I've been a Discogs member for many years now. Does anyone have any thoughts, experiences, advice, etc. they want to share?
Lately for whatever reason I've been noticing that some sellers are totally clueless when it comes to listing and/or grading items. I'm a CD collector--no vinyl. I have 3 CD versions of some of my favorite albums. I recently ordered the UK version of an album, and the seller sent me the US version. They had no idea there was a difference, since the cover and track titles were the same they said. Even though it gives you a list of all the CD versions. Duh. Even when you're listing an item for sale, Discogs reminds you to list the exact item on the release page. This has happened to me three times in the last several months. Now it's to the point I have to ask and verify with the seller before placing an order.
Some people's sense of grading is totally bizarre. Their "Near Mint" is more like "good plus" or "very good." One CD I bought said "unplayed new" and "very good plus," but had multiple scratches, some deeper than "minor." They stated it had been in their record store for 20 years kept in a plastic binder sleeve and was "new". Why would I care if a CD is "unplayed" if it's scratched? They don't seem to understand the difference. I'm surprised some of these people even work in record stores.
I've had some really good experiences, too, but for some reason really bad ones for the last several months. I can share some good ones, too, but I feel like complaining right now.