even have to be a book, it can be anything. Maybe an attractive leather-bound diary embossed with your name; a good fountain pen; just something that convinces you that your a part of an exclusive members' club and are appreciated. If FS are losing £122 (I know they buy bulk) on each member (it is only ca. £40 away from a LE Moby Dick) I think they can at least produce something exclusive, small but meaningful.

As basil said above, the sales themselves negate all the unfairness. We only have to look at EP they don't have any sales so maybe and just maybe sometimes we should all be thankful for a company like FS still in operation because if they were not what other alternatives would we have. Yes it is true that it is unfair for our overseas customers and that should be solved at least but difference in opinion of not negotiating the right contract or not I think is irrelevant. We should not demand outright just because someone received a better offer that its unfair. As Boris says FS is not obliged to any of us in any way whatsoever.

> 112 "I assume that a non-member couldn't just walk in from the street and make purchases"

I believe that someone did just that when I was there last week. Likewise, a bookseller acquaintance of mine who isn't (and never has been) a member has purchased a copy of The Four Gospels directly from the FS. Membership confirms certain (and to me worthwhile) benefits e.g. access to the sales, and discounted prices on new books, and in return gives the FS a degree of certainty in forward planning; but they won't turn down a sale from paying customer, member or not.

> 114 ironjaw, "one single attractive volume that everyone would be satisfied with" - I don't think that that is 'ever' likely to happen ;-)
and just to prove a point, I wouldn't want my name emblazoned on a diary, and I write like someone who uses a computer all the time, so using a fountain pen has potential for a very messy correspondence!

>96 BorisG:
They were offered.

I also agree with the sentiment above that the FS owes us nothing, but I also don't owe them anything beyond an honest transaction, and if I don't get a renewal offer I like, I won't renew, with nary a grudge held.

Ok, I just couldn't stand it any more. I had no intention of renewing with The Nude, but I received the beautiful literature about it and the other books in the offer and I just couldn't resist:)

I purchased:
Red Fairy Book
Wordsworth
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Brat Farrar
The Authentic Gospel of Jesus

On balance I an very happy.

>117 elmaynard: I just received the 2011 new books catalogue from FS and info on the renewal. It is tempting

Renewed this week. Bought the four most recent O'Brian volumes, and accepted $100 in free books (two J. Conrad volumes) in place of the renewal offer. I am pleased.

92, 107,108, 109, If anyone is feeling philosophical A third posibility : we no free market agents we no club members: we tribesmen.Gifts do work as a bonding tool

The gift, essai sur le don. By Marcel Mauss . Moses Finley applied it to greek clans in The World of Odysseus

I.E Me feeling quite bad about myself: postponing renewal after all they 'gave' me theOxford Literary Guide to Britain and Ireland for peanuts. :-^(

If we tribesmen, and gift bad, we take clubs and go smash smash bad givers head. We strong!

Careful - you'll be giving ideas to members of the ranks of the disaffected, and we really wouldn't want to see blood spilled at 44, Eagle Street - it might get on the books.

pepe's point is an interesting one though: although I'm sure that most of us here like to think of ourselves as cultured and sophisticated, the behaviour is occasionally rather tribal. Any anthropologists in the group?

On the points above referring to 'fairness' and 'business' etc

All I can say is that yes, if the FS wish to offer members more offer 'books' than another member, then they can of course.

If they wish to offer reduced shipping to some countries whilst not in other countries, then they can of course.

If they wish to offer books to some countries at on average of 40%+ more than most other countries, then they can of course.

If they wish to send out responses to queries by FS members which are contradictory, then they can of course.

But they should also take note, that in the age of information, they are slowly but surely leaving a very bitter taste in the mouths of many members.

I was happy to renew with only two books (Napoleon and The Golem). Clark's book is a minor classic of art history (and a title which actually makes sense to have in the larger format FS seems to favour for its presentation volumes) the language book will be kept or given away, depending on how I like it; the diary is lagniappe.

I hope they keep the renewal requests at two books in the future, what with their prices having gone up across the board.

>123 LesMiserables: On your last point. But not to me. Just give it up. Its becoming boring. And repetitive. You've made your point.

> 125

And I will continue to make my point, thank you very much.

LesMiserables

Anyone who has read any thread in this group recently will be well aware that you have made your point. While the majority of members of this group, myself included, agree that the pricing of the FS does seem unfairespecially to Australians, perhaps it is about time that you dropped this whinging. As fraxi states above it has become boring and repetitive.

>126 LesMiserables:
Oh no! Enough already.
>127 N11284:
Thank you N11284. More contributions in agreement would be gratefully received. Thank you.

> 127

It is indeed repetitive and boring it may be, but necessary.

But next time I'll check with the Group 'Overseers' to make sure I'm keeping in line with what they deem is appropriate for posting or not.

>129 LesMiserables:

Have to disagree with you LesMis - no it's not necessary, not here. After a time, it can even become counterproductive.

I have not received a renewal offer in the mail yet, although I would like to renew. It has been a few years since I was a member. I'm wondering if I should contact them or wait. Are there some people out there who just have not gotten theirs yet?

>125 fraxi:, 127, 130

Sorry guys, I'm with Les Miserables on this.

People are entitled to post what they like when they like on boards such as this, subject only to the published rules of the forum. It is the essential nature of such forums that there is freedom of speech, no matter how often the point is repeated.

In terms of Les Miserables repeating his points, it's only fair that he has the right when other posters put up comments that he believes miss the point to try and restate his issues.

While I mostly (but not entirely) agree with his points, that is not the issue. For my part, I often feel that *some* of the 'go away' posts reflect an 'I'm all right Jack" attitude but, in a spirit of tolerance, I have neither singled out those
that I think reflect this view, nor tarred all posters who have disagreed with this position simply based on whether I agree or not with them.

132: It is the essential nature of such forums that there is freedom of speech, no matter how often the point is repeated.

Accept in countries where the freedom of speech is not protected, which includes Australia.

