Wayne-Tec

Congratulations Mike, sweet book.

I still think Tec 33 is waayyyyy undervalued! Origin of Batman retold first time told!?!? Come on!

 

I hear you DK.

 

The most important 2 pages in comic book history every printed. Period.

 

When you consider a 4.0-4.5 can be bought in the mid teens, where by 29, 31 and 35 all sell in the 30k+ (for 29 and 31) and mid to high 20k for the 35, 33 is really undervalued. A 36 4.5 has already broken 10k+. Origin of Batman makes it a key for me.

I agree. (thumbs u

It can be argued that the origin of Batman may be the most recognizable stories in the history of comics. Batman #48 is a really cool book with the expanded origin and that came out many years later.

Tec #33 has that 1939 mystique and as Alex said earlier, a pretty awesome cover as well.

Can anyone confirm that the 1.5 actually sold for 25 k on eBay? My gut is that there is a growing hunger for these Pre-robins that goes well outside the incredibly knowledgeable collectors on these boards and they are paying higher prices for them. This tec 31 is a good example (if the sale is real). The tec 36 4.5 in the last heritage went for a little over 10k, which seems like a new high price. If a lower grade (.5-2.5) tec 35 or tec 31 blue label went to auction, I think people would go nuts.

 

Agreed! The demand doesn't seem to be cooling off anytime soon

 

 

So lets get back to early tecs besides the 1.0 36...

 

With two days left tec 27 at 165k and 31 at 27450$.

 

As mentionned earlier i think early tecs and. Ats 1 are on an upswing especially tec 31 and bats1.

 

Tec29 has that action 7 thing going but nothing like like tec 31!

 

The cover is hypnotizing. I truly think that if tec 27 had the 31 cover instead alongside the origin of 33 and cameo out before action comics 1. It would be the holy grail by far.

 

Disclaimer. Tec 31 is my fav early cover. Better than tec27 imho

 

 

Tec29 has the second cover and sligthly more scarce.but cover doesnt come close to 31.

 

Tec 227 is becoming a bronze age key in the last years and its a swipe hommage of 31!

 

If

I totally hear where you're coming from regarding Tec #27 and where it would be if it sported #31's cover and #33's origin.

I suppose that's the beauty of the Pre-Robin Tec run. So many issues contain so many special things that contributed to the development of the character.

The fact that Action Comics #1 contains Superman's origin is one of the reasons I rank it ahead of Tec #27. But you're right, if #27 had all of the aforementioned, it would certainly come even closer to Action #1.

I was being clinical ("calling a spade a spade") and not making a personal attack.

 

Others have looked at it from another angle and have come to the same conclusion.

 

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=15&Number=5892925&Searchpage=2&Main=266984&topic=0&Search=true#Post5892925

I completely understand the investor/collector perspective provided in that post.

If you look forward a page into the thread, I actually followed it up explaining my selections. As the thread went on and I continued to read other people's opinions and perspectives, it really opened my eyes as I had a few days to re-read and look it over. I'm not sure exactly how different my list would look today, but I'm starting to gather a greater appreciation for many of the non-Superman/Batman books out there. (thumbs u

I doubt Wayne-Tec is flipping to chase a grail. By his admission he has no comic that he calls "grail." What he did is not a crime but it doesn't make it any more palatable or acceptable on a social networking forum.

 

It might help to review the sequence of posts to see how it went down. Actually most of us were initially happy to see Wayne-Tec get a good deal on the book because he fooled us into thinking he was more a collector... rather than a junior mmehdy.

I did sell the Tec #36 in order to fund the purchase of a book that could be considered a "grail". I try to be cautious using that word these days as the term is subjective; but I didn't part with a book like that with malicious intent.

I hear your perspective Mike and I respect it.

You're looking out for the community because you don't feel that board members should be in fear of asking for an opinion because someone might swoop a book up from under them. It was my poor board etiquette, a selfish decision on my behalf, something I've apologized for while still recognizing that doesn't excuse it.

But posts like these genuinely make me feel poorly.

Wayne-Tec's actions tell me he is far more of a speculator than a fan of comics. Nevermind the book he's going to steal may be another's hard to attain grail. There will be more flips in his future I'm sure. The only question is how many more collectors will he insult and step on for a few dollars more?

