I am going to post in regards to the preceding two posts by dudeafool and hybridpunk since they have been the only posts recently that offer criticism in a constructive and well-spoken manner.
Let's make one thing clear on this. Mike is not making money from TWV. TWV and MMOBay are not related in any single way, shape, or form, other than the fact that you can associate your TWV to your account here and then leave feedback for another member. That being said, this isn't a "cash flow" deal. This was discussed and implemented for the sole purpose of removing a secondary source of feedback which was considerably abused and inaccurate.
You deserve to be scammed for not paying attention.
No one deserves to be scammed. Out of respect for the general community and encompassing moral standards, scammers should not even exist. However, it's very easy to be cynical once someone has dipped their feet in this type of community and understands the "street," so to speak. No one deserves to be taken advantage of, or have their money stolen, or their account, or whatever. Period. It's like saying that it's okay for a thief to steal a person's wallet because they were flashing it in the air in a location where theft is common. That person does not deserve to be a victim under any circumstances.
Moving onto the point of a "TWV requirement," so to speak. No, you're not required to be TWV. Would it come in handy, I cannot argue that it wouldn't. I think that it's a pretty good system and its benefits extend beyond the $10 fee. I understand that you're upset about the fact that you cannot warn others about someone's fishy behavior or uncanniness in a transaction. There is an easy solution, however. Report a post with the description asking us to look at the user, since there are plenty of these reports I've gone through and was able to confirm previously banned accounts, etc. If you feel that the user is being substantially sketchy, feel free to post in the scam busters with an appropriate template to support your argument and any evidence that suggests the user may be up to something.
As to the TWV users who will refuse to trade with the non-TWV, that is their decision and theirs only. I simply suggest that theose who do continue to do the background checks necessary to keep themselves safe from being deceived.
Btraill stepped down for his own personal reasons, so I will not speak to that. However, I want to make it very clear that Hyk and I aren't staying to "suck up" to anyone. We are staying because we are here to
help those who have been victimized. Anyone who has previously contacted me for help has received it, no question about it. If you are trying to find someone who scammed you, or need some guidance, we are here to help with the full extent of our ability.
The threads don't get locked because we get "pissy." I can tell you I have one
simple request: I simply ask that the thread stay
on topic and do so with
no flaming. It's not a surprise the other thread has been locked as not only were there many insults passed, but also the thread was completely derailed.
If you have an opinion, let it be heard, but do it in a way that justifies and argument or solution. There should be no reason why someone just says, "This sucks." I applaud those who haven't and have provided great arguments and what not, and I'm sure if there is a solution that meets the goals of the
community we'll change, but it's the
community and not just the core - this includes those who joined yesterday, this month, this week, etc. who were scammed, do business, or just hang around. The community does not encircle only the few hundred (maybe) people who are experienced and post for enjoyment of talking to the other.
If you wish to speak to me personally at
any time, just send me an IM or a PM and we can have a good conversation
. I will do my best to put aside any work to talk.
