Warning! Beware of Shriner

[Joe Gondek]

I post this as a warning !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I have been a part of the muzzle loading /living history community for nearly 40 years. I’ve bought, sold and traded with them. I had my own gun building business selling to people that like myself have strong ties to the past. Never in all those years have I ever been burned on a deal. When I found x-marks I thought that the same type of brotherhood existed here.

In looking for a way to expand my sporran market I entered into a deal with a member of this board, John Miller of Florida, screen name “SHRINER”. Last May I sent him 4 sporrans I had made to sell on consignment in his booth at Highland games in the SE. We kept in touch by phone and e-mail. When Oct. rolled around I suggested that if they were not selling he should send them back , by Dec. I demanded the return of the sporrans or payment for them. He me emailed in Jan. stating that he would send a check, after that he stopped answering e-mails or phone calls .

I’ve since learned that another x-marks member has had the same experience and is owed money by “Shiner”.

I have dealt with many other X marks members and have found them all to be honest members of this kilted brotherhood. I just thought that you should beware that there is one member that has not acted with the honor expected by members X marks.

[sydnie7]

Sorry to hear that. We met Shriner last year when he came out to compete at Vista Games. Come to think of it, he had a selection of fur sporrans that he was trying to sell, as shown in this post. Do they look familiar? He said these were made by a Native American in Florida, IIRC.

[cessna152towser]

That's awful. I am very sorry to hear this.
There is no initial character test required for joining xmarksthescot but if a member then proves himself unworthy that may be a matter for the mods, though I would think the only sanction they could apply would be a ban, which is no help to you in receiving payment for your sporrans.

[Joe Gondek]

three that I sent

[Joe Gondek]

That's awful. I am very sorry to hear this.
There is no initial character test required for joining xmarksthescot but if a member then proves himself unworthy that may be a matter for the mods, though I would think the only sanction they could apply would be a ban, which is no help to you in receiving payment for your sporrans.

All I've lost is some leather and time and I'm a little less trusting of my fellow man

Shriner has lost his honor and integrity

[cavscout]

Sorry to hear this Joe. Knowing the quality of your work and the great contributions you've brought to the forum, saying you are only out "some leather and time" is an understatement. Hopefully he will see this and contact you immediately for positive resolution.

[Tartan Shortbread Jock]

three that I sent

Your workmanship is fab, hope this bad chapter does not put you off.
Kind wishes and all the best for the future.

[piperdbh]

It kind of reflects badly on the Shriners who raise money to help ill and injured children, if he's one of them.
Maybe he'll read this and send your sporrans and/or payment back.

[puffer]

As a VERY active member of the ML/BP community, Your WARNING is GREATLY Appreciated.

A PM is being sent to you.

Thank you, Puffer

[Panache]

To All,

As a craftsman Joe takes (very justified) pride in his work.

The Moderating Staff does not believe that he issued this warning out of malice but to protect the good members of X Marks the Scot.com.

However, this sort of a thread can lead to an extremely unpleasant piling on of complaints and hostility that is not acceptable on our forum.

If anyone has further information that Joe Gondek or the Mod Squad should be aware of please contact us by PM.

If Joe is able to resolve this matter satisfactorily I am sure he will update us.

Sincerely

Jamie and The Mod Squad