I just discovered this thread on a topic that has been on my mind too lately.
The important thing however are the familiar faces: hello
Ron!!!!! Greetings to Glasgow from a rainy Utrecht
Seriously: I've seen the same thing. I have been here since 2009 I think and became more active after 'lurking in the dark' for several years. Recently I also sold some stuff I wanted to part with. And I bought stuff from others, figures long out of production I'd been hunting for quite some time (forever indebted to
Ron).
For me the forum offers a
reliable environment to do that. For example: I received a pm from a member interested in buying a figure. No idea who he was. So the first thing I do is approach other members or one of the mod's to make an inquiry.
Until now I only have been f.cked by a member once. And that was my own fault. He didn't know however that I am a polyglot
and know my way around shows in Europe. You should have seen his face when I showed up at his showtable with the crap figure he sold me (this is no joke).
I'd like to point out however that I feel free to move about the forum because I also like to participate in several ways: doing reviews (there will be a new one soon), presenting a finished figure or taking part in a 'melee' over
sensitive subjects
I would never ever sign up somewhere and start to drain the place of its content nor use it as an easy means to aquire a collection cheaply. For my stash I payed the full price at shows, Historex Agents and Art Girona. No 40 - 50% discounts to be had there.
And then a new member comes along inquiring several times a month in sentences that seem to come from an answering machine containing not more then 6 words ( 9,5 at most) if someone has this or that figure.
Then every once in a while producers show up presenting their products. Ok they are often one man businesses stuggling to stay afloat. But still If you allow advertising at least demand a small fee.
Doesn't make me feel good , does it? Makes me think of these:
But what can be done about it? Restricting selling and buying to PF supporters as is mentioned above? Having been a member for at least 3 years
and an active one? Might indeed be a good idea to build in some (safety)barriers. For I have to say it's very easy to slip into this place with all its advantages.
Having said that: I think I am going to take a look at my account settings. I might still be listed as 'female' from the United States.
.....