>133 Phocion:

I always find it intriguing that the countries (USA aside) that have the most beautiful, democratic idealistic constitutions have some of the most repressive and violent Governments.

Australia is a fantastic country where there is real freedom, not just authoritarian people telling us how free we are. Go to Iran if you want to experience true freedom.

134: All countries have their pros and cons; I don't think America is better than Australia is better than Iran.

Oy...

They do have their pros and cons. But we just had an election in which strong views were expressed and nobody was killed by thugs bred by the government. You're entitled to your views - you can post them here, but you couldn't post them in Iran unless you said that Iran was much better than all the Great Satan western democracies.

>136 chase.donaldson:

Can I second that?

Just because all countries have pros and cons doesn't mean that they are all on par with each other. In some, the pros outweigh the cons. In some, they are roughly balanced. And in yet others the cons outweigh the pros. Iran is in the latter group, but still has both pros and cons; Australia and the U.S. are in the first group, and also have both pros and cons. If given a choice of the three as to where I would live, it would be easy to make the first elimination.

I've renewed. I was offered the full complement of free books. I purchased the four-volume Oxford History of the United States to complete my obligation.

I've renewed too. Got the Red Fairy Book and the Folio Diary as my free gift since I wasn't particularly interested in the Nude. I got the Yellow Fairy Book, Moonfleet, Hitchhiker's Guide and The Selfish Gene as my four volumes.
I was offered the full set of free books.
I also got the Green Fairy Book for 69.99 alongwith a free keychain a week back. But I didn't see this offer online. Don't they show all of the offers online?

141. > No, they don't show all the offers online, nor do they show all the offers in all the countries. FS loves to play games with the membership deals and sales.

I, for instance, have never been offered a free key chain, nor do I particularly want or need one... but seeing the offer at least would be interesting...

>132 vat1sem:

I was trying not to post a reply to the ongoing Price Differential debate here, but although I am in sympathy with those who have to pay what seems an outrageous markup, and was happy to sign the petition, I think that the comments expressed in posts 125 & 127 indicate an uneasiness on the part of many of us that every thread here is going to be hijacked by this debate. I don't think it's asking too much to suggest that threads such as "have you renewed yet?" are not really intended to continue the the airing of understandable grievances, which quite properly belong in a thread--or more than one thread, even--of their own.

The efforts made to bring this situation to light were laudable, and the Society has seemed to acknowledge that though there is discontent among several members, they don't feel they can change their business pattern, and have said in pretty straightforward terms, "if you can't accept that, goodbye and good luck." I think the majority of our sympathy was aroused by the rather blunt phrasing of that letter, but that sympathy must, I believe, be vitiated by the continual airing of your dissatisfaction in threads where there is only a tenuous connection to your particular preoccupation. (I admit, such a tenuous connection exists here, as some have already expressed an unwillingness to renew until the situation is redressed; but I honestly can't believe that it was the intention of the OP that this consideration was a major concern, rather than the editorial choices, the nature of the renewal gift, etc.)

In short, I do believe there is a danger of this subject becoming an irritation even among those who are sympathetic to your cause, when it interposes into threads other than those specifically designed to provide a forum for the debate. It's a danger all we who are prone to promoting what we believe a worthwhile cause face--knowing when to get on our soapbox and when to let the other guys have a chance to talk about what interests them. We certainly have no intention of stifling free speech, but are just suggesting that it is much more effective when used as a precision marksman would, when there is a good target, rather than used like a Claymore mine.

Please see these remarks as helpful suggestions rather than criticism. Don't let the positive feelings the group has for your cause be diluted by letting it become a rant and harangue. As an older and wiser friend said to me one time when I was guilty of the same behavior, "when you strike oil, stop drilling."

>143 Django6924:

Fair enough. That's why I started a separate thread when I got the 2011 pricing. The problem is that it's hard to let a ball go through to the keeper when you think it's asking to be hit for six, whatever the game plan :-)

>144 vat1sem: "The problem is that it's hard to let a ball go through to the keeper when you think it's asking to be hit for six, whatever the game plan "

Cricket? I'm very much a dunce when it comes to all sports, but an instructor I had in grad school (a Cambridge man) tried to instruct several of his students to take up cricket--a lamentable failure--and I seem to remember something about not letting the ball hit the wicket (or is that something else?)

LesMis, Vat1sem, people who encourage change have always caught hell it is historic, I say keep it up, highjack post and keep it up for were it not for people like you I'd still be picking cotton, keep it up and understand that people who believe in a cause are obligated to risk their reputation to change it.

For those who do not understand what I mean FS is publishing a volume this year (or next) of Albert Einstein writings, there is to also be published in 2010 (not by FS), the complete unexpurgated Mark Twain autobiography.

Both men were controversial, both caught hell and both kept right on being controversial, why, because they saw things that were wrong and wanted to change them, that's all.

Respect.

>146 Texaco:

The difference being that you target the people whose minds need to be changed--not the people who already agree with you. I'm afraid some of these posts are counter-productive, and the way to achieve your goal is to take the dissatisfaction right to the policymakers at the Folio Society. The petition was a good idea--perhaps a Devotee boycott on renewal until this situation is addressed openly by those policymakers is another way that can make a difference. But highjacking other posts will only make many resort to the "Ignore" option.

>145 Django6924:

It is something different. Unlike baseball, there is no penalty in letting a ball pass by the batsman without hitting it, unless you misjudge the flight of the ball and it hits the wicket (three upright stumps directly behind the batsman).

The idea of letting the ball go through to the keeper is that you don't risk mis-hitting the ball to a fielder and thus getting out. it is now a bit of a cliched phrase that means that you will not be taking up the challenge of the bowler to hit the ball but rather wait for a more appropriate ball to hit.

>132 vat1sem: et al
I never once disputed LesMis's (or anybody else's) right to post about the price differential issue. My point in reply to LesMis's post was that continual posting on the subject on this forum was not necessary (targeting the wrong people), and that it could actually prove counter-productive, as evidenced by the previous posters on the subject, which is not the same thing at all. There is a world of difference between having the right to do something, and that something being effective.
But then Django summed up my views far more eloquently.

