OFFICIAL RULES FOR B/S/T FORUM - MUST READ BEFORE POSTING

[dsheinem]

The previous B/S/T rules thread (viewtopic.php?f=22&t=15763) was, to quote Ack, "a few basic guidelines to consider while something better is slapped together for you." Here's the new and improved official rules:

RULES (breaking these will result in warnings/other penalties):

1. Only members who have been registered for more than 14 days can post in B/S/T. This is designed to protect both new and established members. If you do not fit this basic criteria, your post will be deleted.

2. Create ONE primary thread and update it regularly. You can change the thread title to reflect changes to content. Occasional one-off threads for a particular item are fine, but these should be kept to a bare minimum.

3. Bump threads no more than one time a day, regardless of any changes in content. It's fine to reply to general questions/comments in your own thread, but there's no need to keep bumping others down.

4. All transaction-related communication between buyer and seller or traders should take place via PM.

5. Do not create a thread whose sole purpose is to advertise an eBay link unless you will be offering some kind of discount to forum members.

6. Do not post the following in someone else's thread:
A) your own items for sale
B) your negative opinion of the seller, their products, or their prices
C) tangential discussion
D) links to A, B, or C

GUIDELINES (good etiquette and general suggestions - no penalty for violation)

1. Leave feedback in this thread after transactions are done: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=10752. Use a +1 for a positive transaction (regardless of the number of items involved) and a -1 for a negative transaction. Use this thread as a guide for deciding who you feel safe doing business with.

2. Stating these things up front will generally increase the likelihood of a sale and general buyer/seller/trader satisfaction: prices, pictures, description, condition, shipping location and charges, tracking services offered, and accepted payment methods.

3. Stay in frequent communication with one another. While replies within a day or two are standard, sometimes you may have to wait a week or more to hear back from a member. If you are concerned about an item or payment that has not arrived, you should probably give the person two-three weeks after shipping date (or communication stoppage) before filing any kind of claim.

4. When in doubt about whether something is acceptable, whether you have been ripped off, whether you are in violation of a rule, or any other matter related to the B/S/T forum, you should contact a moderator or admin for help.

5. It's not a bad idea to read this extremely informative post on trading online: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/faq ... ding_guide

FINALLY:

It should be noted that anybody buying, selling, or trading, is doing so at their own risk. As Racketboy.com administrators and moderators do not have access to financial information and do not have the power to force people to send items or money, we can not help you. That is what things like Paypal disputes are for.

READ MORE GUIDELINES HERE: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=28133

Individuals found in violation of these rules may find themselves subject to warnings, a revocation of the right to post in the B/S/T forum, or even potential banning. Mods reserve the right to remove any auction deemed to be in violation of the B/S/T rules or the general forum rules (viewtopic.php?f=15&t=19455).

[noiseredux]

my only question is about Rule #4. It states "ALL communication...", so does that mean that there are no circumstances where it is okay to ask a question about condition of items, etc in the actual thread?

[dsheinem]

Please note Rule #2 on the list above - some of you will need to consolidate your multiple threads. As this place gets more active, we're trying to reduce the clutter!

[dsheinem]

my only question is about Rule #4. It states "ALL communication...", so does that mean that there are no circumstances where it is okay to ask a question about condition of items, etc in the actual thread?

Good point. Fixed.

[pepharytheworm]

I admit I had to look up "tangential" I guess I am use to it as off tangent.

[weasels]

i like these rules. they are simple to enough to follow, and it makes sure everything is clear.

[Xonticus]

Good rules. Well done!

[Reverend]

With the influx of new members, especially those who came only to sell things, this is a great idea. Kudos on the 14 day rule.

[swiftzx]

Although I'm fairly new to the site, I agree with the rules and hope everyone adheres to the rules

[weasels]

1. Leave feedback in this thread after transactions are done: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=10752. Use a +1 for a positive transaction (regardless of the number of items involved) and a -1 for a negative transaction. Use this thread as a guide for deciding who you feel safe doing business with.

actually, just to throw this out, but i have noticed it's been a while since this has been updated. i realize it's some annoying work but if we procrastinate on this list any longer, it will take whomever is doing it a long time. maybe you should think of updating it. also, just an idea but maybe someone should try to update once a month that way it's not much work. if im correct anyone can update it, mod or not. we just have to send it to you ds, right?