OK Guys, here it is, my tape trading list. Now, before you say, "Aw, this guy don't got much", or before you say, "Gee, this dude is REALLY disorganized", let me remind you of two things:
1. I have only done tape trades four times.
2. I am still in the process of cataloguing the videos, and there are quite a few I have not got to yet. In the future, I will finish.
Alright, that's that. Now, before we trade, I've got a couple of guidelines:
Do not, do not, do not, do not, DO NOT,
DO NOT!!!!
OFFER CASH!! The purpose of game show (and other show) tape trading is to show someone a different show, or to share their favorite moment. The tape traders never try to assume or challenge ownership to any show they are trading, nor do they wish to profit monetarily from the sharing of shows, as that is a SERIOUS copyright infringement, and can result in, as all your favorite movies say, a $250,000 fine and up to five years prison time. So, just don't do it.
In fact, the only thing for which I will trade is a TV show. Some people send blank tapes, don't even send those to me.
So, I've got some things you want. Here's what you do:
You're probably going to ask to trade. At the same time, I would like you to send me a list of what you have. If you have it on your computer and on the internet, send me the website. If not, put it in a file and send it via e-mail, or send the list itself in the e-mail. If it isn't on a computer, type it up. It'll not only help me, but future people with whom you trade. Make sure you include everything, no matter how stupid or pathetic. You never know, I may want it. If you have a general idea of what you'd like, you may send me a preliminary list. However, it by no means has to be your final answer. Once I get an idea of about how much you'd like from me, I'll go for a preliminary list of stuff I'd like from you, and we'll go from there.
When you send your requests, let's try to make it at least a 3-hour trade. I'm not trying to be mean by this, it's just the fact that anything less doesn't give either of us its worth for shipping. If you take out the commercial advertisements in the tapes, that won't count against you in my 3-hour minimum. (Say you put 6 episodes of Jeopardy, a 30-minute show, onto one tape and take out the commercials, it still counts as 3 hours.) Usually I prefer to do bigger trades (6-8 hours), but 3 will work.
Also, make sure it's an even trade. I know it sounds stupid, but it's happened before. I'll give about a half-hour of leeway, but let's try to keep it as even as possible.
On my catalogue, I have a 6-digit code (4 letters and 2 numbers) with a time next to each episode. Try to include this when you make your request, as it's easier for me to find it in my collection. So far I'm up to about 50 tapes, and definitely have more, it'll just make it easier. If you have something similar, I will use your similar organizational process.
OK, so we've contacted, we've agreed to do a trade, and we've both picked our episodes. Here's what you do:
When you're making the tape, use a new tape. Usually you can find the best brands (Maxell, Memorex, TDK, Polaroid, or JVC) in a local warehouse (like Wal-Mart) at a great price, or they could be available at a dollar store near you. Try not to use an el-cheap-o store brand unless you are ABSOLUTELY SURE that it is really good! I know, I'm being picky, but the 50-cent investment for a national brand really is worth it, trust me! Also, if you're debating between T-120 and T-160, use T-120, unless it's a 6 to 8 hour tape, then use T-160. I don't think either of us will want to catalogue 2 tapes unless it's a REALLY big trade (over 8 hours).
When you're recording, it's a discrepancy of whether or not to keep the commercials in the video. If it's a long trade (8 hours or more), take them out. When it's a normal trade, if it's an OB or USA pre-1995, or if it's some cool local stuff, go ahead and leave them in. If not, all you have to do is hit the pause button, Fast Forward the master tape, and when you get to the right point, turn it back on. Try to put in as much as you can, we really hate it when 5 seconds on each side get cut out.
Try to find a good time to do it. Usually weekends (or your day off if you don't work monday to friday) are a good time. If I get a day off, I'll bring down a spare VCR and start recording your tape. In the past I've had to wait a little while to get a tape done because of equipment difficulties, but I've been hashing that out little by little, and everything should be fine and dandy now. Unless you also have the same difficulties, we can probably each get it done within 2-3 weeks. Let's not stretch the trade over months unless it really is an equipment problem; Usually you shouldn't be THAT tied up with work or school (which is why unions created these blessed things called "weekends" and "days off").
When you are finished with the tape, I ask that you put the labels on the tape, but don't write anything on them. I will do the same for you. This is for my cataloguing purposes. Also, when you put it in the sleeve, put a piece of paper in there (hand-written or typed, preferably a size that fits in a videotape sleeve) stating the order of the shows, and at approximately how far in the tape it is from the beginning (if you can't do that, it's ok, since I'll watch the tape I'll probably do that anyway). This makes it easy for my catalogue, and I'll do the same for you.
So, we're each done, and ready to send out. What do we do?
You send me confirmation that the tape is done and ready to go, and I will do the same. When that is finished, we will trade mailing addresses. Then, we ship them out. We'll try to do this on a same-day or almost-same-day basis. Though, if I get warnings about tape trading with you, I'm probably going to have you send the tape first.
When you ship it, your first option should be Priority Mail through the Post Office. A common videotape usually costs $3.85 to ship to ANYWHERE in the US and takes about 2-3 days to arrive (And I do mean ANYWHERE, even Hawaii). I'll probably also send it via Priority Mail. If you would rather ship with another company because of good standing, or you can get a good rate through somewhere where you work, that'd be fine. Please make sure it's something well known (UPS or FedEx), and not an el-cheap-o company. Usually Priority Mail's the best deal.
International Traders: I haven't traded with anyone internationally before, so if you've had experience in the matter, I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd help me out.
Try to give some e-mail confirmation that you've put it in the mail, and DEFINITELY e-mail when you've received it.
Well, those are my guidelines. Yes, I know it's a lot to swallow (and yes S2X, I know it sounds a lot like yours, I based it off of yours), but hopefully we can understand it. If not, just drop me an e-mail.
So, do you agree to these guidelines? Let's Go to the trade list!
If you cannot abide by these terms, please hit the back button.