Monday, April 5, 2010

Who Wants to Play?

The other day, I got all excited because I got a letter in the mail.  You know, a hand-addressed letter from a family member, cool!  Much better than the bills and ads that are usually in there.  (I also got my new laptop cord in the mail that day - it was a red letter day!  Pun intended.)  So at first, I was a little bummed to find something that looked like a chain letter inside.

But it's not exactly a chain letter.  It's an "informal book club".  She put the address of the person who sent it to her on the back, and I am supposed to send a paperback or audio book that I have already enjoyed (no shopping necessary!) to that person and then send the letter on to 6 people with the address of the person who sent it to me on the back.  No bad mojo.  No "if you don't...." doom and gloom.  Just "if you can't, let me know so I can give it to someone else".  So, if all goes well, the person I am sending a book to will actually end up with 36 books.  Neato bandito.  I got one of these letters when I was a little girl - it was from Marty Rush's mom, and it was on Muppet stationery.  My mom was supposed to send her a Golden Book and send it on. :)

I have no problem sending someone a book I have already read.  Makes room in my bookshelf and spreads the love.  The only problem is that I don't know who to pass it on to, because I know a lot of people don't like these things.  So I'm opening it up to you guys!  You only send one person one book, you should theoretically get 36 in return (but, hey, if I get one, I'll be happy.  Cause.... free book! And it will be a fun surprise to receive in the mail!). 

If you are interested in playing, send me an email at MaddestHatter(at)verizon(dot)net with your mailing address.  Put "I'll Play!" in the subject of the email. If I get 6 takers, I'll send the letter on to you do you can join the fun!

Here is what the letter actually says:

1.  Send a paperback or audiobook that you have already enjoyed to the person listed on the back of this sheet. (Note from me: They just used address labels)  There is no need to use a box.  A padded mailing envelope is fine.  You should receive 35 books.  It is interesting to see where the books come from and what others read.

2.  Make six copies of this letter and put my mailing address on the back of each copy. (Another note from me: She included her own address labels for me).  Put 6 of your address labels with each copy of the letter.  Your friends will then have your address label to stick on the back of their letters.

3. Mail the letters to six different people, but do not send them a book!  You will only need to send one book to the one person whose name is on the back of this letter.

If you cannot do this within a week, please let me know so that we can be fair to all of the participants  I have been told that there is seldom a drop  in the club because you only have to pay for postage for one book.  The book can be sent with media postage rate (Media Mail/Book Rate).

So... make copies, mail your book, and get ready to receive lots of books to enjoy!

15 comments:

Alleged Author said...

Ahh...an online library of sorts. That could be very interesting and I will need to consider it!

Unknown said...

That is such a cool idea! I would participate, but I'm running behind on everything else. When my life settles down, though, I'm going to try to do something like this!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Let us know how it turns out...I'm curious if it works. :)

Stephanie Thornton said...

Hmmm... I've heard of this before, but don't know anyone who's actually done it. Let us know if it works out.

BTW- I'm leaving something on my blog for you!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Stephanie! :D

I have a few people so far but we're not up to 6 yet. Hope we can find a few more to give this a try! :)

Wendy Ramer, Author said...

I was actually "invited" to one of these clubs about 3 years ago. In theory, you're right. I should have ended up with like 36 books or something. I sent all my mailouts, and know how many books I got in return? Just the one originally sent to me, and I had NO interest in it whatsoever. Sorry to burst your bubble (no Sunshine Award for me today!), but I wish you luck with other interested players.

Anonymous said...

sounds like fun.. I would luv to participate!

utterlymoi

Sarah Ahiers said...

that sounds like a good idea in theory, but i keep all the books i enjoy and i would hate to send a book i wasn't intending to keep to someone because that would mean that i didn't like it very much...
dilemnas

Rebecca T. said...

@Falen - that is exactly the problem I would have. I am a shameless book hoarder!

But this does sound like a really fun idea. I will have to consider.

Lorraine Brooks said...

Lindsey I got the same letter and if you get more than 6 people...send me their info. Thanks, with love...

Unknown said...

Hi guys! I know that not everyone likes these letters and not everyone has had luck with them. That's exactly why I opened it up here, rather than just sending them to unsuspecting (or disinterested) friends. The idea is that if I find 6 people who WANT to play, voluntarily (lol), the game will continue and the books will be sent. :) (Remember you only need to send one, so I figure if I don't get many in return, no biggie, I'll have fun getting even one package in the mail! Hopefully, though, with interested people, it will be more!)

I don't usually continue chains myself but I figured if I found people who actually volunteer to play, it will be fun. If you don't want to, no problem! :)

We are almost there, just need a few more!

Katie said...

What a cool idea!! I should start that up around where I live...

Talli Roland said...

What a great idea! Since I'm in the UK, I won't join in (postage and all...) but I'd love to!

Glynis Peters said...

It sounds a great idea. Being in Cyprus I think folk might get put off posting here because of cost. What do you think?

PS: My blog has an award for yours :)

Hannah said...

I love getting mail!!! I'm just really horrible at sending things, otherwise I'd join.