We are long term Vendors across several markets.
As much as we wish the utopia as we knew could last, we really think now it's pretty obvious it's time for a change of game plan before it's too late and this is all just a memory.
Personally we feel that involving an unknown, unproven third-party who could very probably have an alternative agenda, with grave consequences, spreading details about on a small personal discreet deal is now just asking for trouble.
Just as quick as this revolution started, it is changing all the time and we need to keep on our toes and pull our heads out of our asses.
Our team lean to the assumption that SR2 and TM are both Honeypots - TM is more advanced so this SR bust thing is orchestrated to get the community to move over completely. We've proven how gullible and easy to want to believe we are.
TorMarket appeared out of nowhere looking like it came out of the hands of the government funded TOR design team. I won't go into length as to the extent of 'data capture' the ™ setup could lead too. But with on site PGP encryption, every item getting it's own personal BTC address and an encouragement to make many transactions between personal and market wallets - it does make you ponder. Account referral? Building a 'web of links' on those big boards with Vendors name at the top and bits of string connecting referred accounts. Like you see in the films.
Anyway, put all that to one side for a second, the concept of a 'man in middle' is now obviously flawed. We know as a community we can conduct ourselves honourably. Most all vendors are asking for FE now anyway. Which is fair enough with scams and money men grabbing BTC making the swinging rates unworkable to have coins held in escrow for anytime. What is the point in kidding our selves and jumping straight into other unproven markets.
Why not take the power back NOW.
All we need is someone to setup a simple as possible onion directory site. Ideally with a one page profile per vendor with contact, terms and menu and a linked forum for reviews and communication.
Then it's up to us individually to look after our own 'opsec', decide how we want to make communication with our customers and deal with payments. We know that side is safe if handled correctly. Always encouraging the best possible security measures. with no commission to anybody (maybe donation to cover minimal costs) and no pot of gold. The forum would inevitably grow into the review area that it has been used for in each market anyway.
Nobody should be getting scammed these days, and if some wants to try something they will probably fall down quicker than on a 'market' with their shitty admins and if someone has something genuine to offer and can handle the service, they will rise up.
Just a forum and a board. Then BOOM, we are no longer under one location but have scattered into a million little corners, doing our trading and building an ever stronger and advanced, secure underground scene.
We don't need the man in the middle, that's going backwards like going to meet some chump in real life, placing the risk in somebody else' hands.
The best thing is this could happen SOO quickly, agree on the plan, spend a minute getting a 'message board' up and then top Vendors get in touch with your best customers, they tell their crew, sales are made and if the thing takes off we are unstoppable. There is no risk to anyone.
Direct trading in a free market. Trust each other, and the utopia is reborn.
A few things:
1.) Isn't THB doing something very similar?
2.) Are you just throwing ideas out or are you actually making this?
3.) Which vendors are you? Until I see a name I know I can trust, I'll think of you the same way I think of any new marketplace.
4.) Are you suggesting "always on" FE?
5.) What's up with the Reddit account name? Its sketching me out.
Besides that I think the idea needs some tweaks, but its not a bad one. In order to survive we need to adapt and only those willing to change will survive. Any and all ideas are helpful, from the absolute horrendous to the best of the best.