I've mostly ignored the previous discussions about catalogue postings for
the simple reason that exlibris was clearly not intended for use as a place
to post endless offerings of books for sale, or books wanted, or other
commercial postings. I subscribe to several commercially oriented listservs
and find the non-commercial postings that appear on those lists as
distracting as (I assume) exlibris subscribers would find commercial
postings on their list. I also assume that those who want catalogues and
those who are serious book buyers (I'm making a distinction between two VERY
different groups of people here!) will have the sense to contact a
bookseller without having to be told that a specific catalogue has been
issued.
That's really enough said, but a few of you may wish to read on...
Those with want-lists can avail themselves of the book databases, which is
far more effective than cluttering up any listserv with their want-lists.
As for posting catalogue announcements on other listservs, I refrain from
it. One list that was suggested recently has only 22 subscribers --hardly
worth the effort, but I wish them well and hope they grow. And last year,
when I posted a catalogue announcement to a large listserv, I got nearly two
hundred requests for catalogues, but not one from a person who was able to
clearly articulate what they collected. NOT ONE. NADA. ZILCH. That
experience reminded me of the bundles of postcards I used to get after one
of my AB WEEKLY ads would appear. Every card had virtually the same message:
"Send me your FREE catalogues." When they did specify a collected author or
subject, it was usually spelled wrong. I learned my lesson.
Unless or until a chorus of booksellers rises up demanding that they be
allowed to post catalogue announcements on this listserv, I consider it a
huge non-issue. I like a listserv where halon, bibliographical oddities,
conservation problems, and conference schedules are all that I can expect.
Ain't nuthin wrong with this briar-patch where we've all flung ourselves.
Kevin Mac Donnell
Mac Donnell Rare Books
9307 Glenlake Drive
Austin TX 78730
macbooks@jump.net
512-345-4139
Member: ABAA, BS, BSA, ILAB, MS
********************************
You may browse our inventory at:
www.macdonnellrarebooks.com