I respect you looking out for the community as I've said. But this feels more like a personal attack. You claim that I'm more of a "speculator than a fan of comics" when I've spent years contributing what I've felt to be thoughtful posts and threads that come from the heart of someone who is very much a fan of comics. Just a few examples:

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=188967&Number=3930098#Post3930098

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=201021&Number=4236253#Post4236253

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=220882&Number=4742004#Post4742004

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=234609&Number=5088193#Post5088193

I'm not trying to make this personal. We've spoken via PM in the past because for whatever reason, you've often made it a habit to post "jabs" when I would sell one book to acquire another. I would think that it would be well known by now that more often than not, I've ended up selling at a loss.

I'd like to think that most of us would prefer to sell at a profit when we decide to let a book go, but to paint a picture of me being this regular "flipper" with nothing but money at the heart of my intentions is really unfair IMO.

So many of my posts over the years (some of which are posted above) talk about content, character development, an appreciation for the publication history and a number of other obscure yet interesting aspects of what makes this hobby great.

I made a poor decision. I've apologized. I've owned up to and admit that it was a move of poor etiquette. I'm trying to explain my side while using the utmost respect in post-tone. I'm not using vulgarity, hurling insults, accusations or taking on a tone of negativity. I'm not saying that all of the aforementioned have been found in your posts, nor would I ever attempt to censor anyone from voicing their opinions.

Many of your criticisms are valid -- I own up to that and I'm sorry.

I just don't feel that everyone is taking into account the entire picture.

I'll take it on my shoulders if at the end of the day, the conclusion was that I was still wrong. I already feel bad enough about it. Don't you think that if my intention was to be underhanded, to flip for a quick buck and not care about anyone else's feeling -- would I really have come out and been honest from the get-go about making the purchase?

I could have just bought it well under FMV, sold the book on eBay and never made a public post about it. I haven't tried to deceive anyone and the accusations as to my intentions have been a little unfair. I don't know how else you would expect someone who has made a mistake to respond.

I'm sorry -- even if you feel my saying so isn't genuine because it is.

Hey, anyone who is willing to continuously apologize for this can't be a total dirtbag. I'm not following this too closely, but what does everyone want him to do at this point? Sell it for what he paid and not a penny more? He got a good deal, is trying to raise money, and has some profit in this book now. What am I missing he? Besides to umbrage and anger?

Thank you for the post.

The book has already sold. I'm not saying that my apology excuses me from bad board etiquette. I fully accept responsibility for that. I just wanted everyone to take into consideration the factors that I did when I made my decision. The book was available for public sale on a public website, it had not been spoken for, the original poster was hesitant and even after receiving positive advice to make the purchase -- still didn't make a commitment to the book which I did. It was still a move of bad etiquette because I learned about the book from his post. I genuinely felt bad and took the time to privately apologize to the original poster directly. He later posted in this thread saying he was going to pass on the book anyway.

I'm man enough to own up to my bad move. I'm sorry, I don't expect for that to excuse my decision but the situation is what it is. I've been a member of these boards for many years -- check my feedback thread and you'll see a long list of positive affirmations attesting to my character. I truly care about how my fellow collectors view me and though I've accepted full responsibility for my poor decision, an admittedly selfish decision, all I can do is say that I'm sorry and hope that everyone will take the factors into consideration.

I've posted these many responses and apologized and accepted blame for my poor decision over and over with no ego or animosity found in my posts. All I can ask is for anyone to please at least take the above into consideration. Any of my actions deemed unforgivable is my heat to accept and apologize for.

Since my income doesn't justify making four-figure purchases with any regularity, I have no choice but to let go of an expensive book in order to pick up another. I'm certainly okay with that because from my point of view, I pick up a book that I enjoy, other collectors pick up the books I make available along the way which they enjoy and everyone enjoys the hobby overall.

 

 

You sound like you're making up excuses along the way.

 

By your hostile grabbing and flipping, you've made an affordable book to collectors become less affordable at the end of the day. What is the added value that you've provided to collectors in this case?

 

The sad part is the internal contradiction in you being "okay with that" from your point of view, seeing how you're in the same economic position with those that can't afford expensive books. Kinda hypocritical?

 

I understand what you're saying but you're not being completely fair.

 

In most cases when I end up selling a book quickly after purchasing it, I end up selling at a loss. While it's fair to point out this instance, I also feel that it would be fair to note that I've often made books available for sale and have sold them for less than what I've invested into them. I've never complained about taking a loss and I certainly haven't been upset that collectors have been able to pick up other books for a price lower than what I paid for them.

