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Would it be possible to use Fauna as a “trust” for trades?

Would you use Fauna as a "trust" for trades?

  • I would certainly use it

    Votes: 24 85.7%

  • I prefer my trades to remain private

    Votes: 4 14.3%
  • Total voters
    28
  • Poll closed .
The BoidSmith

The BoidSmith

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Would it be possible to use Fauna as a “trust” for trades?

What if we had a special forum (or use one already existent) just to be used as a “trust” for trades between individuals? Everything would be spelled in writing by both parties before the trade takes place. Even pictures will be required to be posted (if available) or at least a thorough description of the animal in question. Both parties would need to post stating the conditions of their agreement before sending snakes out. All the possible “what-ifs” scenarios spelled out in writing allowing even some input from Fauna members that can give advice on what’s been left out. Wouldn’t that be a proactive way rather than seeing a post later in the BOI stating “so and so ripped me off in a trade”. Of course it is not 100% fool proof but at least it will leave in writing what both parties agreed to with hundreds of on-line “witnesses” that can attest to the conditions of the original agreement.
 
Would it be possible to use Fauna as a “trust” for trades?

What if we had a special forum (or use one already existent) just to be used as a “trust” for trades between individuals? Everything would be spelled in writing by both parties before the trade takes place. Even pictures will be required to be posted (if available) or at least a thorough description of the animal in question. Both parties would need to post stating the conditions of their agreement before sending snakes out. All the possible “what-ifs” scenarios spelled out in writing allowing even some input from Fauna members that can give advice on what’s been left out. Wouldn’t that be a proactive way rather than seeing a post later in the BOI stating “so and so ripped me off in a trade”. Of course this is not 100% fool proof but at least it will leave in writing what both parties agreed to with hundreds of on-line “witnesses” that can attest to the conditions of the original agreement.

Best regards.
 
Rich is probably thinking, "Don't I have enough on my plate?"- LOL!

I, for one, think it would be an excellent addition to the BOI! You know Rich will most likely make you run it since it was your idea!:raspberry
 
Maggie,

In all honesty I would have no problem running something like that. In reality it will free time from all members that go to help out once someone has been ripped-off on a trade. Furthermore it would almost run on it’s own and it would only be checked when and if something goes wrong in a trade. Can you imagine how many hours can be saved by buyers, sellers, and general public asking to post and then reading all the e-mail exchange between both parties after the trade took place? Not to mention that some people don’t even save their e-mail exchange. This would be more like posting a “contract” on-line for everyone to see. Of course, and as I said before, there will be no guarantees that everything will go “peachy” but at least it will be a time saver and will give some reassurance to both parties.

Regards.
 
Dan
i think the idea of public accountability is a good one, and the BOI fulfills that purpose but in an 'after the fact' way.

I would think that this 'before the fact' record may invite public comment that might affect the trade itself. Trades are very personal, and for instance I might be willing to give more 'stuff' in trade for a certain reptile I really wanted than another might.

In addition, if one of the trade items was very nice, onlookers might try to make their own agreements with whoever is putting up a trade, which might not be fair if there was already an agreement.

And of course there are always people who are on the lookout for others to save them from themselves, one person might arrange a trade with one of the industry bad boys and when the inevitable happened, try to hold viewers accountable "Why didn't you stop me?"

I think though, that this definitely merits more thought as public accountability is a powerful force to encourage people to resolve differences and to do what they say they are going to do. There is another site that requires pictures for trade offers which is more limited than what you are suggesting, but your good idea expands a concept which has worked for others (which is the way much meaningful change is made).
 
Work out the details about what you would need for it to run properly and let me know. As long as it doesn't require a bunch of custom programming, I'll see what I can do.
 
Lucille,

Furthermore, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a “free service” (And Rich goes "blink-blink" here :) ). You can either pay a fee for it's use or have it restricted as free perk for those beyond a certain membership level. It might encourage people to buy memberships above and beyond what they already have if they find a value in using this “trust”.

In addition, if one of the trade items was very nice, onlookers might try to make their own agreements with whoever is putting up a trade, which might not be fair if there was already an agreement.
Click to expand...

