25 Feb 2001
Firstly...

Where the hell did you get my name from and why?

Probably via UO-Auction.com, especially if you're one of the top 25 traders.  I may have lifted your details from tradespot or any other uo-related site.  Also, you may well have had dealings with me in-game at some point in the past.

I've tried to pick players that have an obvious interest in trading within the game.  You're most likely to benefit from this site and I hope, have some ideas that you'd like to see implemented yourselves and are prepared to share.

I think the traders are the key to this project.  Without traders prepared to use uobuy, there will be no goods for sale.  With no goods for sale, no customers will use the site.  With no customers...  well, I'd be talking to myself wouldn't I?  It's a chicken and egg situation really.  Certainly, in the early days of going 'live' I'll be relying on the traders to keep things going... it will take time for the customer base to build up, so it will require patience. 

So how many people have been approached?

About 50.  A small select group.

Can I tell all my contacts about this site?

Umm...  not yet!  I've picked on traders because I think they will provide the best feedback.  If little or no input is received, I may well approach some more traders but for the time being, I don't think we should muddy the waters with any Tom, Dick or Harry being invited!  Bear in mind also that this site is located at a temporary address.  Hell, even the name (uobuy) is only temporary and subject to change.  It may not even make it to a live state.  So many things are up in the air right now!!

One day soon I hope, I'll be asking you to spread details of the site as far and wide as possible.  But for now, I think it's best to stay quiet!!    

Are you going to be bugging me from now on?

No... not at all.  This is where my pleading ends!  If you don't want to be involved, or have no interest in the site developement, simply do nothing!!  I may well email you again in the future, but that's only likely to be when the site is up and running.  I won't be spamming you, hounding you for support!

I like the idea, but I'm just too busy right now to provide any thoughts.

That's fine.  I know how short time can be, especially when UO drains about four hours of my life every day!!  Just add your details to the mailing list and you'll be informed of progress.  Bookmark this site and return periodically.  When you feel ready to get involved, do so!!