How To Use This Site, Read before posting!

Site Goal: To provide online toy collectors with an easy way to give and receive feedback for transactions, while helping to protect members against known scammers and bad traders.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Getting Started
The first thing you want to do (after setting up your profile with all pertinent information) is make your post in the Trader Directory. Note: You can't receive feedback or post ads on this site until you have completed this first step.

The forums are arranged alphabetically, so you'll want to make sure to post in the appropriate one. If your username starts with a symbol, refer to the first letter or number in your name (*~*Fearie Dust*~* = Fearie Dust). If you accidentally post in the wrong letter, don't double-post. PM me (Baby Katie), and I'll move it for you.

You are only permitted one username, so if you go by more than one, pick the one you use the most. If you'd like to change your name, don't register a new one (that would be having more than one account, which is against the rules). Instead, PM me and I'll change your name for you.

Since you can only have one account, it stands to reason that you'll only have one post in the Trader Directory (the name in your post title must match your username). If you go by more than one name, you can list them in your post. The only exception to this rule will be posts made by me to warn against bad traders, people to watch for, and scammers. Since scammers often use multiple names to avoid being recognized, I will make multiple listings in the Trader Directory under each name to help protect members.

How to make your Trader Listing
First, find the appropriate forum for your post. Next, make your Topic Title the same as your username. In Topic Description, write "eBay - [your eBay username]". If you don't have an eBay account, leave it blank. If you belong to a different auction site, write that in the same format ("Bidz.com - [your username]"). If your eBay name is the same as your username, then re-write it in the Description. If you belong to more than one auction site, try to fit them all in.

Next, copy and paste the code below into your post. Everything surrounded by "[]" needs to be changed to your information. Eliminate any categories that don't apply to you (if you only have feedback at this site, you obviously don't need any links to other feedback sites).

I ask that you use this code in order to keep the site easy to use. Any posts deviating too much from this format will be edited accordingly. However, you can change the text itself any way you want (color, size, font).

* To link to a specific thread, right-click on the title link (without actually entering the thread), and select "Copy link location" (Mozilla), or "Copy shortcut" (IE), and paste the URL into your code. * <--This is for when I have the page forced into frames. I don't at the moment, but I'll leave this in case I change it back.

If you want links to your for sale/trade threads, I suggest placing them in your signature for better exposure, since it'll be present in all of your posts. In addition, you won't have to worry about editing your listing as often. If you'd like the links in your post, however, it's fine as long as you keep them current.

Click here to see an example of a trader listing. If you need help with linking or using the code, post in the Help/FAQ section.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posting Feedback for Other Members
To leave feedback for someone with whom you've had a transaction, locate the appropriate forum (for example, to leave feedback for "PrettyPony," you would post in the "P" forum; to leave feedback for "2005 Collectibles," you'd post in "#" forum).

Copy and paste this form into your post (it's also located in the Trader Directory at the very bottom for easy access):

If your transaction partner doesn't have an account here, and doesn't plan on signing up any time soon, you'll have to add your feedback in the "misc." forum down at the bottom of the Trader Directory (located below all of the "A,B,C" categorized forums).

Just start a thread in the same format, and it will automatically be alphabetized. For people who are known by more than one name, do not post multiple threads. Only post feedback for the name you dealt with him/her under, or pick one. If you are leaving negative feedback for a proven/potential scammer, don't include any sensitive information (real name, etc...) in your public thread. Instead, send a PM to Trader Security. It will be kept on file for future reference, in case he/she continues scamming and/or jumps names.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posting an Ad in the Classifieds
Please make your topic title clear and easy to understand. People will be using the search function to look for certain items, so keep that in mind when deciding on wording.* I suggest using the Title for item names, and the Description for payments accepted, shipping methods, etc...

*Note: Search functions for InvisionFree forums are temporarily down; we will getting them back with the upgrade. I don't know how long that will be; I apologize for the inconvenience.

Make sure to post in the appropriate forum; if you are taking offers on an item (as opposed to having a set price for it), post in the Auctions forum, not For Sale. People going to the For Sale section will be expecting to find things that will be sold for the price posted.

Again, remember that there is a 30-day life expectancy on Trade/Sale ads; they will automatically be deleted after that.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posting Want Lists
If you collect several different toy lines or items (lunchboxes, dolls, etc...), I strongly suggest dividing your want list into categories/toy lines and listing them separately. This allows sellers to search for certain items by post title. You can still link to each list from your central Trader Listing. However, this is not required.

When posting your list, please make your Title the toy line or category that you collect (My Little Pony or Toy Horse/Pony), and the Description other pertinent information, such as "Can pay with PayPal, willing to trade, or Mint Condition Only."

If there are a lot of miscellaneous items that you're after, and none of them make up a substantial list, you don't have to list them all separately if you don't want to. Just make the title of your post "Miscellaneous," or something to that effect.

Again, this is just to make the site neat, tidy, and easy to use.

Want lists don't have an expiration date, so please make sure you update yours from time to time. Any list that is reported as abandoned (i.e. no response to offers) will be marked as such, and then deleted. If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, make sure you write it at the top of your post to prevent this from happening.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reporting Abandoned Ads/Want Lists
If you get no response to an offer or request, and it's been at least two weeks, report the thread by clicking on the "Report" button in the upper right-hand corner, and let me know why you're reporting it (i.e. "no contact"). The thread will be marked as "Abandoned" for a period of time, and then deleted.

If your thread has been reported, please PM me as soon as possible (and if applicable, update your post).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have any questions...
Please search for your question in the Help/FAQ forum. If your question hasn't already been addressed, either post yours or send me a private message (PM). I'll get back you as soon as I can to help.