Back to the subject matter under discussion....

I told FS that I didn't want anything non-FS for my renewal.

So, as my offer I am getting The Nude, The 2011 Diary, and The Body-Snatchers and Other Stories, which I will be happy with I think.

For my annual books, I have ordered Beowulf, Count Belisarius, and The Sun King.

I imagine there is another year's hard spending in front of me!!!!!

Time zones do make a difference...

1. The matter has derived into a freedom of speech issue. I believe this is the paramount question. It could be boring and repetitive but necessary to remind us of this fundamental right.
2. Posts nos. 1 and 2 in this thread presented the theme very clearly.
3. No one forces anybody to read anything.
4. Count me on the side of opposition to unequal treatment of FS members.

I am disinterested in the criticism I get on here. I can live with it. Any impartial observer can read this thread and see that numerous posts before my own raised the issue in the most explicit manner of the price discrimination.

However certain posters on her have decided to jump on my post (Perhaps I am perceived as the proverbial 'Messenger') ans launched a salvo of choice words in my direction.

Well let me assure you, I would much rather be bored with hearing about discrimination than actually being a victim of it.

This kind of reminds me of those people who whine every time Bob Geldof appears on TV asking for help for some group of unfortunates.

Now before the sticklers jump on the analogy, let me assure you that starvation and luxury goods are not comparable but it's not those that I am comparing.

What I'm highlighting is the 'shoot the messenger' syndrome or the 'Turn off the TV' brigade when they see something uncomfortable.

Let me assure all of you that I will not be going away. If I see someone making comments about the FS which are quite unlike the reality of which plenty of the members are feeling, then I will raise it.

>152 LesMiserables:

You're right - many people have posted on this subject (me included) and some many times. Some of the repetitive posts have actually argued for the FS stance on pricing policy.

The posts above are legitimate and have a fair point to make, but should not have been aimed at you as an individual.

1. The matter has derived into a freedom of speech issue.
Only because vat1sem and others introduced the idea. Nobody challenged LesMis's (or anybody else's) right to post their views - we merely offered our own views that it might be becoming counter-productive. He (and others) are perfectly free to continue and ignore them. He has made it clear he will. No issue of freedom of speech at all.

Incidentally, there is no issue of shooting the messenger or feeling uncomfortable. I'm not, and I don't.

> 154

Oh, I agree and I support Les Mis all the way. However, this morning, reading the posts that had accumulated, I received the impression (maybe I'm wrong) that it was being suggested that he "shut up."

> 154. Sorry Willoyd, I've been letting the last few comments go through to the keeper, but you've aimed that one at my stumps.

I think it is an issue of freedom of speech if some posters are being told they are boring or whinging. Whether intentional or not, such ad hominem comments have the potential to be intimidatory and I therefore choose to stand up against such comments.

I have no problems with you and others expressing contrary views, but reserve my right to also comment.

Cheers.

An unrelated question - has anyone tried renewing with one of the books that are out but not in the new books prospectus (Oz, Triffids, Golem, Roland)? I know they're supposed to appear *once* you've renewed, but I was wondering if it were possible to renew *with* them.

I only joined up a few months ago and fulfilled my 4 book obligation, then I purchased Beowulf on the last day of summer sales. I would say that its a tad to soon to be obligated to 4 more books (well for me it is). I joined because I love the folio society books (which the 'gifts' are not) and so their offer at this moment dosn't appeal to me.

On another note, My copy of Beowulf is beautiful, and the indignation of being made to pay over inflated prices (yes, I am a Aussie, but if I can cope with that so can you all thanks very much ;) it will be a good month before I cringe at the sight of my credit card bill and cry poor foolish me. No doubt I will be sorely tempted due to offerings of hitchhikers guide to the galaxy and the mentioning of the day of the triffods, both books a scifi/fantasy buff like myself will find hard to resist. But I will try, and for now have decided to get more for my dollar at abes books.

>157 BorisG:

It seems LolaWalser (see 124) renewed with Golem.

The thing is, if we allow the tone of this forum to become mainly negative I think it may have the effect of keeping people from participating. For example, this particular thread is about the renewal. In recent days some people have excitedly posted their information about renewal, but it has gotten snowed under with the price difference issue. I think it is very important for everyone to have a right to post what they want, but it is not fair for anyone to hijack the forum to grind an ax. More than one thread are already devoted to this issue.

Personally I agree with Les Miserable in that the price difference is regrettable. As to the fairness of the practice, I would think that a person would have to be privy to much information that people outside the company cannot have. For example, Folio is probably adding to the price of the books to offset the shipping charges which are certainly much higher to foreign destinations than within England. Additionally there would likely be more need to replace damaged shipments to outlying customers - lots more people throwing our packages around. There may be any number of other things that could add to the cost for them. I don't know what calculus they use to figure out the prices, but I imagine that they analyze the revenue that they take in from countries with large numbers of members and look at their expenses to deliver those services. I wish they would be more forthcoming with the information. But the reality is that the world is not fair. They have stated that they don't intend to change at this juncture. All we as customers can do is decide if we want to participate.

I guess that I think it is important that we all treat each other fairly. I hope that the people consumed with the price issues continue to post, but I would hope that they also realize that the other members might wish to discuss other things and that they also have a right to be heard.

#160 Folio is probably adding to the price of the books to offset the shipping charges.

No, the Australian purchaser pays $8.50 per volume shipping (some books count as 2, 3 or 4 volumes - so it could be $34 for one book, even the "free" books). The books are shipped in M bags which are the absolute cheapest method of air mail. Contrast this with the Book Depository which charges no freight for a superior delivery service, each book being individually packed and air mailed. Also, LesMis has already pointed out that tiny polynesian nations in the Australian part of the world are offered UK prices and surely freight charges to those nations would be as high or higher than to Australia.

Regarding the highjacking of threads... if you read the first two posts it's very clear who started THIS thread and why.

