Shaun, unfortunately those people exist, there's a moron like that in my area, big drum collector who I've never heard of, he know everybody, yet they don't know him type??? He's runs his stupid ad a couple of months ago, myself and kevins both answer his ad,he offers both of us dust and wind for our drums, I guess you know the answer he got from both of us!!!Toilet

Oh !!.... Forgettaboutit !!

Um...I posted an ad like that a few times about 3 months ago, and I ended up with a 60s Ludwig 12/13/16/22 that I restored, tuned up, and now use to teach on.

So, there ARE *some* non-craigslist vulture/flipper-types out there that use this method, too. But yeah, I know what you mean about the flippers. I think of myself as a cross between a flipper and a sloth--I'm sure that someday I'll sell the kits I've bought, and it will be for more than I paid for them, but it might take about 30-40 years! Cool Dude

Oh, and no offense taken, BTW...

Sensitive subject,its come up brfore.The people you speak of are oportunists.They make money off a general lack of knowledge in a specific commodity be it drums,cars,guitars,etc,and like it or not,they have that right.You,ll get the argument,its a free country,and i can do what i like.Look at a few of the current small drum operators who blatently steal ideas and designs from from the people who are passionate about the industry.

These people are the ones that make me puke!

This is how it's supposed to work in this world. When you put your faith in man, you will be disapointed. People suck. I'm with you. As a teacher, I run in to morally and ethically challenged people each week. I boggles my mind just how badly a parent can treat their own and others. Unreal.

The thing is, it's up to us to bring some light into this very dark place. Keep doing the right thing and keep planting those seeds. Never weary in doing right.

This is complicated. You are kinda right, but then again, doesn't everybody dream of getting some gem for a few bucks from somebody who doesn't know the price?

It happens, sometimes. We've all seen it here on VDF.

I got my new drums for half their price, seller offered them for that money, so I said yes. I reselled one old K a turned quite a profit. Is that wrong? Everyone was happy.

I'm not about to dictate right and wrong to you. What I will say is ... there is no such thing as situational ethics and right is right 100% of the time and wrong is wrong 100% of the time. What you do within those boundaries define your character. It is what it is. If you are happy with your choices and can answer for those decissions, that's your call. Know that no man is an island and all interact and impact thhose around them ... whether they are aware of it or not. This is a very touchy subject because we all draw our own lines in the sand. Some have lines that are deep and well defined. Others draw blurry and very shallow and mobile lines. It all comes down to who you really are.

I've never posted one of those adds but I have sifted through thousands of Craigslist adds and found two unbelievable deals that way. I've also offered people cash to end an ebay auction early and have ended up with killer deals one of which netted me about $2100 profit!! Did the guy know what he had? Nope...and neither did I at the time. Does that make me a vulture? I don't think so. I think it makes me a shrewed buyer. I love vintage/collectable drums and guitars and I've been buying, selling and trading this stuff for years. It's the only hobby that I know of that you can make extra money doing if you are somewhat knowledgeable.

For me, the goal is to find the best example of the piece I'm looking for at the absolute lowest price. Only a fool would feel bad about not paying full retail for something or be ****ed that someone else would have the "nerve" to want to make some extra scratch. What the hell do you think these vintage guitar and drum dealers do??

I always love this discussion when it comes up.

I've only been on this Forum for 15 months, and we've discussed buyer/seller ethics several times.

I learn something each time.

For myself, the world is full of teachers.

Some show me what to do, and some show me what not to do.

The more I pay attention to all my teachers, the more I am able to make the choices I can live with today, and tomorrow.