Should SWFUK Ban the Sale of U-Graded Items?

[sith-smith]

As a MOC collector I have to say ban them.

But I do understand in some instances why people would chose to do them. Just goes against my instincts!

 

[Hothrebel]

I dont think it matters if they are banned off the forum or not ,it seems to me that any one who lists them for sale on here gets hounded and abused anyway so why go to the trouble of banning them ?

 

[mr_palitoy]

I dont think it matters if they are banned off the forum or not ,it seems to me that any one who lists them for sale on here gets hounded and abused anyway so why go to the trouble of banning them ?

Because it sends out the right message to the community.

Jason

 

[Jez]

I dont think it matters if they are banned off the forum or not ,it seems to me that any one who lists them for sale on here gets hounded and abused anyway so why go to the trouble of banning them ?

Because it sends out the right message to the community.

Jason

This

 

[edd_jedi]

I dont think it matters if they are banned off the forum or not ,it seems to me that any one who lists them for sale on here gets hounded and abused anyway so why go to the trouble of banning them ?

It's a fair question and that's actually why I'm keen to introduce a rule - despite opposing U grades I also don't like the fact newbies often get cornered by the pitch fork brigade, because there is no rule so they're not doing anything wrong. If we vote yes then people can politely point sellers to the rules, if we vote no then people will have to stop hurling abuse at people.

 

[itfciain]

There is no justification for U-Grading at all - and AFA created a monster when they started putting that little letter next to the grade - obviously they don't care because it started a new business stream for them.

I appreciate that there are collectors out there that would rather have the figure removed from a damaged card or cut bubble and once they own that piece then it is theirs to do as they wish - however the arguement that they can't find minty figures is false (trust me I know) and their arguement that no-one wants it is also false. If they cared about the community then they would put that peice up for sale so that someone else could buy it and cherish it.

If AFA (or UKG) cared about the community then they would either refuse to do it - or grade it as any other figure without the 'U' but they won't because it will put an end to a profit stream.

So I agree with the banning of their sale, and I agree with eductating those new to the hobby that they are wrong. It is not a case of over zealous rule making - it is forming guidelines which the majority of us on the forum would like to see in place and will prevent future disharmony

 

[benny100]

I've voted yes but having just looked over my collection two of my mailers are U graded, obviously taken from sealed mailer boxes. I have absolutely no issue with opening mailer boxes, any other thoughts on that?

 

[indianawars]

This has quickly turned into a U grade witch hunt! I think a simple yes or no question has somehow turned into a lot of vented anger! Oh, I vote yes to the ban

 

[PGowdy]

I've voted yes but having just looked over my collection two of my mailers are U graded, obviously taken from sealed mailer boxes. I have absolutely no issue with opening mailer boxes, any other thoughts on that?

Personally i think that's totally different. It certainly has the potential to split the community but it is an arguable point.
I think generally what is meant by UGrading is removing toys from their original packaging. Removing them from a carton or shipping box or the ****ing factory they were made in bares no resemblance in my opinion.

 

[edd_jedi]

I've voted yes but having just looked over my collection two of my mailers are U graded, obviously taken from sealed mailer boxes. I have absolutely no issue with opening mailer boxes, any other thoughts on that?

That's another reason I wanted to put it to the vote - I agree this is a grey area. Personally I think opening ANY vintage piece is criminal, whether it's a MOC or a boring old box. But I know not everybody feels that way about shipping boxes.

 

[lee gray]

I would never ever buy a U graded item, although saying that I did see a U graded droids proto sold by Bryce that must have been taken out of its bag I guess so then its a different story as what collector would turn that down if they really needed it.

Also what about U grades that are still carded but graded straight from the sealed case ?

 

[Joe]

Also what about U grades that are still carded but graded straight from the sealed case ?

IMO even though U graded multipacks, mailers and mini-rigs from shipping cases are a lesser evil (and perfectly acceptable to some) I think it would be pointless to only ban some U graded things and not others.

If people agree that U grades should be banned I say ban the lot of them, as Liam said - there is always eBay if you want to offload a U piece.

 

[mr_palitoy]

I would never ever buy a U graded item, although saying that I did see a U graded droids proto sold by Bryce that must have been taken out of its bag I guess so then its a different story as what collector would turn that down if they really needed it.

Also what about U grades that are still carded but graded straight from the sealed case ?

I think u-grade loose figures is what we are targeting, be they from beaters, mailers or baggies.

cheers Jason

 

[theforceuk]

I thought they were already banned, you need to take the no to 'U' grade banner down if not.

 

[grinchy]

I voted yes, as a noob to collecting i was shocked to read that this new fad had come along, i have a few beater MOC figures, wouldn't dream of sending them to be ripped from the card and shoved in a plastic prison, to me all the dings and creases are part of its history, and i proudly display them warts and all

 

[benny100]

I've voted yes but having just looked over my collection two of my mailers are U graded, obviously taken from sealed mailer boxes. I have absolutely no issue with opening mailer boxes, any other thoughts on that?

That's another reason I wanted to put it to the vote - I agree this is a grey area. Personally I think opening ANY vintage piece is criminal, whether it's a MOC or a boring old box. But I know not everybody feels that way about shipping boxes.

I think that's where I draw the, admittedly blurred, line. The mailer boxes aren't something I'd open but I'd have no issue buying a u graded mailer.
Maybe we could employ Nottingham university rather than the AFA to check the contents as showcased in a podcast recently :wink:

 

[Hothrebel]

I dont think it matters if they are banned off the forum or not ,it seems to me that any one who lists them for sale on here gets hounded and abused anyway so why go to the trouble of banning them ?

It's a fair question and that's actually why I'm keen to introduce a rule - despite opposing U grades I also don't like the fact newbies often get cornered by the pitch fork brigade, because there is no rule so they're not doing anything wrong. If we vote yes then people can politely point sellers to the rules, if we vote no then people will have to stop hurling abuse at people.

That was my point !

 

[Michael Sith]

Ban all day long, they should be termed as Degrade!!

 

[weasel]

I've voted yes but having just looked over my collection two of my mailers are U graded, obviously taken from sealed mailer boxes. I have absolutely no issue with opening mailer boxes, any other thoughts on that?

This was similar to a point i raised in our discussions about the ban. I own a U graded mini rig. I assume it came straight from a case. Our ban will cover ALL U grades, so this and your mailer, will be banned.

I think 99% of people on here agree U grading figures off a card is to be discouraged, but can we realistically have a ban on selling some U graded items but not others?

Honest question.

For the record, i was also in favour of the complete ban, otherwise I think it gets too complicated. I can see a newbie coming on listing 150 U grade figures, claiming they were baggies or mailers and you can connect the dots on that one yourselves.

 

[PGowdy]

can we realistically have a ban on selling some U graded items but not others?

Honest question.

No, it has to be a ban on all UGrades. And altho some grey area items will harshly suffer it's for the greater good. We can't protect the 1% and allow to 99% to tag along for the ride.
A carpet ban is the right thing to do.

(and i don't mean banning carpets. I think they are fine tho should probably be posted in the 'general sales' section if anything)