(these rules were 90% written by Karl Allen - email kallen@cs.utk.edu - with modifications for the purpose of the bad trader list by me - webbing@ltsw.com)

[1] The accused bad trader must have engaged in some practice that cost another person money and/or cards. For instance, someone who took money but never sent cards, took cards but never sent money, sent different cards than were agreed upon, or otherwise swindled someone out of money or possessions.

The list will NOT include those accused of (1) reneging on deals and (2) making auction bids on cards then vanish without a trace. While both of these are annoying, including them in this list would seriously inflate its size. If these happened to you, TIME was lost, NOT cards or money. Though I can't really help you in this area by putting them on the list (I realize this is a growing problem recently), what you CAN do here is to keep those persons in question as personal reference in case you do encounter them again in your auctions or dealings.

The list will also NOT include people accused of mis- grading cards, unless doing so constitutes major fraud. For instance, someone selling a badly beatup 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card as Mint would be a candidate for inclusion. Someone who sold a couple of 1975 Topps Rod Carews as Excellent, however, would not. As a general rule, if someone sells something as agreeably graded, and it is, they are not a candidate for inclusion.

Do not forget that the main purpose of this list is to identify rip-off artists.

[2] The list will have the following format: the accused trader's full name and e-mail address will be listed, along with the full name and e-mail address of their accuser. No one will be added to the list unless the accuser agrees to allow their name and address to be used. I require COMPLETE information (full name and addresses of both sides). This is to help prevent people from making false accusations.

The list will also include details of the accused bad trader's actions. Finally, if the accused bad trader contests the accusation, their rebuttal will be noted.

[3] Before anyone is included on the list, e-mail will be sent to them letting them know that they have been accused of bad trading practices. The accused bad trader will be notified of who is accusing them, and why. There will be a one week grace period before the accused person is placed on the list, giving them time to respond to me and to their accuser. Keep in mind that whatever you state in your e-mail to me WILL be quoted as your rebuttal.

[4] If the accuser requests it, the accused bad trader will be removed. My hope is that those people notified, that they will be placed on the list, will work things out with those accusing them. If you do have someone placed on the list, and later work things out, please consider requesting that they be removed from the list.

[5] A final note: this list keeps track of ACCUSED bad traders. I make no claims that every accusation is fair. It is certainly possible that someone might make a claim against a totally innocent person. If you find yourself unfairly placed on the list, my apologies. Please send me a rebuttal, and it will be included in the list. If you find out someone is on the list, it doesn't mean you shouldn't trade with them. Just be VERY cautious - request references or whatever else makes you feel safe.