Some of you saw an ad recently in Classifieds, where a member- ncic99 - was selling several SIG firearms. In the ad, two guns were eventually marked as 'sold' and the member was not responding to questions in his ad. Another member asked about the two guns marked sold, which prompted me to ask the same question, as my suspicions were aroused at that point. No response. I intended to give ncic99 a couple of days to respond, planning to- at the least- admonish him for not monitoring his ad on a daily basis, but, more likely, catch him selling guns listed here, elsewhere- a violation of posted rules.

A member who in the thread requested photos advised me he had not gotten an email response. That was all it took for me to make up my mind. I gave ncic99 the full package- I edited his items out from the ad and revoked his permissions to place new ads in Classifieds and to view member profiles. I said some unkind things about the man's ethics.

When he contacted me via email, he explained - calmly, politely and in detail- that he had followed the rules as he understood them, and that he marked the two guns as sold, only as a matter of convenience. In fact, he had only withdrawn them from sale, deciding to keep them. He told me that he could have marked them as withdrawn, but decided on saying they were sold. In this way, he would not receive further queries or offers. This has happened before, with another member doing the same, so there is a rationale behind this behavior, and neither ncic99 nor the other member were aware of how this is viewed by me.

With regards to monitoring his ad, ncic99 referenced the rule addressing such things: "Response to queries by the other party should be prompt. Responses to emails should be made within 24 hours, unless mitigating circumstances exist."

This rule was written in 2008 and has remained unmodified. Notice that the rule refers to responding to emails within 24 hours. As with much of the policy in this forum, the expectation of monitoring one's ad every day is unwritten. At first, I balked at this, pointing out to him that the rule states "Response to queries by the other party should be prompt."

His response to this was as before- calm, polite and detailed. I told him he could feel free to re-post his items in a new ad. I deleted everything in the open forum about the matter.

I've told members here before that my conscience manifests itself as a tiny little man in my head. He has a hammer, and when I know I've made a mistake, that little bastard bangs on the inside of my skull until I make amends, or at least try to. He went to work on me day before yesterday. I contacted ncic99 and told him I realized I had treated him shabbily, and offered my apology, realizing that he had acted in good faith and adhered to the rules as he understood them. I invited him once again to re-post his items, and let him know that he is welcome as a member here.

This is someone with nearly a thousand posts in the forum, gentlemen. He registered here seventeen years ago, and though he has not been active in the last few years, this is someone who put in some time here, and in my zeal to stomp on yet another careless user of this forum, I stepped on someone who hasn't done anything wrong. Add to that the fact that he couldn't have been any more mature and even-handed in his response, and it's no wonder why my little man went to work with his hammer.

It's a tenuous thing, reputation- a lifetime to build and a minute to lose. In this instance, a man might not be comfortable attempting to transact business anywhere in the online gun community, not just this forum. I did point out to ncic99 that the number of readers of this forum who are aware of the matter would be somewhat more limited because it was an ad in Classifieds, but there was a thread in the Office as well which was up for a day.

I have already offered my apology to ncic99. This thread is not about that. This is about a man's reputation and undeserved accusations against it.

I am asking a favor of you guys. Anyone who wishes to do so, please respond to this and let ncic99 that you've seen it, and let him know if he's welcome here and if, having read this, you might be willing to conduct business with him.

To be crystal clear, the man did nothing wrong. He followed the rules as he understood them, not having been around much over the last few years and therefore has not been exposed to the unwritten policies. In terms of purchasing items he has for sale, you have my personal assurance that you can do so with confidence.

Thank you

This place is the BEST!



Yes, sir, I have been following this. I would have no problems doing business with ncic99.

Wow Para, I've always appreciated over the years when you would step up and say you were wrong. Bravo.

Hey ncic99, I don't know you but I hope you return to the forum. This is literally the only forum where I have any form of trust in it's members.

Cheers!

Read and noted. This right here is why this is a good place.

I did see the discussion, and I have read this thread.

Having bought and sold a great number of items with members here and never encountering a bad experience, I would not hesitate to transact with ncic99.

I count SIGforum (the membership) as one of my greatest treasures in this life as well as many dear friends.

I saw and I read. I also would not hesitate in conducting business with ncic99.

Glad to see things were on the up and up!

Thoughtful and well stated post.

Thank you. Well handled and with class.

RMD

Well spoken, sir!

Yep, things happen. It is what happens after things happen.

Long time members along with new ones make this a great place.

The greatest of places.

I have read this and see it as another shining example of why this is literally the ONLY group online I am a participating member of in any fashion.

This is a good place, with good people. People who do occasionally make mistakes, yet act like gentlemen and admit them when they are out of line or in the wrong.

Thoughtful and well spoken, Sir.

I'm like that guy ncic99
Been here a couple years... couple posts.. more active in the day. But I still love this place. Lurk a little now, but still feel at home and trust the management.
ncic99 - if the boss apologized to you in the open forum. You would be honored to return and accept.

ncic99, would not hesitate to do a transaction with you at any time.
Rod

I had not seen the ad or the Office post, but I've read this thread.
This is why this forum is the best on the internet - it has members with integrity and is lead by a man with great integrity.

Ncic99, I hope you will still feel welcome.

I too have been following this situation. ncic99 has unknowing shown us all three lessons for which we and all new members owe him a debt of gratitude: 1. If a problem arises, a calm statement of facts and circumstances will resolved the problem. 2. Talking to the owner like an adult and not like an emotional child will resolve the problem quickly. 3. The owner is a stand up guy. As one who has lurked here for many years, I have watched more than one member go down in flames for not understanding these three simple things. So ncic99, sorry you had a misunderstanding but you have provided a shinning example for others to follow. Good luck and God be with you.

And this thread is an example of what I regularly point out as the opportunity arises - that it’s difficult for anyone to admit they’re wrong and apologize, much less a forum moderator when it comes to their moderation of their forum.

This is most notable to me.

quote:

Originally posted by low8option:
I too have been following this situation. ncic99 has unknowing shown us all three lessons for which we and all new members owe him a debt of gratitude: 1. If a problem arises, a calm statement of facts and circumstances will resolved the problem. 2. Talking to the owner like an adult and not like an emotional child will resolve the problem quickly. 3. The owner is a stand up guy. As one who has lurked here for many years, I have watched more than one member go down in flames for not understanding these three simple things. So ncic99, sorry you had a misunderstanding but you have provided a shinning example for others to follow. Good luck and God be with you.

Perfectly stated.

Just. Right.

Welcome ncic99..... You'll really love this place!