Cursed!

[ucl82]

Yes if it's free many people seem to sweep down regardless of what it is. Personally I only ever buy or take anything that I think is useful to me and that I actually want, no room for anything surplus!

Do I have B.O. or something worse??????

I've met you twice now, Rob. I'm not saying anything :D

Just seems to be bad luck I guess, it happens to all of us. Worst of all are the 'lurkers' who tend to sit on the forum all day and as soon as something is offered it's gone in the first five minutes. I've lost out on countless things (and a couple of times have been told by the vendor the item has just been collected even if I have been the first to respond to the advert!).

Just remember, it's a hobby and not the end of the world. There will always be another, possibly better and possibly cheaper.

[Skywave]

Just to try to bring a little hope into this discussion: a true story. The names have been deliberately omitted for obvious reasons.

Several months ago, a certain well-know item of Amateur Radio equipment was offered for sale (not on this Forum); there were many responses, including mine. I didn't get the item; another member did. Several months later, said member contacted me and said: "I don't think I'm ever going to get around to sorting this item out. As you did say that it was an item that you always wanted" (this is true), "I'm now offering it to you for what I paid for it".
Needless to say, I said "Thank you!" And promptly went to collect, el pronto.

Al.

[Aerodyne]

As a generalisation, if the giver doesn't want it, neither do I. I suspect that there are those who 'lurk' and swoop regardless of their actual need, as ucl82 has intimated. On-line auctions are indeed most likely the destination. At this point I must admit that I have never once responded to any free offer - not on this forum, or any other and I believe that should I do so I too will risk feeling as despondent as Rob does.

Paula, I do agree with you about know-alls and their attitude. I've met them throughout my life and frankly I despise them. Nobody has the right to claim omnipotence in electronics or, for that matter, in any other subject. Learning is a lifelong experience. I'm now 70 and am still learning - admittedly more slowly these days. Having said that, I do hope the character you were referringly to so disparagingly wasn't me...!

In another thread, Col (Retired) mentioned the problem with the typewritten word - how easy it is to give a wrong impression. Try to be humorous and you may end up reading as if you are serious, and vice versa. I think the point about photos as an avatar is a good one but it is only partly an answer to the problem. As Col said, it is up to us individually to type with care and choose our comments wisely lest we inadvertently offend.
Wise man, that Col.
-Tony

[Aerodyne]

Just for clarification: I have posted for 'wants' and my happy experience shows that the generosity of the members of this forum cannot be in any doubt. The bonus is that I get what I need and not a bunch of saleable gear to make a quick profit with.
-Tony

[Bushbaby]

Hi Al,
I think that you have made a very valid point. I beleive that sometimes when items are offered (either FOC or for some payment) certain individuals dive in with the 'I want it', 'I must have it' attitude. Then they find, actually they didn't want it and then decide to get rid of it. I suppose its like a small child that doesn't know when they have had enough sweets!

Regards

Rob

[Bushbaby]

.......and another point (and then I shut up), the generosity of the members on this forum has been second to none and I only wish that I can repay the kind favours to certain individuals in the not too distant future.

Regards

Rob

[ucl82]

certain individuals dive in with the 'I want it', 'I must have it' attitude.

Strangely enough I feel in a very similar way myself thanks to one of the usual lurkers

[Joe]

I've had similar experiences to the above, especially stuff being claimed as soon as it appears whether free or paid for. I've never missed anything that's broken my heart as, as BMUS has said, I haven't actually 'lost' anything and there are more important things in life anyway.

However I have also had a couple of positive experiences including getting free things where the giver hasn't even wanted the postage paying.

I agree with Paula that there's lots of things being chucked which other people would be glad of but it's difficult uniting the two and the chances are further reduced if you can't/won't post things.

It isn't just electronic equipment as anything, railwayana, militaria &c, which requires specialist knowledge can look like rubbish to the uninitiated. We just have to save what we can.

- Joe

[tiv48]

personly i will not put any thing for sale or foc on this site but if i have somthing some one wants and i have a spare i will offer it to that person foc and wont chare for postage if less than £2 ,i think there are people on here who know far more than i do ,and there posts are priceless and hopfully if i get stuck for a part some one will help out,paula a advice with the audio lab pointed me in the right direction witch saved me hours of pulling what little hair i have left out .how much was that worth?
rob t

[fido]

I find with life in general the people you can help are often different individuals to the ones who can help you but if we all try to do as many favours as we receive we need not feel too guilty. I too have been amazed by the generosity of some vintage electronics enthusiasts both materially and with their time. It is one of the attractions of the hobby. When we hear of all the bad things happening in the world it is comforting to get tangible reminders that there are still a lot of good people around.