 

"hostile grabbing and flipping" is just not fair here.

 

I've explained my situation honestly. I made a purchase for below FMV and the only reason I sold it for FMV was because I needed every dollar to fund another purchase. The original intent when buying the book was not to flip. I didn't sell for cash profit, I sold to use the funds towards another purchase. I understand how that can still be considered flipping, but how is this any different than the dealer who bought the Action #10 as an eBay "buy it now" for well under FMV, then slabbing it and auctioning it off for FMV? Even if that book came back restored or incomplete, it would have been worth well more than the eBay sellers "buy it now" price. I purchased a book that was on the open market in a public website after learning that no one had made any kind of commitment to the book. On eBay, don't people add items they may be seriously interested in to their watch list? If someone goes ahead and clicks the "buy it now" while other "watchers" are still considering the book, does that put them in the wrong? The difference here is that I knew specifically that someone was considering the book. They didn't make a commitment or express any certainty in the purchase. I took the original poster's expressed hesitance into consideration as well. Had he said that this was some type of grail book and he couldn't wait to save up for it -- I have morals -- I wouldn't have made the move.

 

But what seems to be overlooked here is that this instance is an exception to the rule. I've often times sold at a loss and made books available to fellow collectors who are willing to offer what it's worth to them, even if what they offer is less than what I've personally invested into the book. This instance is the exception and while I understand why people would try to make me look bad for selling a book at FMV (above my cost), I don't see anyone taking the time to look at the other side of the equation: when I've often times sold at a loss and frequently offered time-payments to budget conscious collectors who didn't have the funds to buy something they liked right away. To anyone who has bought from me, they'd attest to how easy I am to work with, how flexible I am in terms of payments and how contientious I am throughout the whole process.

 

I don't know what more I can do than own up to a move that was poor board etiquette. I would just hope that the fact that the book was on the open market, for sale on a public website, not spoken for by the interested party and the fact that the original poster was hesitant -- all those factors were taken into consideration before I made my purchase. Even afterwards, I owned up to my actions and contacted the original poster to apologize. What is done is done, I'd certainly hope that after taking into consideration all of the factors, that people would at least see my point of view. I'm still more than willing to own up to a move that was poor board etiquette and apologize once again.

 

Again, you can explain till the cows come home. It was a douchy move plain and simple. The fact that you point to that Action 10 is laughable. Your comparing a book that was in an open venue for everyone to see and buy to someone who was asking the value of a book on a forum as he was interested in buying and getting a consensus on the price of the book. You opted to snag that book from him....you're right to do so, but a move in my book. The book then is put on the boards for sale( forget about the asking price) less than 2 weeks later. Don't care about the reason, but seriously could you have not chosen another venue for the sale? Sort of a kick in the groin for the boardie who wanted to buy it. Again, your right to do so but a real person_who_is_obnoxiously_self-impressed bag move!!!!

The book I purchased was listed for sale in a public venue for everyone to see. The only difference is that eBay receives more Internet traffic. The original poster even stated in this thread that he was going to pass on the book anyway.

My decision to buy the book was poor board etiquette, but it was done taking into consideration the poster's expressed hesitance in considering holding out for a higher graded copy and the fact that no one made any kind of commitment to a book that was available for sale in a public venue. I'm not making excuses, I've accepted responsibility and apologized numerous times, I've just asked for the above factors to be taken into consideration.

Since my income doesn't justify making four-figure purchases with any regularity, I have no choice but to let go of an expensive book in order to pick up another. I'm certainly okay with that because from my point of view, I pick up a book that I enjoy, other collectors pick up the books I make available along the way which they enjoy and everyone enjoys the hobby overall.

 

 

You sound like you're making up excuses along the way.

 

By your hostile grabbing and flipping, you've made an affordable book to collectors become less affordable at the end of the day. What is the added value that you've provided to collectors in this case?

 

The sad part is the internal contradiction in you being "okay with that" from your point of view, seeing how you're in the same economic position with those that can't afford expensive books. Kinda hypocritical?

I understand what you're saying but you're not being completely fair.

In most cases when I end up selling a book quickly after purchasing it, I end up selling at a loss. While it's fair to point out this instance, I also feel that it would be fair to note that I've often made books available for sale and have sold them for less than what I've invested into them. I've never complained about taking a loss and I certainly haven't been upset that collectors have been able to pick up other books for a price lower than what I paid for them.

