Hi Hartmann352,
There are multiple reasons we don't allow buying, selling, and trading on the Forum.
For one, we want to keep the Forum focused on positive hobby conversation – we wouldn't want the Forum to be overwhelmed by transactions, nor would we want to be responsible for said transactions.
Also, when it comes to the magazine, e-newsletter, and Web site, we vet our advertisers and hold them to a high standard. So, when you purchase a product from an FSM ad, you can expect a smooth, honest transacton. If, for some reason, you're justifiably unsatisfied with a purchase from an FSM advertiser, you can contact us and we'll intervene on your behalf. For us, it's of utmost importance that readers have satisfying transactions with our advertisers.
Now, let's say we did allow buying, selling, and trading on the Forum. And let's say you were involved in an unsatisying transaction or were flat-out scammed. We, FineScale, woud not be able to intervene on your behalf.
All this is a long way of saying we want to keep the Forum positive, and we want to avoid any practices that could yield negative experiences for our Forum users.
Hope this makes sense.
Kelly, FSM