I hope you find this thread useful, as I intend it to make you a safer, more cautious trader- as well as to provide you with a breakdown of how the trading system works!

TRADER RATINGS:
As you may have been able to tell, this forum works quite differently than others when it comes to ranking, and leaving feedback for members after a successful or unsuccessful trade. Sites that use HTML and codes to create trading systems, don't create enough restrictions in terms of properly using it. Therefore, there are many cons to using a built-in trader rating system; one in being that members can create fake trade feedback to boost the reputation of another member- and what do new traders look for in other members to feel safe trading with? LOTS OF POSITIVE TRADES! Well, what they don't know, is that all of these "good feedbacks" they're looking at, can be fakes- which completely voids the concept of trading. Here at Happy-TraderZ, we have a different way of doing things. After every successful trade a member completes via this forum, administration will review for its legitimacy- and if everything checks out, we will grant a 'successful trade' which will from there on out, appear next to every one of that users posts. This system is much more trustworthy and effective, because only moderators and administrators have the power to have this appear on the users profile. So remember, before dealing with any member, take a look next to his name on his posts, and if its blank- you are lucky trader #1- trade with caution!

TITLING YOUR THREADS:
Many people lack the ability to title their threads in a way that everyone can understand what it is they are looking for. Please name your threads in a way that members reading can easily distinguish the difference between what you are offering, and seeking to get. For example, writing 'ps ftp' or 'ps 4 ftp' has no meaning. Rather, title it something like 'My 50$ PS::Your 50$ FTP', which paints a much clearer picture. Briefly include what you have, what you want, and how much. Leave the terms and conditions and any additional details you want to include in the actual post. Keep it short, yet descriptive enough so that someone knows what you want without having to open the thread itself.

RESEARCH YOUR TRADING PARTNER
Looking into your partner really is not that hard, nor will it take up much of your time. Making a few small searches can sum up a few key questions or doubts: 1) Is my trading partner reliable? 2) Has my trading partner ever scammed anyone? 3) Does my trading partner even have the available funds to trade? Many don't know what to look for when researching their partners. So I'll give you the few key things to look for when researching your partner.
First - username. Just use Google or Yahoo, and copy and paste their EXACT username. 9 out of 10 people use the same username for all sites and forums. If you find anything shady or sketchy, beware of the trader. If you find a link that accuses him/her of being a scammer, or has information on him that seems sketchy, dont be afraid to copy and paste that link into the thread. Ask him if he can explain for you. Most scammers just give up at that point - they know they've been caught. If he can give you a legitimate answer, dont trust him, but don't quite dismiss him. Ask him to send first, or don't trade at all. TIP: when researching your partner, for better results, search with "quotes", this will bring only results of that exact name. For instance.. searching for dragon flames may bring back search results that have either dragon or flames in the content. Searching "dragon flames" will only bring back results that have that exact text in it, and in that order.
Second - Poker Stats. I prefer sharkscope. Go to sharkscope.com and search user. Enter his poker name and make sure in the drop down menu the correct poker site is selected, and search. This will bring back a brief summary of this users statistics, such as profits, ROI, etc. If someone claims to have 2000 for trade, and their stats show theyre brand new to the site, or have negative 5000$ profit, most likely they're bluffing. Its possible they have the money, but its more likely they don't. Again don't be afraid to question them.
Third - Email. Using the same techniques to search for a username, enter the users email address, if possible, into google or yahoo. If search results come back, look into them. Check the history of that email, and/or other sites that user is a part of. See if he has a good reputation on that site.

OFF-SITE TRADING REFERENCES
There are many people you will come across who are new to the forum, however have traded in the past. At the same time, you will come across those who are new to the forum, and CLAIM they have had trading experience in the past. Most will link you to a different site with their username to that site, offering you to look up their stats or trader ratings. 50% of the time its the real thing, and 50% of the time its not.. ALWAYS ALWAYS confirm the users identity. Instead of saying 'okay i see you've made 20 trades over at that site, i trust you', say 'Impressive, but do you mind if I join that site and you can PM me confirming its really you?'. If they can, this will darken the shaded areas to believe this guy is for real, and probably give you a higher sense of trust for him. Even with this in mind, still trade carefully; don't send enormous amounts at once!


USING MESSENGER/EMAIL or PM
I can't emphasize enough how unsafe this is in regards to trading. Its literally a scammers best friend. If a scammer can get you to agree on speaking through a messenger client, he knows he's got you. Here are a very few of the many reasons this is a big NO-NO.
1) Its easier for a scammer to get to know you, make small talk, and become more of a friend to you. The best of the con artists don't seek and destroy immediately. They'll IM you, ask how you're doing, ask you questions about yourself, lie about age and location, and maybe claim to have the same interests as you to create a better 'bond' between you both. This will probably erase from your instincts any belief that this guy is a scammer - and that is exactly what he's trying to do. Go along with it if you'd like, but don't fall for it right away.
2) Its harder for other members who might know background on the suspect to inform you of things to be careful of. There are people on here with more street smarts, better research skills, and much more powerful and precise gut feelings and first impressions. They can pinpoint a scammer based on his first post he creates. Well, without transacting through the forum, it might be a little more difficult for these brainiacs to help you out! If something doesnt smell right to them, how are they to give you the red light? They cant!
3) Less evidence. Anyone can accuse anyone of being a scammer- if there weren't any witnesses. Getting scammed on the forum will result in the scammer getting permanent banishment, getting his name out there to prevent any future scams by him again, and a much better chance of you getting your money back. If you get scammed on messenger, you don't have much proof other than a pasted or screenshot version of the conversation you had. Even if in the conversation the suspected person mentions their forum name, they can be lying, theres no indefinite proof that the scam occurred, and they are who they say they are.
Bottom line, if you want to transact and trade via messenger, go right ahead, I cant STOP you. Just know a few things! 1) If your trade in fact is successful, you still will not receive a successful trade feedback on the site. If its not done through the site, no rating. 2) If you're scammed, most likely you're not going to see your money again. 3) We are limited to the amount of help we can offer if you're conned. Once the damage is done, its done. Please trade safely and responsibly.

USING A MIDDLE MAN
If you come across an open offer in which you are interested in completing with someone, but you're unsure how it will work out, there are members including myself who would be more than happy to assist you in the trade and serve as a middle man. This will ensure that both parties receive their end of the deal. However, some are uncomfortable with this idea- so if the other party does not agree, please do not pressure them into it. Trading should be a fun experience for both, not troubling and worrisome.