In any event, I haven't renewed because I object to the 50% markup which seems to be the going rate at the moment. Plenty of bargains on eBay.

>160 elmaynard:

If you don't think the pricing issue should be discussed in this thread, fine. But please, do what you say. You cannot plead to bring a discussion to an end and, in the next paragraph, keep on about it. It doesn't work, as post 161 demonstrates.

On a further point, I hope people can desist from becoming self proclaimed moderators. Thanks.

>163 LesMiserables:
You just can't resist, can you. And neither can I.

I suggest another group be created for "Folio Society antagonists"...

More seriously: there are too many advantages of living in Australia: open space, fresh air, red dust, sea wasps, sharks, kangaroo smashing, etc. (I can say that because I know Australia rather well.) It's only fair that they have this very slight pricing inconvenient—a mere difference of some tens or hundreds of dollars—to balance all these pros.

(I love to be provocative. :-)

>163 LesMiserables:. Nobody is claiming to be a self-proclaimed moderator. Like you and the others commenting on the price differential, they are merely offering an opinion on your posts, exercising their 'right' to freedom of speech. Offering an opinion is not moderating, not even close.

On the other hand, I am intrigued at the concept of hijacking your own thread (although I can see how it could be done))!

> 166

Oh please!

I attack the FS current policy. That is, I attack the FS current policy. Nothing more.

There seem to be people on here that want to attack me for saying that.

Why not instead, try what we do. That is, defend the FS current policy. If you want to of course.

But leave off the personal remarks like boring, stop it, enough, repetitive, whinging.

Here is an idea for you....*ignore* me.

On a completely different tack (which is why I'm posting two in a row): as far as I can work out, this thread now shows that of the contributors to it, 20 have renewed, 16 are waiting (mostly for another offer), and 6 are not planning to renew. Very approx, as that figure doesn't include three who I'm not sure whether to put into the 'waiting' list or the 'not renewing' list.

Draw from it what you will. I don't think that this will be an accurate reflection of the membership as a whole, as I think those subscribing here are likely to be the most aware of how the FS system works, and will adapt accordingly.

Defend the current policy? Easy. The FS is a business. They are entitled to run it how they like. If you don't like what they offer, don't buy into it or, if you feel so inclined, try and persuade them otherwise. If you do, then do buy into it. You are under no compulsion either way, it's up to you. Simple.

I'd hate to ignore you (is there a system for doing that, other than just taking no notice?) - outside this issue, you have been one of the more interesting and worthwhile contributors to this forum.

> 169

If you don't like what they offer, don't buy into it

I haven't.

or, if you feel so inclined, try and persuade them otherwise.

I have.

You are under no compulsion either way, it's up to you. Simple.

I know. That is why 1) I haven't renewed. and 2) I have complained.

I think what you are saying here is either buy and shut up or complain and walk away and shut up.

Sorry, can't do that. That's exactly what won't fix things. Only consistent proliferation of the mechanics of the problem will raise awareness.

outside this issue, you have been one of the more interesting and worthwhile contributors to this forum.

otherwise stated as - you have been one of the more uninteresting and worthless contributors to this forum on this issue.

That's okay. Your call. Best just to ignore. Saves any squabbles.

Moving on.

I received the prospectus the other day in the post. Seems to make some books look oh so different. The offer seems slightly more tempting, but that's marketing for you.

Edit: typo

>169 Willoyd:

I feel that you are barking up the wrong tree on this. As I said in a previous post, most of the members of this group (myself included) feel that you are justified in complaining to the FS about their pricing and shipping charges. Indeed quite a few of us signed the petition to have something done about it even though we are not charged the prices you are.

That is justified in complaining to the FS, not to us, but this constant posting will only serve to alienate your cause among the members of this group.

I am a member of this group because I love Folio books, not the Folio Society Company, and I log on each day to read helpful and informative posts about these books from other like minded persons. Indeed my library would contain much fewer books than it does if not for the postings of members here.

Please try and confine all negative postings to a totally separate thread which others may ignore if they wish.

> 171

That is justified in complaining to the FS, not to us, but this constant posting will only serve to alienate your cause among the members of this group.

I'm not complaining to you. Like other posters on here who actually feel the pain of been discriminated against, we are highlighting the issue and will continue to use this (as far as I know the only one) FS forum to discuss, compare and highlight the issue.

Let me remind you (plural) that this group is....

Folio Society devotees

Current and former members of The Folio Society who love the beauty of its books, the wisdom of its choices, the quality of its illustrations and engravings. Non-members most welcome.

That is: we can discuss the good the bad and the ugly.

Sorry if I seem to worrying at this subject a bit, especially in the light of your 'best just to ignore' comment, but I do want to clarify a couple of things from that last post.

otherwise stated as - you have been one of the more uninteresting and worthless contributors to this forum on this issue.
No that's not what I said or meant! What I meant was exactly what I said. My view, FWIW, about your comments on this issue are that you raised an issue that is important for some people, increased awareness, but are now in danger, by posting about it so often, of having a counterproductive effect on 'the cause'. I suppose there is a fine line between maintaining awareness and overdoing it so that you start to alienate rather than attract support. Obviously that's a judgement call and is up to you - I after all may be very wrong!
On going back through the last part of this thread, I can understand why you feel that you might feel that people are trying to stifle. Yes, you're right, making it personal isn't the way to go about it. So if I've contributed to that feeling, I apologise. My contributions were really aimed at making it clear the effects that such sustained commentary could well be having.
On which front, I'm almost certainly becoming boring, so hopefully will be able to leave it at that although I see that Texaco has started a thread on the subject, which might itself be a good method of co-ordinating action where it will be most effective.

And nitpicking, but:
Current and former members of The Folio Society who love the beauty of its books, the wisdom of its choices, the quality of its illustrations and engravings. Non-members most welcome.
That is: we can discuss the good the bad and the ugly.
Not really no..the controlling verb is 'love', the relevant phrase thus reading as "...who love the wisdom of its choices." That's something you definitely don't appear to do at the moment, at least on this front. (At which point I will kick myself for raising issues again, but I'm hopeless that way!)

