[Milsurplus] Crooks

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

My 2� on this, Dave and group -

First, the poster and you are correct - I've dealt honestly with people
because I was raised that way, the payback is far greater than simply
material. When I was a kid still learning and getting my feet under me,
I tried taking 'shortcuts' or thinking I was smarter than someone else,
etc. I recall actually outsmarting someone once, ended up feeling pretty
slimey for it. It's just not worth it, IMHO. To some it is though,
probably because they're a slave to the almighty $. I'm always a bit
wary of those who think I should sell any scarce radio I have because of
the $$ it might bring. I'm very trusting of the ones who understand why
it's far more "profitable" to keep, use, and enjoy these fine pieces of
history. Being honest and helpful has undoubtably brought me far more
equipment, leads, and help overall than potentially making that one
slick deal ever could. What good is having one big deal piece of gear in
your collection if you had to lie to get it and lose out on so much
else? Makes no sense.

As far as people falling for it, well...I've been taken once so far, by
someone from another list. Gave him a good deal on an extra 75A-4 that I
had, then shipped it to him in advance, giving him the option of
returning it if he didn't like it and trusting him to pay me once he
decided to keep it. Big mistake on my part, but I'd never been hosed
before though. Now I know better. My guess is that there are two
mechanisms at work here.

 1.) NewbieTrustsAnyoneEspeciallyFellowHamOrRadioNut. This is kind of
where I landed. Wasn't a newbie, but I'd never been *crook'd* by a
fellow ham before, so in that way I was. I think that many a newbie sees
these lists and figures that the people must be trustworthy or they
wouldn't be allowed to post. Which begs the question - when so many
people have mentioned or even proven that a user is dishonest, why are
they allowed to remain and continue to undermine the trust of good folk
towards other good folk? How awful for someone new to discover that the
criminals are allowed to roam amongst us, unhindered.  Boot 'em, I say!

2.) GREED! Good ol' GREED fuels a lot of the dishonest behavior, I tell
ya! It took me a few years to realize that the old saying is true: If it
sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Still, great deals do turn
up, some people really do just want to get rid of stuff and not get
rich, and the dishonest users take the opportunity to slither in the
door with them. I  honestly feel bad for those who are new to the hobby
or just overall decent folk  looking for an item and get screwed over by
a crook. I find it more difficult when it's someone like you or I who
really should know better. Sure, it can happen to anyone who trusts, but
sometimes I think the serious users/collectors/restorers get a bit
greedy in thinking they're about to get some fabulous deal (monetarily
speaking) and go against their better judgement. This is in no way meant
to excuse dishonest behavior - not in the least. More a way of saying
that we all have to be responsible for ourselves to a greater extent and
take the necessary steps to safeguard against dishonest users. Not
fool-proof, but definitely will help cut down on this kind of crap.
Might cause us to miss a great deal now and then, but it will also give
us a better sense of security and trust. In other words, no one will
look out for us except us.

My feeling is that if you're in it for the interest, the enjoyment, and
the fun of 'old radio' stuff, you're less likely to get hosed because
you have a good sense of what you're comfortable paying for this
enjoyment, and it's not as high as a 'serious collector' might have to
'invest' for a certain 'gotta have it' piece. I find myself somewhat in
conflict over this at times, but I do know that I've had to abandon my
old "I'll find one cheaper eventually" approach. Probably has something
to do with gaining some amount of focus on specific areas of interest.
Okay, and not having all the time in the world anymore, too.

There has been talk from time to time about having a list or somehow
keeping track of the deadbeats and crooks out there. Recently a dealer
in Texas came up on another list as being dishonest and the experiences
of others started to come out. Before that, I only knew that the guy(s)
thought very highly of their gear because of the nosebleed prices. Being
from the northeast, I've never had reason to deal with them. So, how do
we, as a community, keep each other informed of those who would do
us(and others)wrong? And why are they continually allowed to play their
games without penalty - at least being removed from a fertile feeding
ground like these lists? Strikes me as a good place to join the
battle....

73 de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ

David Stinson wrote:

> (Forwarded from a different list.  Your opinions sought.)
>
> Zoram wrote:
> >
> > I've learned that honesty usually pays in the long run...
>
> Please let me second you and Phil on this.
> I once heard a good man at the Houston radio club say:
>
>  "If you cheat people, you win and they lose.
>   But you'll only do it once or twice.
>   Then the word is out on you.
>   If you are straight with people,
>   you and they can win many times.
>   I'd rather make a hundred honest nickels
>   then one cheated dollar."
>
> That is very sound advice.
> Crooked dealing is self-destructive.

<snip>