Firstly, I thought ToolTalk was here primarily for the buyer, seller, and collector to information share / collaborate. Further, I also thought the "rules" of selling were clear - something along the lines of "if you're here for profit you're in the wrong place". When I see a new member that has no/limited thread contribution outside "FOR SALE", it tells me the member is here for profit.
For folks that have been here long enough to understand the membership, who collects what, what they're missing, what is hard to find in their area, etc. and that have a reputation on the site - I think the notion of buying/selling/trading makes sense. For those that just joined, and that have limited exposure to the membership, and limited contribution to the primary focus of the website - I think its more prudent to spend time learning the group first and trying to have an impact; a contribution..
I have bought here and traded here. 99% of my buys have been at an inconsequential cost, or at the cost of shipping to me. I try to make it a point not to sell here. If I want to rid something - I offer it here first at my cost, for trade, or for free to a member where I know they'll value the tool .........and then move to Ebay, or Craiglist, or newspaper, or flea market (a business channel designed for the purpose) if I'm interested in profit. I personally think this is the way it should be, but realize its just one man's way.
FYI - Keykeeper give me, free of any charge, a base I needed to fix a vise. I didn't ask for it free, but that's how it came. As a general statement, I believe the same holds true of all the contributing members......If you need it and you value it, and they have it and don't need it, you'll likely be the new owner at a very reasonable cost. To me - that's a "good ole boy".