I received my renewal books last night - what a tremendous package of books!

Here are my impressions -

The Nude - beautifuly produced, oversize volume. Gorgeously illustrated on nice paper stock. The writing, as one would expect of Clarke, is erudite (from the snatches I read). This looks like it will be a fascinating read. For me this is a far more enticing presentation volume than last years Colour.

Rural Rides - I love the binding on this volume and I think the illustrations are apropriate. The end pages have a map detailing the places visited by Cobbet. I realy like this volume and look forward to reading it.

Moonfleet - a textured cloth binding rather than hard buckram. The illustrations are gorgeous.

Metamorphoses - this volume has a hard paper binding and the illustrations are mainly black and red. This gives the book a realy attractive retro feel. I hope the other Kafka's will be produced in a similar style.

The Kings of Great Britain - beautiful red buckram binding. The illustrations are rather predictable - medieval depictions of various Kings - but wholly appropriate of course. Looks a fascinating book. Well worth adding to your libary.

Stalingrad - I love the pictorial slipcase on this. Well illustrated with a new introduction by the author.

I also received the Green Fairy Book, but the other three Fairy Books are pending.

I am excited by these books and by many of the future releases.

Wow QS _ I've ordered Rural Rides and Moonfleet too, so am now really looking forward to those, and after some hesitation, am already feeling glad that I did go for The Nude.

> 173

Please look at #167 and the words current policy.

I love the books.

> 175

I feel sure that you will like The Nude, Willoyd. My only reservation is that it looks like the paper binding will rub and fray on the corners, which is an issue I have had with some other paper bindings. I am also tempted to put a tiny piece of sellotape on those vulnerable spots to stop this from happening.

I think this looks like a pretty exciting year for new books, better than last year.

> 177

Yes, my thoughts too. Much more on offer I think (to my tastes).

> 177 and 178

I have the 1972 paperback edition of The Nude. I'm pretty sure the website picture does no justice to the FS book. I'm so impatient with FS delivery times...

Wow QS thanks for that I was waiting for someone to post about receiving their renewal as this thread has somewhat gone in the other direction. No offense LesMis, while I have signed the petition and I believe the discussion of this should be in another thread already in place, I just cannot get myself to reading all of the post on this issue here. I am skimming them as that is how I feel.

Quicksilver -

Thanks for posting your impressions of your new books. Many are on my possible to buy list, and your details really help me get a better feel for what they are like in person. Glad you got yours so fast. Mine, coming to Houston, will take longer I am sure.

"The Nude.... The writing, as one would expect of Clarke, is erudite (from the snatches I read)..."

Erm...

>182 InVitrio:
Bravo.

> 182

It was a Freudian slip.

How embarrassing !

Just renewed with the "Letterpress Anthony and Cleopatra", and had "The Roman Revolution" by Ronald Syme and "The Double Helix" by James Watson as my gifts. I already own two of the books in the standard renewal gift, so I was glad Folio Society gave me the go to select others from their regular catalog. I'll probably place another order for some of the new 2011 books soon, that will for sure contain the Wyndham works.

Hi friso, did you get the same limitation no or are you opting for just a random one?

> 186 I'm opting for just a random one. The limitation numbers on my other eight Letterpress Shakespeares are all different, so it won't really do much good to start requesting equal numbers now. It's not something that really bothers me though.

>186 ironjaw:

I've only have one: Macbeth. I am considering to enquire FS about the individual slipcases they once sold as I have a tiny apartment I cannot hold all of them when I buy them. I am bit ambivalent about the limitation no but I think your right in you assertion that it is probably too late to request equal no. now. I hope I am not intruding, but how many have you bought so far?

No intrusion at all. I bought eight of them so far: the four famous tragedies, the Sonnets, the Tempest, a Midsummer Nights Dream and Romeo and Juliet. I'm going to add some of the Roman tragedies this year, starting with Anthony and Cleopatra as my renewal purchase. I somehow got addicted to the incredible feel of quality these books have, though my purchasing speed on them is not keeping up with Folio Society's publishing pace...

Yay! Renewed on Friday with The Periodic Table, the two latest O'Brian books & The Medieval Civilisation. I'm not big art history buff so I've swapped The Nude for Myths & Legends of Russia. Now I'm stalking the postman for the beautiful big, brown package!

Did those of you who renewed and chose something other than The Nude as your free volume do so by calling the Society? I'd prefer to handle my renewal online, as calls to UK from Chicago require a bit of scheduling. I have no particular interest in The Nude, so I'm hoping the next offer is more tempting. However, I'd like to renew before this year is over, so that I'll be eligible for member's prices on the Spring sale.

I haven't renewed yet. Back in my pre-internet days I would renew as soon as I received the Prospectus. The last couple of years I've been waiting for the second offer (which I know about thanks to this group) as I usually am not interested in the presentation volume. If they're going to send me free books they might as well be ones that I might actually read--it makes it so much easier when the books arrive and my sister and nephew complain about the big white bags taking up the entire living room (it's a very small room). I also like to look at the Prospectus when deciding what to order. Over the years there have been a few books I would not have purchased from the website description alone but the Prospectus or brochures pushed me over the edge. One book for sure that's already in my basket is the Red Fairy Book. It was the only one of the series I didn't have and I was ecstatic when they reissued it.

>191 mboudreau:

Mboudreau. Although I took The Nude, I did negotiate the other titles, which I swapped for another FS volume.

Although I live in the UK, all the negotiation was done by email, so you shouldn't need to resort to the telephone.

Good luck

I renewed with the David Roberts, called and asked for the Red Fairy book as my freebie. The lady was very kind and said that this would be perfectly acceptable as my 'freebie' amount was $100.

So I'm very happy...still hate their pricing policy though and told her so.

Just got my renewal order. That was fast!!!

I'm still debating what I want this year. I am having trouble coming up with 4 title I really want to spend this much on. I love Folio, but as my concentration is on 19th century lit, the pickings were slim. For the people who ordered via computer did you get the option of a payment plan? That would make a big difference in what I might get.

