BookMooch Angel Network
From MoochWiki
Why the Angel Network?
Is there a book on BookMooch you really want but the book owner is in another country and only sends within their country? Don't fret, help is available through the BookMooch Angel Network!
The BookMooch Angel Network involves the connection of two members in the BookMooch community. The first is the "Person In Need" of help in the form of the BookMooch Angel, who will be called the "PIN" and the second is the "Angel" who is willing to help international members of BookMooch get the books they want.
What does an Angel do?
1. Receives a request from a PIN who's in need of a book in the Angel's country.
2. Spends one of his/her points to mooch the book.
3. Upon receipt of the book, adds the book to their inventory on BookMooch using one of the BookMooch Angel Network listings, mentioning in the condition notes the title of the book and that the book is reserved for the Person-In-Need and sends a link to the listing to the PIN.
4. After the PIN mooches the book from the Angel, the Angel mails them the book like any other mooch.
What does the PIN (Person-In-Need) do?
1. Chooses an Angel from the country the book is located in, from the Angel list. Alternatively, you can ask on the forum. This is a good option if the book you are hoping for is wishlisted by other members, as it may prove to be faster. (Oct/Nov 2009: The Angel List is currently being updated to make it quicker and easier for members to find an angel.)
2. Sends an email to their chosen Angel to please mooch the book for them, and includes the following information:
- Their BookMooch Name and Userid. - The title of the book they want. - A link to the book on BookMooch.
3. Waits patiently for the book.
4. Mooches the book as soon as they get the link from the Angel that the book is now available for them.
5. Leaves feedback for the Angel as soon as they receive the book.
Note: It is up to the PIN's discretion whether they want to "smooch" the Angel an additional point, or mooch a second book from the Angel's inventory. It's a nice gesture but not normally expected. Unless it states in the Angel list that any of the conditions are in place (mooch two books, etc.) then it's not required.
Why the "BookMooch Angel Network" Listings?
In order to prevent a lot of "phantom" listings on BookMooch, the "BookMooch Angel Network" listings have been created. These are hand-entered listings that can be used over and over again. This prevents the creation of a lot of hand-entered listings on BookMooch, from people who are likely to come and go from the Angel Network as their situations change. This also prevents the book from having to be listed under the ISBN, which would mean that any members who have the book on their wishlists would get a notification email, only to be disappointed when they go to mooch the book and it's been reserved for the PIN.
To find a "BookMooch Angel Network" listing to use, click here: BookMooch Angel Network listings. More will be added as the need arises. Please note that more than one person can list their "Angel" book under the same listing as someone else at the same time! When the PIN clicks on the mooch button, they just need to find their name/ID in the condition notes from their Angel and mooch.
Do I have to be an Angel to use the BookMooch Angel Network service?
No. You don't have to be an Angel in order to request the services of an Angel. BookMooch Angels realize not everyone is able to be an Angel due to financial or time contraints. Angels are happy to help you even if you're unable to be an Angel or don't wish to be an Angel at this time.
Why do Angels do this?
They get to feel good that they're helping a fellow BookMooch member get books they really want. And often, Angels are PIN's themselves when they want books from other countries, so it's helping, and being helped in return.
Angels also get 3 points from Bookmooch for sending a book internationally. So essentially they're sending the book for 2.2 points. Even though they've spent 1 point to mooch the book originally, they receive 0.1 point for listing the book when they get it, and 0.1 point for marking it received when they originally receive it from the third party. It's worthwhile noting that they're not out any value of the book either, because it's not their book. Many times the postage between certain countries (for example USA and Canada) is worthwhile for 2.2 points.
But many Angels just do it for the greater good of helping people get the books they want to read!
How do I become a BookMooch Angel?
Just send an email to bmangelnetwork@gmail.com. Please include your location, your BookMooch name and ID, and any conditions you would like to place on your Angel services, such as 2 mooches required, or you can only ship a certain amount each month, etc.
You can also send an email at any time to request changes to your status in the Network, or change your conditions.
Please note that an email will also be sent to you periodically to confirm your membership in the BookMooch Angel Network, and whether you would like to make any changes in your conditions or your status at that time.
The BookMooch Angel Network list is edited and maintained by a group of volunteer members of BookMooch, so please keep in mind that it may take some time after your request before you see your name on the list.
Have questions or concerns?
If you have any questions about the BookMooch Angel Network, please visit the discussion forums and ask them anything!
The BookMooch Angel Network list is edited and maintained by a group of volunteer members of BookMooch. If you happen to have any concerns about a transaction with any of the Angels, or you haven't received a response from an angel you've sent a request to, please email the group. bmangelnetwork@gmail.com
How do I add the BookMooch Angel Network logo to my profile?
If you are a member of the BookMooch Angel Network and would like to post a clickable graphic in your bio, paste all of the following line of html code in the "Describe yourself" section of your profile:
<a href="http://bmangelnetwork.googlepages.com/home"> <img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/prosegirl/BMANmember.png"> </a>