"hostile grabbing and flipping" is just not fair here.

I've explained my situation honestly. I made a purchase for below FMV and the only reason I sold it for FMV was because I needed every dollar to fund another purchase. The original intent when buying the book was not to flip. I didn't sell for cash profit, I sold to use the funds towards another purchase. I understand how that can still be considered flipping, but how is this any different than the dealer who bought the Action #10 as an eBay "buy it now" for well under FMV, then slabbing it and auctioning it off for FMV? Even if that book came back restored or incomplete, it would have been worth well more than the eBay sellers "buy it now" price. I purchased a book that was on the open market in a public website after learning that no one had made any kind of commitment to the book. On eBay, don't people add items they may be seriously interested in to their watch list? If someone goes ahead and clicks the "buy it now" while other "watchers" are still considering the book, does that put them in the wrong? The difference here is that I knew specifically that someone was considering the book. They didn't make a commitment or express any certainty in the purchase. I took the original poster's expressed hesitance into consideration as well. Had he said that this was some type of grail book and he couldn't wait to save up for it -- I have morals -- I wouldn't have made the move.

But what seems to be overlooked here is that this instance is an exception to the rule. I've often times sold at a loss and made books available to fellow collectors who are willing to offer what it's worth to them, even if what they offer is less than what I've personally invested into the book. This instance is the exception and while I understand why people would try to make me look bad for selling a book at FMV (above my cost), I don't see anyone taking the time to look at the other side of the equation: when I've often times sold at a loss and frequently offered time-payments to budget conscious collectors who didn't have the funds to buy something they liked right away. To anyone who has bought from me, they'd attest to how easy I am to work with, how flexible I am in terms of payments and how contientious I am throughout the whole process.

I don't know what more I can do than own up to a move that was poor board etiquette. I would just hope that the fact that the book was on the open market, for sale on a public website, not spoken for by the interested party and the fact that the original poster was hesitant -- all those factors were taken into consideration before I made my purchase. Even afterwards, I owned up to my actions and contacted the original poster to apologize. What is done is done, I'd certainly hope that after taking into consideration all of the factors, that people would at least see my point of view. I'm still more than willing to own up to a move that was poor board etiquette and apologize once again.

Congratulations on the Tec #35!

I understand the appeal of getting it slabbed, to have the blue label and keep the book protected.

Great pickup.

I'll do my best to explain my side of things one more time, I never intended to create tension by replying to the initial remarks. The book I bought was available for public sale on the seller's public website. When I discovered that no one had made any kind of commitment to the book, I decided to go ahead and buy it. I genuinely felt bad because I learned about the book from the board member's post, so even though I felt that I was my right to buy a book that had not been spoken for and that was available for sale on a public website, I still took the time to own up to my decision and apologize. I later had an opportunity to purchase another book and had no choice but to sell the Tec #36 to raise up the funds needed. I bought the book well under FMV, I personally would have paid a lot more for it had the price been higher but I purchased it for the price it was marked for. If I re-sold it well under FMV at my cost, I would have been well short of the funds needed to make my next purchase. So this wasn't a matter of me flipping with the intention of making a quick buck, it's a matter of me needing to sell it at FMV to fund another purchase I committed to. The book has since sold. I didn't break any laws, I didn't rip anyone off, I didn't lie to anyone. I understand why the move to buy the book in the first place was poor board etiquette and I've apologized to the board member directly, I've apologized to the community as a whole and taken responsibility for my actions. I've bought from, sold to and traded with a number of respected board members for years and I've always made an effort to express the fact that I genuinely care about my reputation and the community as a whole. If at the end if the day people do not understand or agree with my decision, I'm willing to accept responsibility, take it on my shoulders and apologize again. I'm sorry that all of this has caused so much tension. I hope that those who read this will take my side of things into consideration and accept my apology.

I understand your point of view.

But in the interest of fairness, the book was available on the open market. If anyone had made any kind of commitment to the book, I would have 100% respectfully backed off. I understand why the move could be looked upon as poor taste, I've owned up to that and apologized to the original poster personally.

I didn't buy it to flip. Like any other book, I'd be willing to trade it if there was a book I'd be more interested in but the only reason I'm selling the book at FMV is because I have to fund another purchase.

I'm only looking to sell it for FMV.

I was fortunate enough to buy it for well under FMV and am only selling it because I need every dollar to fund a recent purchase. Not much different than the raw Action #10 that was bought for well under FMV a while back, slabbed and auctioned off for FMV.

Outside of apologizing to the original poster which I've already done, I'm not sure what else I can do. I'm not looking to take advantage of anyone, I'm just offering a book for sale and am willing to part with it for FMV to anyone interested in making the pick up.

I again apologize to anyone who may have been offended along the way.

I'm sorry you feel that way and I have to respect your right to that opinion.

As I've stated, I only made the move to purchase the book in the first place when taking into account the original poster's expressed hesitance and after learning that no one had asked for the book to be put on hold, nor had anyone made any commitment to the book. I owned up to my decision being a move of poor board etiquette and I apologized directly to the original poster because of such. I'm only making the book available for sale, being willing to part with it for FMV, because I have another purchase that I need to fund.

I would hope that others would understand that situation. I'm not saying that's an excuse and as I've said a number of times, I'm more than willing to own up to any criticisms and I'm not above apologizing where appropriate. If at the end of the day some people still have a negative opinion of me because of it in spite of completing a number of successful transactions with multiple board members over the years, I'm not sure what else I can do outside of saying that I'm sorry and owning up to the criticism.

I understand why I've created that perception -- but it's not entirely accurate.

There have been instances where I've sold one book quickly after purchasing it (rarely for a profit and often for a slight loss), but other times where I've held onto books for months. I certainly do not always use the term "grail" either. It's simply a matter of working with a limited budget and needing to sell if I want to buy. If I could afford to hold onto most of these books, I certainly would. We all know what it's like to miss a book after parting with it.

Since my income doesn't justify making four-figure purchases with any regularity, I have no choice but to let go of an expensive book in order to pick up another. I'm certainly okay with that because from my point of view, I pick up a book that I enjoy, other collectors pick up the books I make available along the way which they enjoy and everyone enjoys the hobby overall.

Perhaps a day will come when my budget will be such that I don't have to part with books so frequently, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do if you'd like to remain an active member of the hobby when it comes to picking up new books.

I'd certainly hope that my so doing doesn't offend anyone along the way.

Indeed. Wayne-Tec is back in the pre-Robin club. He has a Tec 36 of which he will own and treasure. Look for it on eBay in 30 days.

 

Don't be silly, it's already up for sale in for sale thread!!!

 

And to think, another board member was trying for it before it was snagged

should sell it to them for what he paid

I don't mind the humorous jabs -- I understand the point of view.

Nevertheless, I'll do my best to explain.

I purchased the book well under FMV after the original poster expressed some hesitation (thinking he may want to hold off for a higher graded copy) and after I discovered that no one had put the book on hold or made any commitment. Taking that into consideration, I had no hesitation so I made the move to purchase the book. I did not have any intentions of flipping it -- as a matter of fact, a few board members had PM'd be shortly after the purchase to see if I had any interest in selling and that if I ever decided to let the book go, to keep them in mind. My opinion has always been that anyone is welcome to make me an offer, but the intention here was to hold onto the book.

I even contacted the board member who originally posted about the Tec #36 to apologize. I never intended to display poor board etiquette, I just went after a book that was available on the open market to anyone. If that reflects poorly on me, I'm more than willing to own up to it and take it on my shoulders. But if you ask anyone who has ever bought, sold or traded with me -- I'm confident that they will attest to my character, reliability and respect for the hobby as a whole.

Another opportunity presented itself and I committed to purchasing another major book. In order to fund this purchase, I have no choice but to let the Tec #36 go. It's not that I want to sell it and it's not that my intention was to make a quick buck but rather -- I'll need every dollar to go towards my current purchase. It is because of that that I'm looking to sell the book around FMV. Detective Comics #37 in CGC 1.0 has sold for over $1,700 all the way back in 2010. Detective Comics #36 guides for more, sells for more and is tougher to come by in a CGC blue label.

So again, the only reason it is available is to fund a future purchase -- such is life sometimes even though I'm sure we'd all like to hold onto all of the books we pick up.

Big-time congratulations!

These Batman cover Pre-Robin Tecs are absolutely incredible.

Even cooler that you landed a Blue Label. (thumbs u

Congratulations on getting back into the pre-Robin club. It's great to see Doug helping out a fellow board member and the book being in good hands. :thumbsup:

He was great to work with.