I believe the payment plan is offered if your order exceeds a certain dollar amount - I think 300.00 (US) - although I might be wrong about the dollar amount.

I received the option for a five-payment plan for a book order a shade over $250.00 (US). Oh, and my renewal consisted of the latest two O'Brian books and the last two volumes of Crossley-Holland's King Arthur trilogy (At the Crossing Places and King of the Middle March).

My renewal arrived today. In spite of quite a bit of work to get through, I had to take a few minutes off to unpack and sample (I'm lucky, I'm working from home at the moment!).

Similar reactions to Quicksilver in >174 Quicksilver66: where we coincide, but one or two other volumes ordered too:

The Nude: I was initially unenamoured with this as the presentation volume this year, but have gradually come around as I've looked through the various bits of blurb. I'm really glad I did, because it looks to be both fascinating and beautifully presented, profusely illustrated. Sits very well alongside the other art volumes I've acquired - Civilisation, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo.

Rural Rides: Just love the covers - pleasant textured feel to the cloth (and you can see the fibres). I read somewhere on this forum that at least one of us doesn't like the illustrations - I love them: very simple, very striking. I like the type size as well - very readable (unlike my paperback edition).

Moonfleet: Again, very striking covers, nice feel, and the illustrations are just as QS says - georgeous.

And two books already in print:

The Long Weekend: Bigger than I anticipated, but then it's a bigger book than I thought. Text is set in Utopia, which I find particularly readable and attractive for a book of this type.

Germinal: I've been waiting to order this, as it's a favourite and the advertising looks very promising. Love the cover design; again the typeface (Sabon) looks just right in terms of size and shape to enjoy reading (again, I struggled with the paperback). Not convinced by the illustrations - OK, but don't grab me in the way that, for instance, both Moonfleet and Rural Rides did.

Like QS, I'm really excited by these, and can't wait to get stuck in! They arrived much more quickly than I expected, and I've got a bit of a backlog to get through first.

Willoyd, I can't wait to order Moonfleet. That's on my list for this year. I got Germinal last year as it's a favourite of mine and I agree with you, the illustrations didn't 'grab' me but it is great to own a lovely edition of one of my most loved books, nonetheless.

Still waiting impatiently for my package to arrive!

Pleased you like the books Willoyd. I also have Germinal and love it. I like the illustrations too - not striking, but they set the right tone for the novel.

Maybe it's just because they don't stand out as much as the others do. But I'm dead chuffed with it as a whole.

Looking through both website and details in the book, I do think the FS could make a wee bit more of their illustrators. I know that they've now got the print site, but I think they could give more information about the type/medium, maybe even a short biographical note. They are one of the things that FS supposedly take a lead in, and certainly are a very important part of the production, but it can take some digging to find anything out about them. They deserve a higher profile!

A white bag arrived yesterday, and I found (somewhat to my surprise) that I renewed for the upcoming year. I placed an order the moment I heard the Red and Yellow Fairy books were available again and also ordered the latest 3 volume set of the Jeeves books--thinking I was getting in on the introductory price.

The website, however, used my order as a Renewal for the new year, and so the bag contained the Wodehouse (great! even at the full price which I was charged), a Folio Diary (I love these diaries, and when I was late renewing one year, bitterly regretted not getting one), a book about language (don't remember the title, but it isn't a Folio publication), and The Nude, which I had no intention of getting. My order apparently got accepted as a Renewal, and not as just a regular order. I had been hoping to get some of last year's books as my renewal prize, but....

Oh, and the Fairy books (the main reason for my order)? "Out of stock--To Follow."

#203
Oh, and the Fairy books (the main reason for my order)? "Out of stock--To Follow."

Oh, no! Django, say it isn't so. I was holding off renewing until I at least saw the Prospectus and New Books flyer (and maybe even the second offer). The Red Fairy Book was definitely going to be a renewal book (it's already in my basket); I just hadn't made up my mind about what else I would use. Hopefully it really is just out of stock (with more on the way) and not about to disappear forever. I couldn't take it if I missed out on it again; it's the only one I don't have.

I feel like they are really behind the curve on recognizing the popularity of the Fairy Books

>203 Django6924:/204

Sounds to me more like the new copies are delayed coming from the manufacturer. They couldn't have sold out THAT quickly.

It was also mentioned here that Myths and Legends of Russia was out of stock but would be available again soon (and that isn't labeled 'sold out' on the website, either).

> 203 - 206

Don't panic. They Fairy Books are not out of stock - just reprinting.

I received the Green last week. Today, the Blue and Yellow have shipped to me and the Red is at the warehouse. Only the Pink is currently unavailable - I picked up a copy via Abe, but Folio may reprint during the course of the year.

>199 Willoyd:

I remain at a loss to understand what people have against Ken Clark's book. Admittedly he is more than a bit old-fashioned but then so are many of us and it remains a very interesting piece of Art History. So I'm pleased to see Willoyd coming round.

I'm still not keen on the Rural Rides illustrations though. If Cobbett wasn't one of my heroes I would probably have cast a cold eye and passed by.

>208 TheHumbleOne:

Nothing particularly against the book, I don't have that much interest in figurative art, I prefer the modern stuff. But I'm wondering whether to renew for it regardless on the basis that it's a quasi-bonus.

Count Belisarius
Moonfleet
All Quiet on the Western Front
Hitchhikers Guide

And now The Golem is tempting me...

Nothing against Ken Clark's book specifically, except that it just does not interest me. Had a different book on art been offered, then my answer might be different.

Okay, I'm odd too. None of the art I really admire has any people in it, clothed or otherwise, unless they are too far distant to see as more than a very small silhouette, or otherwise blend well into the surroundings. Take Vincent Van Gogh's painting, Starry Night over the Rhone, c.1888. There are two people in the foreground, but they blend in so well with their surroundings and that sky draws so much attention that I never notice the people there until I look for them.

Even at that, I prefer another Starry Night painting, done about one year later, because it has no people at all. Van Gogh's Irises or his Sunflowers are also appealing to me... as are Claude Monet's Water Lilies...

