Fantasy&Sci-Fi Bookclub.

[Keef Monkey]

Finally gave into one of those generous starting offers that fall out of the prog all the time, looking forward to what seems like a very good idea. Any boarders taken the plunge at any point? Wondering if I've made a grave mistake, any pitfalls or problems I can look forward to?

[Dark Jimbo]

I joined a club once that assured me that after the introductory offer, I wouldn't be obligated to ever buy anything else from them - which technically was true. But every month they'd send me their 'offer of the month' book(s) through the post. If they didn't hear back from me they'd assume I wanted the books and charge me for them; otherwise I had to pay to send them back. They'd keep sending them automatically no matter what I said, and eventually I ended up spending so much money sending back their unwanted bloody offers that I might as well have been buying them.

The moral is beware the intro offers, especially if they sound too good to be true. But good luck to ya anyway, I'm sure there must be some bookclubs that aren't out to rip people off.

[Kerrin]

As Dark Jimbo mentioned the monthly offer is usually the hitch with these clubs, just make sure you tick/cross the box that says you don't want it (it's invariably some crap they want to unload). They work on the basis of you ordering a certain amount of books in a time period, make sure you only get the ones you want.

[Dandontdare]

If you keep a wary eye on 'automatic' editors choice orders and cancel the subs as soon as you've bought the required minumum, the initial freebie is often worth it. You will have to buy a few overpriced items however - reduced price hardbacks usually, that are dearer than full-price paperbacks.

And congrats to Dark Jimbo on his upcoming 2000th post!!

[Keef Monkey]

Thanks for the advice guys! Apparently I have to buy something every 2 months, so will be sure to avoid that editor's choice pitfall.