Pardon me for interjecting into a discussion in which I may have no right or sovereignty to express myself, but if I may, I would like to throw a new persons perspective into the mix.
Often times on the job, I don't express myself, or care to, if I can't really move the discussin or solution along further--unfortunately I don't know that I can offer much with this topic, other than a single perspective of someone who is new here.
I like many came here for the discussions of like minded individuals with common interests. I came here for the ability to learn from the people with more or DIFFERENT knowledge and experiences than myself. But it is also safe to say that I came here with the possible intent to trade, or buy knives.--I, like all of you, I can only assume, came here for many of the same reasons. That being said, I came here with full knowledge that there ARE other options for auctions, wholesale, surplus, or deep discount sales--BUT I feel HERE is where I will not have to "weed" through scammers (the ones that make eBay into Fleabay), and to know that the "feedback" score actually means something.(in a smaller community the feedback is more accurate-versus an enormous group (with a very .."curved" scale)).
And-again-I apologize that I can't directly begin to address or offer executable solutions, but as an FNG, I CAN say this: I can join many free sites to place myself in a position to trade or buy. But a small fee or verification hoop seems a small act(s) to perform in order to have a higher caliber community (and experience/knowledge to draw from) than any of the other free or large scale auction sites. (and thus-perhaps the stance should be with the priority of protection for the community as a whole, rather than worrying about what is convenient or "right" for the initial "dues" or what you have to do to 'start up'.
Am I saying I WANT to throw money your way, no. ---but Would I have paid a fee if I had to, to be a member/ to have access,..yes.
Do I want everyone I come into contact with having my personal info.-no---am I willing to release that info in order to prove I am who I say?-sure.( ..as long as it is used and handled properly.)
Would I have waited a month to sign up for eBay.-doubtful.---would I have sat on the sidelines and watched you guys have all the fun for a month in order to be able to play in your reindeer games?--hell, yes.(and it would have saved me from splurging so much so fast, and having to have to listen to the wife complain.)-
-but in all seriousness--what exactly ARE the terrible downfalls of a small fee, verified ID, or a small waiting period before action can be taken?
Again-I am new here, so take my rambling(s) for what it is worth-but..as a new guy, I'd rather have a few hoops to go through and have a better place to call home, than a home that lets just anybody in because they are afraid of the hoops...
Just the FNG's .02
-coconut