>208 TheHumbleOne: I'm still not keen on the Rural Rides illustrations though. If Cobbett wasn't one of my heroes I would probably have cast a cold eye and passed by.
Much as I like them, I can see why somebody else might not. Interesting how something one person can love can be so disliked by somebody else. I have to say, I wasn't overly struck with the examples given on the website - but they do look much better (at least to me) in the context of the book as a whole, with the colouring (although I'm not usually a fan of pale browns etc) and the cloth cover chiming in with the rural theme, and the pictures striking a more radical, sharper, Cobbett note.

Renewed today with the David Roberts LE set. After reading some of the posts in this thread I actually started to get interested in Clark’s The Nude, but since I don’t have any use for the other books I negotiated for the FS Diary and The Pharaohs as my renewal gift instead. I hope to pick up The Nude in one of the sales during this membership year.

Just renewed. Got the Frost Poetry volume, Metamorphosis, Utopia, and Irish Myths and Legends. Took Myths and Legends of Russia for free in place of the package of books being offered.

I emailed FS yesterday about taking an introductory offer instead of the offer (Nude, diary and something else with only two books to renew) but was told no, has to be under $100 value. In the same note though, she states it will be the violet and the olive fairy book that are coming out this year, not the brown as previously thought. She said they should be available by January. Yippee :)

> 215

I did the same last year when I did not want Colour. I asked for the five volume Fairytale books (Anderson, Grimm Bros. etc) and they said ok.
They are pretty much inconsistent in everything they do, so if I were you, I would phone and try again not mentioning your first attempt.

>215 mookie1798: - Timing is also important. They will refuse an offer early in the renewal period that they will accept later on. I recall this happening last year - once the second offer came out, and especially the third, others were successful in getting what I had earlier tried unsuccessfully to get. The message, which I have taken wholly to heart, is to be patient. I doubt I will renew before Christmas.

Yes, I did. And then promptly started looking for a Folio discussion group online. Found this group and signed up w/ LIbraryThing. Too bad I didn't act in the reverse order, and visit LT first. :-| I had no clue that one could haggle for other books or wait for a 2nd offer. hmpf. Oh well. As a fine arts and art history major, The Nude is appealing and I'm sure I will enjoy it.

I was not sure if I would renew at all, but I got an email today encouraging me to renew, and when I logged in, saw the Red Fairy Book. In fact, I kind of had a Red Fairy freakout. The whole reason I joined Folio or even knew about the society came from an online aquaintance with the Red Fairy illustrator. I was so bummed when it was sold out, and seeing it on offer again pushed me over the edge. That, along with the offer to pay in 3 installments, and to buy 2 books now and 2 more by March lured me in.

I also found out today from googling around that Barnes and Noble has FS books?! I promptly ordered Pride and Prejudice (a favorite book and the same illustrator as Red Fairy), and while very pleased that I could finally obtain the book, I confess myself a bit dismayed that they sell FS books. Why set yourself up a society requiring memberships with purchase expecations and so forth, if you are going to allow those same books to be for sale at B&N? I'm not meaning to grouse here, and I do realize FS can basically do as they please. But it kind of irritated me that I just spent $$ for a FS book that did nothing to further my membership.

>218 siddal: Barnes & Noble only carries a few of the FS books. But always check there first since they are often cheaper (book, shipping and no overseas credit card fees).

I too buy all books by Niroot Puttapipat. I am a big fan of his work. In the Austen series, I couldn't find Persuasion anywhere. I also missed the Rubaiyat special edition. What a pity!
B&N carries only a few books. It's great that they do else I would never have had pride and prejudice. It's gorgeous. You'll love it.

>219 kdweber: Thanks for the heads up!

>220 Technogeekus: It would be wonderful to have the Rubaiyat, wouldn't it? Niroot is so amazingly talented. I hope someday the Folio prints will offer one of his illustrations.
At the end of the day, I must agree. I am glad I was able to get P&P from B&N. Thrilled, in fact! I can't wait to read it in this housing :-)

Siddal,
I did the same thing and received my Pride and Prejudice a couple of days ago. Although I did not like the look of the binding on the website, in person it won me over. The illustrations are also much better in person. I think you will love it. Now I need to try to purchase the others....

elmaynard, great! My copy shipped today and I cannot wait to receive it :-)
I need to get the others, too.

siddal,
I keep looking on e-bay, but have not often seen any of them. but I will continue to try!

#219 It doesn't matter about the lack of overseas credit card fees at Barnes & Noble because the Folio Society books are shipped from the FS US warehouse and they provide options for US domestic shipping only. Your B&N order for FS books cannot be processed to an international address. I know, I tried.

FS prospectus arrived today. I thought 'what the hell. There are so many beautiful books here". And then I say the prices in Australian dollars and remembered how many spurious reasons they gave me last year when I wrote to them. Nah! The offer will have to be a lot better to tempt me!

PS: Looking at the non-Folio books, the Secret Language of Churches and Cathedrals caught my eye. I just ordered it from Book Depository for $37.54 delivered. FS would have charged $84.45 delivered. :-p

> 226

My prospectus arrived today as well. Nice and glossy. Pity the prices are desultory.

No thanks.

I just could not resist so I placed my renewal order today:

1 x Your FREE gifts @ £0.00
1 x Crusader Castles @ £22.95
1 x The History of the Kings of Britain @ £29.95
1 x Beowulf @ £79.95
1 x The Devil's Dictionary @ £19.95
1 x Hemingway Short Stories @ £24.95
1 x Master and Commander @ £29.95
1 x Post Captain @ £30.95
1 x H.M.S. Surprise @ £29.95
P&P £32.00

I am actually quite happy, there were loads of books I wanted to order (I actually have mentioned that I wanted to order all the new 2010/2011 books before) but I decided to focus on the ones right now published and get the other ones later.

I haven't read the Aubrey–Maturin series or anything from O'Brian before so I am a bit anticipated and chose the first three books.