Big thanks to Doug and Paradise Comics.

Thanks guys.

It was certainly a book that I didn't expect to see available -- you almost never do with unrestored Tec #36's.

I received my entry-ticket back into the Pre-Robin Tec Club today:

Detective Comics #36 is an incredibly tough book to track down unrestored.

A 4.0 copy sold for a little under 7K all the way back last November.

A 4.5 copy sold for over 10K recently on Heritage.

I never in my wildest dreams would have believed that a complete CGC blue label copy would be a possibility for me. They are just too tough to track down and incredibly pricey in the rare instances when they are made available.

In terms of unrestored copies...

There are absolutely no 1.5 copies, only one 1.8, one 2.0 and one 2.5.

My copy is the only 1.0 on the census.

There are some pieces missing out of the front and back cover, which is what brought such a sharp looking copy down to the 1.0 grade.

Otherwise...

*The cover inks are incredibly vibrant, like that of a high grade copy.

*The page quality is OFF-WHITE to WHITE.

It's really the ideal low grade book, presents beautifully with parts so well preserved that it brings you all the way back to the very beginning of 1940 when it hit the newsstands.

The content is unbelievable as well...

*Origin and 1st appearance of Hugo Strange.

*1st time Batman wears his trademark "finned" gloves.

*4th appearance of Commissioner Gordon.

*6th cover appearance of Batman.

If you go back and read the original story, they did an incredible job of illustrating Hugo Strange. Being Batman's "1st major villain" according to the OSPG, it is clear that they were aiming for something different in this issue. In many ways, it's the first book to portray the Batman we know today. He wasn't fighting petty crooks, mad scientists (Dr. Death was far more one-dimensional than Strange), vampires, werewolves or racial stereotypes. They introduced a formidable villain within a city that felt a lot more like the Gotham City we'd later become familiar with.

Unlike Detective Comics #37 which is a partial cover-swipe from the interior story of Detective Comics #28, the cover for Detective Comics #36 appears to be original -- showcasing Batman prominently.

I can understand why this book has become so hot lately -- I'm just very fortunate to have been able to pick up one of the few blue label slabs in existence, not to mention a copy that presents so well with such nice PQ.

I'm psyched!

I will be returning to the club shortly.

I spoke was Paradise Comics store manager Doug Simpson today and I must say -- the customer service was top-notch. They were kind enough to put the Detective Comics #36 on hold for me and to give me up to 30 days to pay for the book in full. I've paid for over 90% of it so far, just about $100 away. These guys are professional, patient, great to talk to and fantastic to work with. I'm pretty excited about this book!

Who had the book if you dont mind me asking?

Paradise Comics.

GREAT people to work with. (thumbs u

I've PM'd the original poster to apologize, which I understand doesn't excuse anything. Had he or anyone else been certain in their interest, I would have respectfully backed off. I'm not saying that's an excuse, I'm just saying that I made the move taking into consideration that he expressed some hesitance (I didn't have any) and because no one made any moves to put the book on hold, or to make the commitment that I was willing to make.

 

Again, not an excuse and I have to take the bad etiquette move squarely on my shoulders.

 

The book went to a good home and I am happy for it. I was on the fence about the book, and it's fine that a fellow board member who is a BIG pre-Robin Detective fan picked it up. :thumbsup:

Thanks for being so understanding.

It was good chatting with you today. (thumbs u

Link?

 

If you decide to pass on the book, I'd consider it.

 

Looks like someone scooped it up already since I posted. I was going to pass up on it and provide a link for you, but the book is now gone.

 

Guilty.

 

I called them up and when I found out that no one had put a hold on it, I made a move.

 

Free game I suppose, but not the world's greatest board etiquette.

It was not and I accept full responsibility for that.

I've PM'd the original poster to apologize, which I understand doesn't excuse anything. Had he or anyone else been certain in their interest, I would have respectfully backed off. I'm not saying that's an excuse, I'm just saying that I made the move taking into consideration that he expressed some hesitance (I didn't have any) and because no one made any moves to put the book on hold, or to make the commitment that I was willing to make.

Again, not an excuse and I have to take the bad etiquette move squarely on my shoulders.

Link?

 

If you decide to pass on the book, I'd consider it.

 

Looks like someone scooped it up already since I posted. I was going to pass up on it and provide a link for you, but the book is now gone.

Guilty.

I called them up and when I found out that no one had put a hold on it, I made a move.