T_Span Loc: Northern MI

I have noticed that with some regularity there are members here who make a choice to enter "For Sale" threads with their "opinions" concerning the item or items listed. I am wondering if it is an intentional poke to bring the asking price down, just to be a sloppy turd, or utter ignorance.

Whether a person knows it or not, their post causes a tainting to the post and lessens the members chance at making a sale.

It is my opinion that a buyer should do their homework when shopping for anything, and, for the seller to be forthright and honest.

I believe that someone with no skin in the game is behaving dishonorably when injecting their opinion into the thread.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Didn't notice it, but, your right.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

It's right up there with bashing people who post their shots and get ridiculed for doing so. For many of us, it is a work in progress, so what useful purpose does bad-mouthing people serve?

What happened to the good old days when it was perfectly fine to keep your yap shut if you didn't have something good to say?

JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

Agree with you Mike. I made a few postings when I first joined and only got negativity...... haven't posted many since

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I think you should post an example of what you're talking about. I for one, warn people when someone posts an expensive item in the classified section and it's their first post (or close to it), don't give any idea as to where they live, don't post any pictures of the item for sale and expect someone from UHH to pay them big bucks without any of this information or without building any trust. Also, many people want far too much for items that can be had new or refurbished for just about the same price. So in my opinion this should be pointed out so that the seller can adjust the price, or the buyers can be informed that for just a few more bucks a new or refurbished item can be bought from a reputable seller. What's wrong with any of this. I will point out my feelings toward a seller that I feel isn't trustworthy. This doesn't mean that they aren't trustworthy, just that they have not built any trust by omitting their location, by being a member in good standing for a period of time, and by posting good pictures of the item along with the S/N of said item. This is the way you build trust.

Selling something that is used shouldn't be listed unless it can be a substantial savings over a new or refurbished item. I think it should be at least a minimum of a 20% savings and then be negotiable from there. I'm not saying that a person can't sell something for what they paid for the item or even more than they paid for the item. It's just that I feel that I should warn potential buyers that more savings can be had when buying a used item. That's called helping a potential buyer not to be screwed.

Now if what you mean by "someone with no skin in the game is behaving dishonorably when injecting their opinion into the thread" that they should not tell everyone the item is a piece of crap or it's inferior to some other item, then yes, they should mind their own business. But helping a potential buyer avoid a scam, or from getting burned is not behaving dishonorable. It's warning them. Simple as that.

When I feel that an item is a really good deal, I will also point that out. Especially when I see something that I own, perhaps something I paid much more for, and it seems to be a really fair deal. Why not interject and tell people it's a good deal.

RRS Loc: Not sure

And what should we as a group do when there a question especially if the "For Sale" post is the first or second posting from this new person. Your assuming and maybe hoping that the seller is forthright and honest but that person doesn't have a history on this site. Sorry but if your asking $95.00 for an item that I can buy brand new with a warranty from B&H for $100.00 why wouldn't I be doing you a service by bringing this to your attention. You may then want to rethink your selling price if you really want to sell it. I myself would PM you but it all depends on how it is done and what the intent was.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

RRS Loc: Not sure

Sorry Mike but it all depends on what and how it is said. If someone keeps posting images that are not in focus, blown out and with bad color how do you think this person's going to get any better if all they see is "great shot, well done and etc". Constructive criticism has to be done in a helpful not hurtful way. As was pointed out by someone here not too long ago, if some of these "great" shots were entered into a photography contest they wouldn't get past the first viewing. I say this as someone that's taught photography from the college level to kids in summer school and judged many photo contests. I would PM you and see if you were open to being offered some pointers, if not and I could tell right away from your reply or no reply and go from there.

RRS Loc: Not sure

Very well said and I think that's part of being a good member on this forum is all about, thanks!

JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

RRS.... I definitely would have appreciated a PM offering constructive criticism like you said rather than a public tongue lashing. Everything done in moderation and consideration

T_Span Loc: Northern MI

[quote=jeep_daddy]I think you should post an example of what you're talking about. quote]

Here is one posting with more than one instance of other members tainting with their opinion. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-459155-1.html

Too bad you cannot stay out of other's business, maybe someday you will see the light. Do you honestly believe that others need you to guide them through life?

RRS Loc: Not sure

Thanks Jim, we really don't know our other members and it helps to think before starting to type. I have gotten to know some members very well here on this site through the PM process to the point that we plan vacations and get to meet some of these fine people in some great places. As you said "moderation and consideration".

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

But it can also be nice to make potential buyers aware of certain issues ( if there are any), so it can help them in the decision making! Well, sometimes mentioned issues are of the nice kind and help the seller as well!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I agree with you, but a lot of the "not so good" comments, have nothing to do with bashing people, but are opinions somebody asked for. If I post a picture and would like people to comment, I don't want to hear nice talk, but what they think about it, and if they think its crap, I want to hear it, I want their honest opinion, as only that will help me!

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

Please don't let that stop you though. There have been many times when I have posted things for the simple reason that I like to share some of the places we have gone that others may not be fortunate enough to be able to visit. I also post things straight out of my camera which is not, as some would has us believe, because I/we are such terrific photographers. Feel free to ignore those types as well because they generally miss the whole point of why most of us do that.

There will always be people in this world who have to dish out negativity because it makes them feel better. Do not let them deter you from enjoying your hobby! Post what pleases you and let the negativity go.