> 228

Ironjaw:

I found that the recommendations on getting help with the vocabulary in O'Brian were very useful. You might want to follow some.

The only problem I find with reading an Aubrey/Maturin book with A Sea of Words beside me for reference is that sometimes ten or fifteen minutes will pass before I realise that I'm reading the wrong book!

> 230

Justjim: I'm waiting for my copy of A Sea of Words. I'll let you know if the same thing happens to me!

> 226
vat1sem: Let me know what you think of The Secret Language of Churches and Cathedrals once you've seen it. Amazon currently has it for $25.55.

>226 vat1sem:, 232

Different author, similar subject:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tnp8f

Richard Taylor has also written How to Read a Church: An Illustrated Guide to Images, Symbols and Meanings in Churches and Cathedrals.

http://www.librarything.com/work/14502/details/51628698

I was underwhelmed by that book, if you know why lecterns are in the shape of an eagle you won't learn much from it.

> 232 - will do

> 234 - If that's the test, I expect to learn a great deal. I know buggerall.

Got my prospectus today. Still not sold - I'm waiting for a far better offer. Especially given that I have bought a few of the books on my Want List on Ebay recently at less that 50% of full price!

I caved, ordered:

Rural Rides (Cobbett)
Stalingrade (Beevor)
Italian Journey (Goethe) - represents 2 volumes
The Age of Innocence (Wharton)

There are quite a few December possibilities I shall no doubt indulge in too nearer the time!

I will renew though not yet. A) Am not interested in currrent offer (but will be when/if the Chekhov set comes on) and b) can't decide which 4 books to order.

I lasted all of a day to re-new, and here is what I ordered;
Rural Rides
Stalingrade
Italian Journey
Crusader Castles
The History of the Kings of Britain
Beowulf
Medieval Civilisation
The Ionian Mission
Treason's Harbour
Hitchikers
Count Belisarius
The Selfish Gene
The War With Hannibal
The Pharaohs
Reflection on the Revolution of France
Tao Te Ching
Pagans and Christians
The Pharaohs
The Decievers
SOE
Enigma
Thomas Beckett
The Great Plague of London
Heeves and Wooster
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
The Honourable Schoolboy
The Siege of Krishnapur
The Picture of Dorian Gray
To be continued...

>239 Barton: - The message might be shorter if you list what you DIDN'T order.

Now you know why I might need a larger house with more bookshelves.

>239 Barton:

Wouldn't it be more cost-effective to buy out Lord Gavron. And at least we know that you're sympathetic to us punters on Library Thing.

Perhaps I can open a Folio reading room for North America.

I got my FS Prospectus today, the same free offer as previously described:

Buy two books now and select two more by March 1 to get these free:

The Nude by Kenneth Clark
The Great Explorers
The Great Naturalists
The Folio Diary 2011 by Folio Society
A Little Book of Language by David Crystal

And if I choose 4 books now, I also get, as a bonus,

Nobel - A Century of Prize Winners by Michael Worek

But, I have little to no interest in these volumes, so I'm waiting.

Later on, in the offer materials I read this:

Reply by October 1 to claim your free gifts

So, I'm guessing I'll have to wait until October to see a different offer. :( I wanted to renew and receive my order by Christmas, but it's not looking like that will happen, unless I take the current offer...

I think someone was not too impressed with the renewal offering:

http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=3392778669&cm_ven=nl&...

and eBay 370434282339

As an advocate of The Nude, I caved in today, BEFORE I got another offer, and ordered:

Crusader Castles
Count Belisarius
Five Days in London
The War With Hannibal
Beowulf
At the Crossing-Places
King Of The Middle March
The Lost World

There were quite a few others I'm hoping to acquire in sales, not to mention the promise of more O'Brian and more Fairy books in the coming months.

I just received a bunch of FS books and would like to point out one in particular that struck me as particularly well-designed: The Golem. The size, cover, woodcuts and overall design just seem to click. Anyway, I'd highly recommend getting it.

>247 podaniel:
Can't find "The Golem" on the FS website from here in the US. Can you provide a link, perhaps?

Os.

>248 Ealhmund: - not available to me either. I think it's one of those that can only be seen by renewing members.

>249 vat1sem:
That appears to be it. Did a google search and found an FS site link, but when I try to go there, I get "Sorry, either the book you have requested does not exist or it is not available to your geographic location and/or your member renewal status. "

Os.

It was not available to me either but appeared after I renewed.

Well I have recently acquired new bookshelf space so it would make sense to renew. However I am not the least interested in The Nude. I will wait for the next offer

>249 vat1sem:, 250
I rang a while ago to enquire about alternatives to the renewal package, I mentioned that The Golem wasn't on the website or in the prospectus I received. I was nevertheless told I could order it as a renewal book, no problem.

>226 vat1sem:, 232

The Secret Language of Churches and Cathedrals arrived today. I've only glanced quickly through it but I'm pretty impressed so far. Reproductions are good (though nowhere near Folio Society standards) and, for a relative novice like me, there is a lot of interesting information. I'm very happy with the purchase.

Must say, I am very excited about this year's publication list. As I like the current offer, I went ahead and ordered:

Scott's Last Expedition
The Songlines
Chivalry
Gilgamesh
The Lost World
Robin Hood
Moonfleet

I received an email today that my offer for The Nude, etc. will close on 10 October. I am looking forward to my next offer(s).

> 256

Ditto.

I haven't received the 2011 Prospectus yet. Or do they only send it when you have renewed?

I got mine a month ago just after I ordered the Red and Yellow Fairy Books-- but I hadn't intended to renew. When the Fairy books came, I also got The Nude, which I didn't want, so the Society took my order as a renewal. So I can't tell you if the arrival of the Prospectus was coincidental with my unintended renewal or a result thereof.

(For some reason, LibraryThing duplicatres all my postings (hence the deletion above; is anyone else having this issue?)

>258 overthemoon:

I haven't renewed yet, but I did receive the Prospectus a few weeks ago. I'm waiting to see the next renewal offer.