So, you guys know I love this thread, and I have spent my fair share of pp's and claimed my share of spring eggs...and I am the last one to criticize anyone for chicken math because I am the biggest culprit when it comes to buying eggs & birds.
However, I feel like I have to say something about how I've been feeling lately with regards to the swap. Recently we had someone swapping with ill intentions. This person was claiming pp's and offering spring eggs for birds he did not own, or ever intend to own. He would send some eggs, but it turns out most of those eggs were double shipped from other sources, and very few, if any, ended up hatching for the recipients, and a high percentage ended up being rotten. He was also receivng swaps from other people on the thread and selling them on eBay to unsuspecting buyers. This person has since disappeared from the swap, and there are many people who have claimed things from him and will never receive them, and have sent their items and will now never be reimbursed. I would like to know exactly how we will deal with this situation. I personally think there needs to be some kind of decision, some kind of tally with regards to exactly what has been lost, and see if we can compensate those who are out swaps for this terrible situation. If that is already in progress, great. I think some more communication on the subject would assuage the concern going on right now.
Further, I know that because of this person, there recenty were some rules with regards to offers of spring eggs that were instituted. I'm not sure if maybe I missed some reversal of those rules, but I have noticed that they are not being followed...not everyone is being clear about the age of the birds they are offering spring eggs from. I know that there are eggs being offered from birds that are just now baby chicks. I think if a person is claiming eggs under these circumstances, they should be aware of it so they can make an informed decision.
At first when the spring eggs were offered I didn't really think it was a big deal, I claimed lots of them for myself because I was excited about the breeds being offered, and I didn't want to miss out. Now after watching the sheer volume of spring eggs flying around, I've become really uncomfortable with it, I know we are all adults, and if I'm uncomfortable then it's my prerogative not to participate, but I know there are a lot of new people here who may not realize the magnitude of what is owed come spring. I personally think we should stop with the spring eggs, for everyone's sake. When the eggs are available, it will be just as much fun swapping them then, and I no longer feel that it makes sense to swap "on credit".
I'm sorry if what I've said offends anyone, but I had to say something.
