Member
Sorry in advance for being somewhat preachy and judgemental.
In this case we don't know whether negative pricing comments had an adverse effect on the ultimate price, but in some cases it could have a significant impact. Even if the person who violates the forum rule is sanctioned, it does not lessen the harm to the seller (including but not limited to diminishing the appeal of the sale, harm to the seller's reputation, and simply feeling bad as a result of receiving criticism that should have, at best, been restricted to a PM). I would hope that if the offending post is very quickly reported and read by the moderator, that post and other following posts that touch upon the offending post could possibly be deleted (or partially redacted) to minimize the harmful impact to the seller.
Obviously, common sense plays a role in deciding whether there is a rule violation. For example, if someone is selling a commonly available item for more than the going retail price, a comment such as "Have you checked the price this currently sells for on xxx.com?" may (or may not) be permissible. But unlike that atypical example, the negative post regarding the Wolfman crossed the line.
Finally, I think the poster should consider offering an apology for not confining his negative pricing views to a PM. I also think the folks that "liked" the offending posts should think about whether they should curb their impulse going forward.
In this case we don't know whether negative pricing comments had an adverse effect on the ultimate price, but in some cases it could have a significant impact. Even if the person who violates the forum rule is sanctioned, it does not lessen the harm to the seller (including but not limited to diminishing the appeal of the sale, harm to the seller's reputation, and simply feeling bad as a result of receiving criticism that should have, at best, been restricted to a PM). I would hope that if the offending post is very quickly reported and read by the moderator, that post and other following posts that touch upon the offending post could possibly be deleted (or partially redacted) to minimize the harmful impact to the seller.
Obviously, common sense plays a role in deciding whether there is a rule violation. For example, if someone is selling a commonly available item for more than the going retail price, a comment such as "Have you checked the price this currently sells for on xxx.com?" may (or may not) be permissible. But unlike that atypical example, the negative post regarding the Wolfman crossed the line.
Finally, I think the poster should consider offering an apology for not confining his negative pricing views to a PM. I also think the folks that "liked" the offending posts should think about whether they should curb their impulse going forward.