True, but it was a tentative agreement or an agreement "in the works" if you will. My perspective is that an agreement has to be a win-win for both (well... that's why is an agreement in the first place). If it seems that one of the two parties is being short-handed then the trade is not fair. It's a risk you both parties are running.

And of course there are always people who are on the lookout for others to save them from themselves, one person might arrange a trade with one of the industry bad boys and when the inevitable happened, try to hold viewers accountable "Why didn't you stop me?"
Click to expand...

Well, this would just be a feedback system. Of course things can go wrong (and eventually will). We can try to help out with opinions and suggestions on how to "protect" both parties. The ultimate decision will be in the hands of both individuals if after the feedback they received in here they still want to proceed with the deal.

Regards.
 
Rich,

We need a forum whose name is up for suggestions, but I had though of something along the lines of “Trust for Trades and Loans”. Notice that I add the loans in here because it might also serve that purpose. People could spell out clearly the terms of the agreement of a trade or a breeding loan that’s about to take place. Each party discusses and posts their requests. They also ponder the input of other posters, although they don’t necessarily have to include their opinions in the contract. Only the moderator has the possibility to amend the contract until both parties feel satisfied. Once they reach an agreement they both “sign it” by posting their conformity (from their computer with a verifiable IP# or maybe even a scanned signature), and the thread is then locked until one of the parties requests for it to be opened for any potential claim. From what I’ve seen how the forums work in here it doesn’t seem this will require any kind of fancy programming. This should have an inherent value if something goes wrong as parties can use it at will to make any future claims, even maybe legal. I would further suggest a reasonable fee for it’s use, and of course you are the one that should determine what that should be.

Regards.
 
The concept could be further expanded to "Trust for Trades and Breeding Loans".
 
Rich,

It would be nice if the "contract" would remain always in the header (like the polls) or first page of the thread so people don't have to go through the whole thread to find out what was finally spelled out in it.

Regards.
 
Sounds easy enough. Are you willing to take the helm on this? I can set up a forum specifically for this with you as the designated moderator for that forum. You can create a "sticky" note concerning how you intend that forum to work with all relevant rules and guidelines. I think you will need to be pretty specific about what is expected from all parties involved, including exact details of what resolutions(s) would be expected to take place in an unsatisfactory transaction.

As for a fee to use this forum, I think simply restricting it to participation by paid members only would suffice to keep things running fairly smoothly. Probably most people would prefer to deal with somewhat verified members only anyway.

So the ball is in your court. I can set it up if you (or perhaps with another designee if it gets used a lot) are willing to carry the ball.
 
Dan that is a great idea. I would like to see a forum like that with all the communication just incase it ends up on the BOI and we can see exactly what the deal was for.
 
I will be happy to moderate it. But the idea of a co-moderator is a good one, as I'm not always around and can also use help and ideas. Any volunteers?

Regards.
 
This is an excellent idea. The posts should be uneditable and the final "contract", once agreed to, locked until or unless an issue arises. Pictures of the animals involved should be required and a format perhaps suggested so as to include the requisite elements.
 
Jim,

I agree the photos are a very good idea although not everyone has access to cameras. If both parties agree that they are willing to do it w/o one or both providing pictures and just with a description so be it. After all is their deal.

Regards.
 
I suppose, but my take would be no pics no deal. If it's of dollar value high enough to warrant use of such a service, get pics. Bait and switch is too common an a fraud technique.
 
Jim,

That's exactly my position too. No picture no deal; no verifiable address and/or phone number, no deal. That's probably some things we would both suggest to do. Now, if after our suggestions they still want to proceed and something goes wrong guess what? We told you so...;)
 
I think it's an outstanding idea. I believe it would have even more value when used for breeding loans, since the time frame between the commencement and completion of those agreements is so long, and memories can fade.
 
The BoidSmith said:
I will be happy to moderate it. But the idea of a co-moderator is a good one, as I'm not always around and can also use help and ideas. Any volunteers?

Regards.
Click to expand...

Great idea Dan. If no one esle wants to help you co-moderate I would be willing to help you out since I'm here quite a bit anyhow.
 
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