Moderator's notice: This topic was split from the Marketplace Feedback topic so that the debate of the issue can be separated from the actual gathering of feedback.

Zach Luna wrote:

Hi all, I recently had a great transaction purchasing a sword through the classifieds and wanted to make a post letting others know how fantastic the seller was. :) It seems like it would be nice to have a place to do this sort of thing, so perhaps this thread can be a venue for stories of feedback. Since only the original topic poster can post replies in the classifieds area, any notification from the buyer that the item(s) arrived is usually delivered only in private-- so this could be a way to celebrate completed transactions as well.

That has always been a great idea, Zach. One can only think that when said trusted and
honorable sellers in the classifieds make their partner-in-arms, as it were, feel comfortable
and confident about sending their hard earned cha-ching to otherwise perfect strangers we
should all hear / read something.

I've personally, and relatively recently, had a great transaction with Karl Knisley for a John
Lundemo, Odinblades piece. Other gentlemen I wouldn't hesitate dealing with are Jeff
Larsen, Patrick Kelly, and LL Lawrence ...

Thing is, there's one dilemma : What do we do with our negative experiences ? or do we
simply accept that -- by the process of NOT being mentioned in a favorable light here -- that
transactions with so-n-so and who-n-who are NOT exemplary ?

Like many things, suddenly your dealing with subjective opinions ... what one person thinks
is great, another thinks is average at best ... if you follow.

By the way, very very nice pics.

I wish that this had not been posted in the original topic. It derails that good topic and adds a level of debate about the process, avoiding the intended purpose of that topic entirely. I've split your debate on the subject to its own topic so that the original topic's intent to gather feedback can be maintained.

I disagree with you, Jean, regarding negative feedback. Feedback is only valuable when it is unbiased. Negative feedback is as important as positive. According to our rules, all this has to be conducted in a professional manner and without personal attacks. In so long as this is followed, it's all appropriate.

I do agree with Jean in that the issues are best handled at first pass privately. People are less likely to want to remedy a situation after they've been publicly outed.

To address another suggestion by Jean regarding running negative feedback by a moderator or myself: no way. This not only is completely unwanted, it's not appropriate. For moderators of this site to be asked to act as a mediator for such things is completely against the terms of use of the Marketplace. It would open us up to liabilities I do not want.

Additionally, let me add that the public suggestions of how this site should be run are not helpful to me. In fact, they often derail me in enormous ways that are unwanted. Anyone having suggestions should simply contact me or Chad Arnow about them and we're happy to discuss them. Some of the best things about this site have been a result of brainstorming with members.

How about adding a feedback section in the Marketplace so that both seller and buyer can rate the transaction a la Ebay? The criteria could be set on a fixed scale with a small comment section. The transaction could be kept "open" in the marketplace and be searched by anyone wanting to check on past history.

Thanks Matthew.

As for feedback, I feel that if someone has an experience with either a seller/buyer or manufacturer, positive, send post away.

If it is negative, I feel that contacting the other party first and resolving it (if it can be) is best. If they refuse to fix (if it can be), then in a respectful and polite manner state objectively what happened. (i.e. bad sale, terrible product, etc.)

Jeff :)