So I ordered Applying UML and Patterns 3rd Edition by Craig Larman… a must have text on OO analysis, design and iterative software development… To save some money, since I also ordered Design by Contract by Richard Mitchell and Jim McKim, another must read, I decided to order used copies…
Today I received a package, not from Amazon, but from Angel Smith from Davis, California… uh? I opened the envelop, and it was my Applying UML and Patterns book, neat! but wait… 1) it is not hardcover as I was expecting, 2) it has a bunch stuff in Chinese! (I don't read Chinese), and 3) the print itself is of (a whole lot) less quality than the "real thing"; this version is not even printed by Prentice Hall PTR, but it is printed by "China Machine Press" – what the hell! I have been ripped-off, and I blame Amazon!
And I thought I was being smart when ordering from Amazon… I've been totally mislead; nowhere during the buying process it said about the Chinese or soft-cover. Now I've to spend time (something I have little to spare now), trying to figure out how to return or exchange this thing – what a waste of time… thanks Amazon! This is my first bad experience with Amazon, after so many years of ordering from them… I now will think twice next time I order a book from Amazon, if I do…
I am hoping that at least my Design by Contract book is good… I'll let you know.
Don't take me wrong, I would love to learn Chinese, but I want (need) my Applying UML and Patterns, and the Design by Contract books in English…
ceo