Classified etiquette

[FredRydr]

It is against accepted netiquette to denigrate price and other aspects of another's classified advertisement. If the price is unreasonably high, reasonable people won't buy it, but some people will cast reason to the wind and buy anyway. There is a vintage Waterman currently in the classified that would fit my collection, but the condition of the pen in no way warrants the posted price. But someone else may be willing to buy despite my opinion. Who am I to interfere in others' deal-making? It's the classic "none of my business."

If there is fraud involved, that's a different story. For example, if someone is selling a well-used 1990's black resin 149 for $1,000, just don't buy it and move on. But if the 149 is counterfeit without a doubt, a comment would be appropriate. Of course, a neophyte had better not jump in on such things, since he'll know too little with a risk of erroneously sullying a legitimate sale, even if the price is not what he'd pay.

Finally, if you just cannot keep an opinion to yourself about price or other aspect, then send to the seller a private message listing your concerns, but don't expect a seller to act just because you say so.

Fred