Mike Plemmons saga - warning (if interested)

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Posted By: Judge Dred (Fred)

Erik,

I can't speak for anyone else but I will speak for myself. I have this weakness that is called "TRUST". After you communicate with people for a while you build up a FRIENDship and "trust" is part of this thing which causes a breakdown in the baisc instinct of not getting screwed.

On ebay we feel a little comfort in our transactions because the "trust" factor is based on feedback. Think about it, if you didn't know someone would you feel comfortable sending them $$$ for something that will be (or supposed to be) shipped after your money is received. The feedback system on ebay alleviates some of this apprehension. Even ebay feedback isn't perfect. A few months ago someone (with a 100% over 100 feedback) sold me a repint (over $100) and told me to leave the negative, he didn't care. That's a different story that I wont go into at this time.

My point is that someone trusted another member of this group because of the communications that took place in and out of this forum. He felt comfortable with the person. It's sad that this trust was abused because it diminishes the overall "feel good" hobby experience for Keith (and Ryan and Andrew).

Part of being a member of this board is feeling "safe" with others that share the same interests as yourself. We don't know Mike Plemmon's story and if he hasn't departed this world then he has a lot of explaining to do.

In any case a "trust" was broken. I would rather be broke than not trusted. I'd rather be known as an broke honest person than a rich liar and thief. If Keith trusted someone then I would call it a weakness of human nature, not on Keith's part but on Mike's part.

I couldn't imagine living my life not trusting people, it would be a miserable existence. In hind sight we can all look at this and say why would someone do this. Two sides - (1) why would someone send out $1200 without collateral? (2) Why would someone want to break a trust and be known as a liar and a thief? Again, we haven't heard from Mike so to be fair I wont totally judge him on this, but you have to admit, it doesn't look good.