[Milsurplus] Crooks

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

James Duffer wrote:

> A good idea, but who wants to implement it.  I don't believe the list
> administrators would want this responsibility.  A rating system such as
> EEEE-Bay might work (if implemented) or an individual who wants to take the
> responsibility, maintain a database of complaints from other listees and
> share this information when requested from an individual contemplating
> trading, selling or buying from another listmember.  If someone would decide
> to maintain such a list, I would certainly provide input and request infor
> from them for future transactions.

I don't think it needs to be that difficult or complex, Jim. Pretty simple: If
more than one person complains to a listowner of fraud, deception or the likes
and can back up their claims, the listowner should drop the person and/or
investigate further if they desire. Hell, even if it's only one person and they
can clearly demonstrate that they were hosed by this person, *boot*. We do live
in a free country, with free speech and all, but I don't think the lists are(or
should necessarily be) run the same. You have a listowner, listowner decides
what is best. Since you don't pay for the list and are therefore not owed
anything, the incentive is there to play by the rules if you want to stay
subscribed. A list, per say, would indeed be more work, but perhaps if done
informally and maintained by those most familiar with the core of mil-surplus
radio folks, it would be a very handy tool. I think a rating system is excessive
when it comes to something as basic as trust - you're either trustworthy or
you're not. You deal in good faith or you don't. You make a mistake, you rectify
it. Simple.

 As it sits now, I pass info to folks I know personally or have otherwise dealt
with and they do the same with me. This works well for a specific geographical
area, but also explains why I had no clue about the place mentioned in Texas
while it is common knowledge to those in 5-Land. Just seems there ought to be an
easy, credible way to keep each other informed of the 'problem children' lurking
among us. The only problem would be in keeping it from being a forum for
axe-grinding, which is why I think those most involved and knowledgable would be
in the best position to help. The guys and gals who have been in this for a
while know best, since they've dealt with so many and dealt with these issues
before.

Just a few thoughts, bound to stir up discussion and discontent in the eyes of
the politically correct or otherwise. At the end of the day, we basically have
to look out for ourselves, as no one else will.

73, Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