Norm, I would no more threaten Pete than I would you. I consider every member here to be more than just an acquaintence because we share a passion for this hobby. Many of you are my close friends.
Besides...I don't make threats, but I have been known to accurately predict the occurance of unfortunate circumstances for someone who behavior has been outside the lines of good ettiquette...
Fortunately, we are all gentleman here.
For the record, I am all for any protection that fairly treats both a purchaser and a seller in a transaction. Those who require unreasonable conditions, or who have a history of transactions that have been unjust, just don't get my business...
The offer by the seller of closeup, sharp focus photographs of something I want to buy long distance is a plus. There is no way to protect yourself from an unscrupulous trading partner other than not doing business with them. An exchange between honorable men should not leave a bad taste in either party's mouth when it is over.
<SOAPBOX MODE ON> A case in point...I had the unfortunate experience agreeing to purchase something from a forum member just last week.
We both trusted each other, and he requested my personal check since he didn't accept paypal which is how I normally pay for things bought on line. I was waiting to hear from him that the check had cleared when I checked my account on line this week and discovered that an unanticipated "automatic" replenishment transaction had occured days in advance of when it was expected and all but wiped out my discretionary checking account with a withdrawal just as the seller deposited my check.
I contacted him immediately when I found out and asked that if he had not deposited the check, to please hold it until this weekend... but alas, he had already deposited it and had just received word that it had bounced. To make matters worse, he had shipped the merchandise and now felt that he was out not only the cost of the merchandise but the bounce fee as well.
I was also very frustrated by the situation since the credit union where I do my business is an hour and half away... I reassured the seller that he has lost nothing, and that a cashier's check for the merchandise and his fees from the bank will be mailed Today... and that this whole affair will be behind us by next week. Yet the embarrassment of the situation is permanent for me, even if I can make financial reparations. Integrity can be defined as doing the right thing even if you think no one will know... A man's honor is not something that should never be intentionally discarded. There is no price or profit worth my honor.
I trust that this public apology combined with financial reparations will restore my honor in the eyes of the seller... He knows who he is... I thank him for his understanding and patience.
<SOAPBOX MODE OFF>