It's not just about "If you don't like the price move on"
At some point we must realize that some sellers are taking advantage of folks.
Whose fault is that? Well, every buyer should do the research so they do not get scammed. So, no, it is not your/my job necessarily to do price, etc research.
However, I first and foremost, want to be a part of a community.
What is the point of having threads to help people learn about the hobby, and maintain thriving tanks if we also let folks fall prey to scavengers (harsh?).
We already give our perspective on which skimmer is worth the $, which lights are good, etc. Isn't all of that related to helping people research and develop a sense of worthiness?
Either way it is educational.
No one NEEDS to come to a forum to learn about how to maintain a thriving tank.
That's what books are for. I have a library full of them. That's what schools are for.
However, I enjoy being able to come online, chat with folks, and enjoy the sort of human experience (virtual, and yes some times we meet each other and chat for hours).
I feel it is good to ensure folks know that while SW tank/hobby is an expensive hobby, certain things do not NEED to cost a lot.
It's all about how we build the culture.
There are TRUE SWAPS out there- if you want an organized sort of thing.
Additional, here on MR, we have the DBTC, and folks that sometimes post various coral frags for free.
There is always the infamous 'networking'.
Btw, my feelings of duty to educating folks and hoping being aren't being scammed, does not go towards the aggressive folks that try to scam sellers.
Additionally, recouping costs is one thing, going above and beyond say...100% replacement cost is a diff. story. I usually just go into trading my corals/stuff at that point.
At some point we must realize that some sellers are taking advantage of folks.
Whose fault is that? Well, every buyer should do the research so they do not get scammed. So, no, it is not your/my job necessarily to do price, etc research.
However, I first and foremost, want to be a part of a community.
What is the point of having threads to help people learn about the hobby, and maintain thriving tanks if we also let folks fall prey to scavengers (harsh?).
We already give our perspective on which skimmer is worth the $, which lights are good, etc. Isn't all of that related to helping people research and develop a sense of worthiness?
Either way it is educational.
No one NEEDS to come to a forum to learn about how to maintain a thriving tank.
That's what books are for. I have a library full of them. That's what schools are for.
However, I enjoy being able to come online, chat with folks, and enjoy the sort of human experience (virtual, and yes some times we meet each other and chat for hours).
I feel it is good to ensure folks know that while SW tank/hobby is an expensive hobby, certain things do not NEED to cost a lot.
It's all about how we build the culture.
There are TRUE SWAPS out there- if you want an organized sort of thing.
Additional, here on MR, we have the DBTC, and folks that sometimes post various coral frags for free.
There is always the infamous 'networking'.
Btw, my feelings of duty to educating folks and hoping being aren't being scammed, does not go towards the aggressive folks that try to scam sellers.
Additionally, recouping costs is one thing, going above and beyond say...100% replacement cost is a diff. story. I usually just go into trading my corals/stuff at that point.