After paying their dues, should hobbyists who committed fraud be allowed back ?

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Pat interesting question. That feels more like just dumb luck than taking advantage of someone, but it probably could be argued the other way too.

We could change the timing a bit and make it less about luck. What if you noticed the Wagner in the book before you bought it, would you buy the book anyway?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by raulus

We could change the timing a bit and make it less about luck. What if you noticed the Wagner in the book before you bought it, would you buy the book anyway?

Fine use of the Socratic method.

[G1911]

What's a Wagner these days, $3,000,000? I wish I was so rich that I could just put a book with one back on the shelf and walk out. I am suspicious of anyone who says they wouldn't buy it for $4.99. I'd like to think I'd cut a check to the bookstore for a significant sum after the gain is realized, but pretty much nobody is going to not take that deal to be alright for the rest of their life.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by raulus

We could change the timing a bit and make it less about luck. What if you noticed the Wagner in the book before you bought it, would you buy the book anyway?

Why would you buy the book when you can just put the Wagner in your pocket and walk out? Buying the book at that point makes no sense.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Why would you buy the book when you can just put the Wagner in your pocket and walk out? Buying the book at that point makes no sense.

I believe buying the book makes it not theft.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by G1911

I believe buying the book makes it not theft.

A steal but not theft.

[CobbSpikedMe]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Why would you buy the book when you can just put the Wagner in your pocket and walk out? Buying the book at that point makes no sense.

But if you pulled the book off the shelf and leafed through it and found the Wagner then you were likely interested in the book to begin with so I would probably still buy the book (after taking out the Wagner and putting in a spare toploader that I always carry for just this situation and then into my pocket).