Reading threads and posts when selling and buying

Audiogon is a community, on-line, but still a community. One attribute of a community is the concept of sharing /reciprocity. If someone on Audiogon doesn't want to share their system with fellow Audiogon community members, so be it. I'm sure they have their reasons and who am I to judge their validity? But when it comes to doing a financial transaction with one of these people I'd be a wary. Buying/selling is about give and take and I would be dealing with a non-reciprocating person.

That said, if I really want to buy/sell something it's just another factor, not and overriding concern.

Obviously, feedback is the first stop. Aside from the obvious posiitives vs negatives, the ratio of buys to sells can hint at whether someone is an enthusiast or a mercenary reseller.

I always read as many of the threads as I possibly can, preferably all of them.

Then, I Google their name, nickname, zip code and/or email address in as many possible permutations with anything else I can mine from their threads.

It then becomes pretty clear if someone might be

fraudulent or unethical (the worst possible counterparty)

a jaded, cynical, mercenary professional trying to minimize time and maximize dollars in every transaction
(almost as bad)

or

a thoughtful, considerate, enthusiastic audiophile who may only be selling to raise cash or upgrade (the best possible situation.)

For those of you who may be the first two categories, I will also ask WHY ARE YOU SELLING?

I know I know I know what does any of this have to do with anything?

Would you buy an amp from someone who had recently initiated a thread like "Who repairs blowed up amps in Scranton?"

"Would you buy an amp from someone who had recently initiated a thread like "Who repairs blowed up amps in Scranton?"

Almost happened to me! Good thing I checked the persons posting before making an offer or I would have been very mad with myself. I contacted the seller and pointed this out to them. They never responded but did change the ad and the price. I have also checked the disputes forum and found a seller whos item I was considering was in a dispute where they were clearly wrong and were given the opportunity to do the right thing but instead just got nasty, saved again! We have these tools readily at hand so why not use them.