Customer Reviews

Contemporary Business Communication Seventh Edition

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of the most expensive textbooks I have purchased during my college career, and I've bought some fairly pricey, dense textbooks. So a key question many people will be asking is if it's worth this high price.

The book is in full color. This might be useful if it was a book on graphic design, but it's a book on how to write content persuasively. They use the color to make the word "Not" in red and "but" in blue. Was that really necessary? Oh, they have cartoons as well. I would have gladly paid half this price (i.e. bring it down into normal textbook price range) and lost the cartoons and colored words.

There were very useful examples in here. If you're writing an "apology" style letter to someone, still find a way to make the letter upbeat. Yes, apologize, explain what happened, and end on an upbeat note. Treat the customer respectfully and if they are partially at fault phrase that section in neutral language. Your aim is to resolve the issue and maintain a good reputation.

While I was taking this course I was actively using the suggestions in each chapter in my own work life. I was immediately putting the suggestions into action and tweaking my own correspondence to be more effective. So that seems to indicate to me that the material was useful and well presented.

Still, I just cant' get over this astronomically high price. There's no reason for this material to cost this much. It could easily have been presented in black and white for half as much. There's a reason that there's a stereotype of "starving college student" - and books like this are the reason why.

Time for a new version that's not a solid color one.

UPDATE: I had to use this book for two different classes now, so I've been through the material twice. I've found a number of errors in it and reported the most egregious ones to the author. I do give him kudos for responding back and putting the issues on the list of things to fix for the upcoming version.

I still feel strongly that the information could easily be presented in a less expensive manner. I have many other books on writing which are incredibly useful and do not fill pages up with cutesy riddles and fluff.

I purchased this book from Amazon, as they said I can trade it in for a gift card, and I had to trade it in by December 19, 2011. I was happy with that idea; however, be careful what you purchase, as Amazon is continually changing their trade-in policy. Now I am no longer able to trade in the book, and when I chatted with Rahul from customer service he gave me a blanket answer of his lack of ability and limitations to assist me with the problem. He stated that he was sorry, but I will never believe his standard protocol answer. Bottom line is - watch what you buy and forget about a potential trade in for a book that Amazon stated you could trade in. Basically, be prepared to be stuck with a book or two.

This book was required for a college course. It was advertised as being "like new" but the cover was completely ripped off and separated from the pages.

This text gives specific details on office and business communication through writing. Form, flow, and overall layout are defined and excellent examples and reference are given for each business form.

I teach from this book, and have been for many years. I know it's expensive, but it's worth it.

An earlier reviewer complained that the book had a lot of graphic design elements. "The book is in full color. This might be useful if it was a book on graphic design, but it's a book on how to write content persuasively," the reviewer said.

The deal is, writing and graphic design are no longer considered separate elements. Document design is part of professional writing, not something separate to be done by artists. All writers need to know the basics of how to use simple document design elements to make texts clear and persuasive. To have a textbook that illustrates (beautifully) the way design can be persuasive (and clarifying) is great. The author has included lots of fairly decent "exercises" so that students can get great practice.

And besides, you can almost always get this book used--and sell it back when you're done! Don't forget to take good notes, though!

My book arrived in great conditions and right on time. I was very happy witht the service!
thank you!

This item took a while to get, yet it was in great condition and I was surprised. The review said it was in less than good condition but it was really nice.

I got the book at a great price for a hardcover, and it's in brand new condition. It arrived in much less time than I thought it would. I'm very happy with the service I received from parakletosbooks.

Book was received in PERFECT condition. Shipping was expedited per my request and the book was received in 2 days. Great transaction, fast shipper! A+ in my book

Delivered very quick and in great condition. Will use this buyer again and again.