Why isn't there a stricter requirements to post in marketplace?

Stephen Mick said:
"hey, this guy's a Senior Member. He must be on the ups."
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Stephen, that's exactly what I thought of you the other day before our transaction! Then again, "Totally Usable Mod" does have a certain trustworthy ring to it :)

In all seriousness, it's not hard to do a quick 'background check' of sorts on members here or elsewhere on the web. We also need to be careful not to put blind trust in the things being said on this forum. While most of us are here to learn and help, that trusting mentality can be an invitation for trouble. If you're not sure of a member's intentions, or if it seems too good to be true, don't put yourself into a bad situation – no matter how enticing of a deal it might be. I don't think any sort of posting guidelines are necessary. A bunch of posts may make a member seem more legitimate, but it's only a single factor in making an informed decision about buying from a stranger online.
 
I used to think a minimum post count would be the way to go but, as I think about it, there's some people that simply don't have a lot to say (I'd guess this would be true of newer folks that come here to learn and are perhaps reluctant to post because they are somewhat new to the business).

I've bought and sold here plenty and, except for one seller (who was a total jackass) have had some of the more enjoyable transactions, as compared to eBay. There probably isn't any magic formula but I'd favor something of a combination of time and posts, i.e., having to be a member for 6 months, and some measure of participation posting (but not a lot).

Presumably not everyone on the planet has an eBay account but I'd bet most do . . . We should require they include their eBay member ID so we can check their feedback (might even be a good idea to require this during signup of new members). Speaking of eBay, I really wish we'd go back to the old policy of not permitting eBay postings (period).

Regarding revenue . . . I'd be in complete favor of charging "a buck - a bump." That might cut way down on people playing the 1 to 5 dollar price reduction several times throughout the day just so they can stay on page one. That or simply ask that the mods bounce the people that are maybe within the rules but obviously "gaming" the system. We're supposed to be a community, right?
 
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