rodan57

PayPal would need to join the Boards and argue that money was stolen from them in a transaction.

I don't think it would be unreasonable to view morality on a spectrum -- and everyone would have a roughly inscribed line on the spectrum beyond which they cease to be a good person. Some individuals' decisions, such as gaming the PayPal system for 3%, probably do not even register as a moral issue. And I used the word gaming rather than stealing to underscore the moral relativism of the issue. Someone might kill an insect without thought but would never contemplate doing harm to a dog or cat. The level of transgression can become a difference of kind rather than degree.

I wonder what a PM would look like: "Since you are throwing the ball into my court, based on your photos, I feel this is a 6.0 and GPA says $600. Would you take $575?"

I was thinking more along the lines of receiving a book that did not meet my collecting criteria -- something I could have noticed with a front and back scan. I was also thinking about the time involved in repackaging a book and driving to and from the post office -- not negligible. Though I guess what I am saying, in other words, is that no pictures, no sale.

Fixed that;) Personally, I take pictures of $1 books, they might be group pictures, but there are pictures. I just don't understand this no picture thingy. I agree. If you don't have the time to take a picture than you don't have the time to sell the book. And if you're not going to post a picture, then at a minimum, a statement should be made regarding taking a book pending scans. A good return policy quells all fear. If the policy includes refunding postage both ways and paying for your time and materials invested -- then I say yes. Not providing pictures is a bit like going to a comic convention and looking a price list of available books tacked to a closed box with the sign, "Buy the Book Before We Let You Take a Look At It".

The condition of these books is remarkable considering how romance comic book readers didn't collect their books the same way that superhero readers did. It's a bit like walking through a museum.

With respect, Harvey, it seems that you didn't actually accept the deal for the lower price but began negotiating for a second book as part of a package. The response that the first book had sold is a lie and poor way to reject your offer of a package deal. He could have simply rejected your counteroffer as it seems that you threw the ball back into his court. As this is an emotionally charged situation, I apologize in advance for the bluntness of the above, if it comes across as a callous summary.

It's a phrase used to strike fear into someone's heart. Batman repeats this phrase to himself before he goes out to fight evil.

I agree. It's also a simple (or not so simple) matter of respect.

This is my argument from the previous thread.

It gets really expensive to collect that way, and the last few can get VERY expensive. That's why it's better to try to swap for the ones you need once you have a goodly number of them and the inevitable dupes. On average, assuming they're evenly packed, you'd need to buy 55 of those Lego packs to get all 16. See here. I don't believe it was meant this way but the conclusion I draw from these analogies is that mystery/blind sales are good for the seller but not economically wise for the buyer.

Reasonable.

These characters are great.

I am not usually so blunt but as far as I can see, the practice in general is driven by greed. An in the thread would be at the asking price. PM negotiations can often be a negotiated lower price. It's the seller hoping that he/she can squeeze out a couple of more shekels at the very last minute --even though there is a done deal at a lesser price. Not cool. I don't see how it's defensible within the majority of our community's understanding of fair practice.

The changing ship/setting would have made for a interesting story -- going back in time as they approach the island.

Avoid upgrading. Settle on a condition level that you are happy with (e.g., early 1970s 8.5+, no rusty staples, no miscut or miswrapped books, OW/W to W pages). Indeed, the stricter you are with what is acceptable in your collection, the less you are going to be buying any issue that comes along. Part of the fun is in the challenge and a uniform condition collection looks like a collection.

This one appeals to me -- a reminder of my newsstand youth.

This is MOPAR.

Do you realise how difficult it is to get Chapel of Love out of your head?

This is the type of copy that makes me suspect this ...

A great cover --- the young woman, in particular, appears photo-referenced. Colletta was a noted photographer of models.

Another fine cover from this series -- trademark Vinnie Colletta eyebrows.

Outstanding cover design. Note how the perspective of the building leads the eye through the cover -- and then when you reach the right edge and the red handbag, the rail and heart shape blurb bring you right back into the cover. Also an outstanding copy of this book.

I don't think this is a cycle. It's decay.