I have come to the conclusion that "New Guys" are welcome, BUT......

[teklanika_ray]

I am new on this site. I joined for several reasons.
1. I had decided to go on safari when I retire.
2. In support of decision one, I decided to build a rifle (which after chatting with member here has turned into, two rifles).
3. I prefer to gather as much knowledge as possible when planning a hunt.

I had settled on a CZ 550 (mostly because my first 458 win mag was a CZ, not because it is going to result in an erloom quality firearm) to build a 505 Gibbs on, but parts and actions are not abundant. I have figured out that part, but had looked into your classifieds to see what was available (I managed to purchase a trigger guard assembly, but did not make an offer on the 505 gibbs brass and dies as the seller would not deal with new members, then asked about a firearm and was given the same dismissive "newguy" rhetoric) Long story made short. I am really not sure I have ended up in the right spot. New member appear to be held in a very untrustworthy light, and long standing members appear to have license to dismiss new members with an elitist attitude that I find a bit off putting.

I recommend implementing a probationary period (or cap your membership).Where new member are not allowed to access the classified section (or any other portions your veteran members dont want to share) Until they have interacted with other member a reasonable number of times. I do not appreciate being accused of shoplifting in any store, simply because I walked into it (and that is exact how I have felt since I started interacting here). I have been a Security professional for 20 years and was in the military before that. I fully understand the need to be safe and secure, but I submit there is a professional way to vet your transactions that is less offensive.

Please, someone explain how in such a short duration of time I have gotten the wrong impression. There must be a ridiculous amount a scammers or I have just had poor exposure.

 

[krish]

Not really. New members when they list items as soon as they sign up, people hesitate due to numerous scamming took place. Buying on the classified for a new member shouldn't be that difficult. After all the product will be shiped only after funds are realized.
Krish

 

[WAB]

Very sorry you have had a bad impression of us. Unfortunately some very clever scammers took a significant amount of money from certain members. It has understandably made folks jumpy, but as you note, there are polite ways to vette a transaction.

 

[375Fox]

There are a number of established members whose opinion I really value, a lot in the middle, and several I completely disregard. I do start to notice new members with valuable posts but it takes some time to build confidence in what they write. I see many new members who have unrealistic ideas or beliefs as well.

For your particular situation, I can’t blame the member for not wanting to give out personal information although I wouldn’t be so suspicious. Depending who he is giving out personal information ties his name and information to every posts he’s ever made and photos posted. There are individuals who have a lot to lose in their careers. There has been at least one negative media incident for a uk member where AH was referenced. People seem to forget this is a fully public forum and results are visible with a google search. It brings in as many anti hunters as hunters even if they mostly read silently. I don’t post my face in photos and I only give my information out to certain individuals. I am suspicious of new members depending on the situation but there are numerous participating members I’d choose not to have dealings with as well. Give it some thought from that perspective.

 

[CBH Australia]

Not sure why that is. I think there is a time out for posting a classified but it a member agrees to sell and you send the money it’s an easy transaction. Different if you are offering a bargain and demanding money asap.

 

[krish]

@teklanika_ray
What are you looking for.
Krish

 

[CBH Australia]

@teklanika_ray
What are you looking for.
Krish

@teklanika_ray
See, plenty of help here once people become familiar with regular users.
Honestly it’s a good place.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Welcome to AH @teklanika_ray.

In short new members are welcomed.

Unfortunately the forum has received it's share of trolls, and "misguided" "unsavory" individuals that have: scammed members, accepted Pay It Forward Free items and left without reciprocating an item, or sold or purchased item(s) and left the forum, and new members that suddenly join by degrading an outfitter's practice, providing some but not all the evidence, to offer their perspective on a questionable original post and when the new member is challenged to provide additional information the new member refuses, starts repeating theirself, posts "word salads", etc..

It's not so much as:

New member appear to be held in a very untrustworthy light, and long standing members appear to have license to dismiss new members with an elitist attitude that I find a bit off putting

AH is a respected/respectful, good, clean, forum and as such "long time" members and those of us that aren't as "long time" members, but have been members for a good while want to protect and keep the AH forum free from becoming another hypocrites anonymous forum filled with obnoxious shaming members.

Again, All new members are indeed welcomed.
It's just some new members lately have instantly worn out their welcome for various/numerous reasons and by their aggressively hostile negative attitude.

Hope this helps to explain things to you.

 

[Phil Giordano]

I joined a couple years ago, and everyone has been warm and nice. Never regret to have joined. It's a Club, with his rules (written and not I guess ) so I you have to do your part, going step by step, be kind, and mantein a gentleman behaviour. Having something interesting to tell, without looking swagger or a know-it-all.
And remember that you can't please everyone.
So, enter the Club, and enjoy it.

 

[MS 9x56]

First let me welcome you to the community. Your experience so far is most likely more to do with what you are looking for. The CZ 550 being recently discontinued, it is becoming a collectors piece. Plus in this community they are very well regarded. Don’t take it personally.