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Sulaco
Underboss
1605 Posts
    
 | | 05/12/2006 4:16 PM |
| The whole issue of the ostensible secondary-matket value of miniatures and how it applies to ethical trades got me thinking: is there a better system?
Back in the day, when Harbinger came out, the demi-standard ration of trade value was 3:2:1 (that is 3 commons = 1 uncommon, 2 uncommons = 1 rare). There was no cash-value involved, it was based strictly on rarity.
Now I know that a strict rarity-based trade system is pretty much dead now (at least in terms of rares) but I think the idea of a points-based system still has some merit. Perhaps we could come up with a system of points values, a system arrived at as a community and which community traders use as basis for trade value, based on cost ranges and relative demand.
In such a system the vast majority of commons would, I think, have a value of 1. Most uncommons and a few in-demand commons (orc warrior or for example) would have a value of maybe 4 or 5 or so. Certain select uncommons might have a value of between 6-10. Then from there I think it would be a matter of determining the point cost milestones which equate to ranges of value ($5-$10=8pts, $11-20=15pts, etc).
This would not replace OPG, it's still a useful guide and reference, but would rather give everyone a common and simplified baseline from which to work. The door would still be open for haggling and counter-offers based on personal desire and preference, but a single basic system would give everyone a simple and easy basis for comparison and evaluation of trades.
Do you think this might be a workable option? Where do you think the point values should fall? Ideas? Comments? Suggestions? | |
Champion of the Gelatinous Cube. Nemesis of Gnomes and Dinosaurs.
Over the centuries, mankind has tried many ways of combating the forces of evil... prayer, fasting, good works and so on. Up until Doom, no one seemed to have thought about the double-barrel shotgun. ~ Terry Pratchett | |
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Zenako
Commander
3472 Posts
| | 05/12/2006 5:03 PM |
| While you were not as active on these forums back then, this exact line of discussion was explored. After lots of backand forth the general (but not universal) opinion was that something like the Guide I published was the way to go. Attempts at setting up systems of ratios keep running into more exceptions than rules, to the point of being essentially useless. Early trading was often 1 to 1 and in ratios like you suggest, but market forces entered the picture. EBAY foremost amoung them, and soon it was clear to all that all rares while created equal, did not have equal appeal once in the free market. Trolls and Ogres were highly prized while things like Shambling Mounds and Swords of Heironmous went begging. People were asking for and getting multiple "lesser" rares for one greater one, and the other way around. Many traders would post offerings of 3 for 1 for the rares they sought out. I recall even seeing some 5 for 1 for people wanted a D-Beast.
The use of points is just another way of say $$ because as soon as you set up any system like that, people will convert the value of a point to a buck value pretty quick. | |
Built the addition for this addiction, now on to the "gaming table" project....
http://www.maxminis.com/hw_list.asp?user=Zenako last updated 29 May 2006
Set Status: in a nutshell = all of all
In Process trades 0), (Sig last updated 05/29/06) 300 plus Completed Trades -
If I seem scarce at times...blame DDO - Sarlona | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
| | Knight of Argenis
Corim Danex
Warlord
6842 Posts
West Valley City, Utah
| | 05/12/2006 6:06 PM |
| Some people set up their own trading lists with systems like that, and ask for offers using their system.
I think it's fine for anyone to set up a trade thread and say something like, "Here are the values I place on them. If you wish to consult other sources, like the Online Price Guide, that's up to you. This is the value I will be placing on things if you make any offers to me, though." It's a bit different if someone has a generic trade thread up, and someone emails to set up a trade expecting that person to use their system. | |
"Look to God and live." Alma 37:47
Vindicated Champ of Hippogriff (Arcadian Hippogriff) and Uncommon Horse | |
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