REEF FISHES VOL 2 and 3 from the HORSE'S MOUTH!

[wobbiebait]

Hello fellow fish geeks! Just thought I better set the record straight on the REEF FISHES series. The titles and size of the volumes have been changed by the publishers to facilitate sales. Now, Volume 2 is titled "Basslets, Dottybacks and Hawkfishes." Volume 3 is called "Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes." (This book is not available in stores until early July, although there is a copy for sale on EBAY now if you are in a hurry to get your copy.)

The publishers decided to highlight two or three of the more popular groups in the title. BUT, there are actually 10-12 families covered in each of these smaller volumes (they are both around 300 pages). There will be five volumes covering the families and species in depth. Then we will produce a HUGE atlas to replace Burgess that includes every species you would see in the trade, including every color form imaginable!

I hope this clears the air! I can understand why people are confused. But, the publishers decided that a change in title, size and price would make the book more appealing to the masses (not just to us more serious fish geeks).

 

[Anonymous]

Way ahead of you Scott...

http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=49278&highlight=reef+fishes+vol2

:mrgreen:

 

[liquid]

Yep, Scott mentioned this at IMAC this year.

Shane

 

[kim]

I don't think that there is any confusion.

I placed an order for this book thru' Amazon a while back.

I received the scaled back version, which Amazon now shows at a US$90 list price altho' it is currently on special offer at about US$60. IIRC, and I no longer have any record so may be wrong, US$60 is not so far away from the expected price for the original, complete work.

I understand the reason for splitting the book, but at these prices I balk and will not make any more investment. It is frighteningly expensive, (i)in absolute terms, (ii) when compared to Volume 1 and (iii) when compared to the original terms for Volume 2.

So I've spent a fortune on an incomplete reference. Sorry, but I feel let down here.



I have been in touch with Amazon, and they are positive that these prices are correct. If there has been a change of heart, or some mistake, then it is continuing and hopefully someone can sort it out.

kim

 

[Anonymous]

This was his first post, so how did you know who it was that posted?

Peace,

Chip

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like Amazon ripped you off.

http://www.microcosm-books.com/html/ComingSoon.html


Chip, I pay attention..

 

[GSchiemer]

This was his first post, so how did you know who it was that posted?

Peace,

Chip

That was definitely the "Scott Michael."

BTW, I have the Basslets, Dottybacks,... book and it's terrific. It's complete with all the new species available in the aquarium trade, and all the latest scientific classifications. Of course it contnues to offer great advice on the care of these fish in the aquarium, so it's not just an ID book.

Greg

 

[wobbiebait]

Thanks for the kind words Greg! I am glad you like the book, especially since it covers one of our favorite groups, the dottybacks! YOU DA MAN!

Kim I am so sorry you feel that way (and I don't blame you)! I wish you would do me a HUGE favor and complain to Amazon. They are supposed to sell the book for a list price of 45.95! I am not sure why it is not listed as such - it is possible TFH didn't tell them of the changes in the pricing scheme.

Either way, you need to complain to Amazon. I have been reminding TFH and Microcosm that both Walmart.com AND Amazon have the book listed for big bucks and they tell me that they have let both of these sites know that their price is WRONG. So, maybe if the customers start riding Amazon and Walmart, they will take action. Could you send the book back and buy one from me or someone else that will give you a better price?

I was at IMAC this weekend and had many people come up and ask when Vol 2 was coming out, so I thought it was important I get in the popular forums and try and clear up the confusion.


Cheers!

SWM

 

[liquid]

I thought the favorite group was Frogfish!



BTW Scott: Your presentation at the banquet was excellent! Terry Siegel and I very much enjoyed listening to you.

Shane

 

[wobbiebait]

Thanks Shane. I appreciate the kind words.

Yes, frogfishes are my favorite fishes... or is it wobbegongs...well, maybe its flasher wrasses... no, no.. it is dottybacks...whoops, it has to be morays....AAAAAAAAAAAA!

I love 'em all!

 

[fishfanatic2]

I loved Volume 1, I still have to check out VOl. 2.

 

[dizzy]

I'm just curious as to why Amazon already has the book if it won't be available to stores before July. :?
Mitch

 

[Anonymous]

Hey Scott, great to see you here! I caught part of your speech at MACNA last fall in Louisville. Always been a big fan of your photography. Hop over to the photography forum if you get a chance--we'd love to 'give ya the tour'.

 

[GSchiemer]

I'm just curious as to why Amazon already has the book if it won't be available to stores before July. :?
Mitch

Mitch,

PMFJI, but they were referring only to Vol. 2, which is available everywhere now. Vol. 3 won't be available until mid-July, except directly from Scott .

Greg

 

[dizzy]

Thanks Greg,
We sell tons of copies of Fenner's book. We have really sold a lot of Srung & Delbeek too. I also push Nilsen and Fossa and Borman too. I seriously doubt Amazon will work to make sure hobbyists get these great books.
Mitch

 

[Anonymous]

Scott,

Drop me a line would ya?

[email protected]


Cheers
Jim

 

[kim]

Scott,

Many thanks for your reply.

I have tried with Amazon. I didn't get anywhere (and this may be partly due to the fact that I am in the UK so communicating via EMail and the site.....in person I am quite ugly !).

If there is any chance that you could call the publisher, or post here or PM or EMail me with something that says "I am Scott Michael, hell, I wrote this book and something is wrong, wake up". Then that would help.

In short I gave up..... So, seeing your reply, I shall try again. But I do think that we need some help here. I appreciate that an employee at Amazon would be somewhat sceptical when his customer starts to tell him the price is wrong, should be half the price....when everything else tells him different.

It needs intervention at a higher level.

kim

 

[Anonymous]

Love the new book Scott, thanks for signing my copy (via Steve Robinson). I eagerly await the next one. We sure could use it over here at Cortez Marine

 

[Anonymous]

Scott I thought you were "Orectolobus"?

Out of curiousity, how is your Tassled Wobbie doing?

 

[Expos Forever]

One person (Steve Pratt) on Amazon has rated the book.

Scott Michael continues his Reef Fishes series with this excellent book. The gorgeous photographs allow easy identification, often including multiple photos for color variations due to location, sex, etc. It also includes information on maximum length, distribution, and biology useful to both divers and aquarists, as well as captive care and aquarium suitability ratings. This volume along with the others in the series are a must have for any serious marine aquarist, as well as any diver interested in ID'ing and learning about coral reef fishes. Highly recommended!

By the way, the initial Amazon pricing on this book is erroneously high. I have this information directly from the publisher, so you may want to wait for it to be corrected before purchasing.

Bold emphasis mine.

It also says "Only 2 left in stock--order soon (more on the way)." Maybe the price will be corrected then. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!