Bait and Switch with types of books

I was notified on April 6, 2015 that I won a copy of Jeremy Mark Lane's "While I'm Still Myself" from the paper-only Member Giveaway he posted. On May 6 I was finally contacted by the author apologizing for the delay explaining he was having trouble gathering email addresses for all the winners so he could send them ebooks. I told him that the giveaway was listed under paper books and that might be why he had trouble getting email addresses. I also told him I was not interested in an ebook, as I had purposely signed up for paper-only giveaways and if he sent me a paper copy I would definitely review it. He has not replied nor have I received a paper copy. I feel if an author posts a giveaway they should have to honor that giveaway or what good is this site? I have not had any problems receiving any other books I have won from this site.

I feel if an author posts a giveaway they should have to honor that giveaway or what good is this site?

What good is the site?

Let me see . . .

It's good for cataloguing your books. I'd list all the features that go with that but the list is very, very long. Just having the catalogue means you can avoid purchasing duplicates.

It's good for listing books you want, a great help to friends and family at birthdays.

It's good for getting recommendations for other books.

It's good for discussing books in Talk.

It's good for finding information about authors, and you can help provide that as well.

It's good for learning about events at your local libraries and bookstores, as well as finding libraries and bookstores when you travel.

What's LT good for? Read this

MG is just one thing the site does, and a very minor one in the scheme of things. And unlike the Early Reviewer program, "LibraryThing takes no responsibility for books sent or received." That's on the author.

The real question is whether the 'good name' of such an author is worth anything.

lilithcat, I completely agree with your response, my remark about what good is this site was narrow-minded. I guess I should have asked what good is the author giveaway component of this site if the authors do not follow through on giving away the books to the people who have won their contests. And you're right there too, it's really on the author to follow the rules of the site.

I have received a few very good books through Member Giveaway, and a lot of very poor ones. I do ask for eBooks, but don't want to join other sites to get them, so end up frustrated when authors send the mail telling me to join _____ or ______ to pick up my book. Like you, I would not have asked for the book if they had been honest in the giveaway.