Always Examine the Profile First

[OldPhysics]

After a few research sessions in this sub-forum, I have one key piece of advice for everyone.

Check the BF profile of the person you're about to do business with.

If it is nearly empty and especially, if there is no e-mail account...save yourself some time and trouble. Just 'don't go there' -- don't do business with them.

People with integrity have no need to hide.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

This is something I agree with completely.

 

[Will York]

...I have one key piece of advice for everyone.

Check the BF profile of the person you're about to do business with.

Sure, it's a good idea to look at the profile. My rule of thumb is to look at the amount of time someone has been a member and check GB&U for his trading history. If he's thin on these aspects, I feel him out as to attitude and apparent level of knowledge, then try to protect myself by not overextending on the deal. I would say that just because someone has little info in his profile is not necessarily a reason to forego trading with him--if he's new to Bladeforums and hasn't settled in, he may just be trying to protect himself against general internet over-exposure. Just as "newbies" shouldn't be categorically avoided just because they haven't established a reliable reputation. Both surreptitious attitude, as may be reflected by lack of profile info, and inexperience/unproven reputation are indicators that shouldn't be ignored--just taken into account.

I've not been seriously burned in almost seven years of trading here, but I have had a few rough trades and do try to avoid people whose attitudes reflect other than a golden rule approach to trading--just common sense I think.

Nice to see you're settling in here, by the way. We always need more good people.

-will

 

[Esav Benyamin]

One way I've reassured myself about some new people is to call up their posting history. It may not be long, but if they show some knife knowledge and a lot of interest without being argumentative, I feel a lot more comfortable dealing with them.

Still, I do think it's funny when someone wants an answer and has no email on their profile. What am I supposed to do, shout?

 

[fewpop]

Sure, it's a good idea to look at the profile. My rule of thumb is to look at the amount of time someone has been a member and check GB&U for his trading history. If he's thin on these aspects, I feel him out as to attitude and apparent level of knowledge, then try to protect myself by not overextending on the deal. I would say that just because someone has little info in his profile is not necessarily a reason to forego trading with him--if he's new to Bladeforums and hasn't settled in, he may just be trying to protect himself against general internet over-exposure. Just as "newbies" shouldn't be categorically avoided just because they haven't established a reliable reputation. Both surreptitious attitude, as may be reflected by lack of profile info, and inexperience/unproven reputation are indicators that shouldn't be ignored--just taken into account.

I've not been seriously burned in almost seven years of trading here, but I have had a few rough trades and do try to avoid people whose attitudes reflect other than a golden rule approach to trading--just common sense I think.

Nice to see you're settling in here, by the way. We always need more good people.

-will

Well said Sir! :thumbup: