To PayPal or not to paypal

PayPal?

  • Total voters
    52
BurnedOutGeek

BurnedOutGeek

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That is the question...

Would you like to use PayPal for becoming a member?
 
I figure they are about as anti 2A as you can get and don't want to use them here.

Downside: the system allows us to automate the "membership" using PayPal to take on new members...
 
I'm the lone dummy who's voted yes so far. BUt, my vote comes with an asterisk: since the very foundation/forming of this forum was to stick it to the anti-2A man, then you should stick to your guns and keep it strictly pro-2A. My vote was based on a personal lack of keeping a naughty list of businesses, actors, neighbors, friends, dogs, goats, foreign gubbermints, etc. who're anti-2A and thereby boycotting them. I'd pretty much be sitting in the middle of the Pacific ocean on a raft if I were to isolate myself totally from the anti-crowd.
 
I voted yes. If I boycotted every business that had someone I disagreed with working there, I wouldn't be able to buy anything. Ever.

In my view, the forum split was different. That was a personal betrayal by the admins on several different levels. Yeah, selling a gun forum to a group of anti's was bad, but that pales in comparison to what was done to the members by the owners of the old board.

In my not-so-humble-opinion, anyway.
 
I said no because I have a recollection of PayPal terminating accounts thst they believe are associated with firearms and think that it would only be a matter of time before that happened to this forum. Instead it would be better to use a 2A friendly method from the onset.
 
I voted yes. As my momma used to say, I want to be right I just don't want to be dead right.

If there was a 2a friendly system out there that we could use in the same fashion I would be all for it. The problem is there isn't that I know of and we have looked.

We thought we had one with the square but they were not.

I want to see this community be able to grow easily and integrating the payment process is a big part of that.

If anyone has a better option that is 2a friendly I'm all for it. If not, I say yes. I don't honestly care what a corporate entity's political stance is as long as they provide me or our community with an appropriate service at a reasonable fee.
 
Since I'm already a member I'm not voting, but using PayPal for a gun forum just doesn't seem right to me. That's easy for me to say, I guess, cause I don't gain or lose anything either way.

Any other options available to us?
 
Just as a little precursory knowledge. We started with square and they shut us down saying we were selling firearms. We aren't obviously, but they of course would not listen to us.

My thoughts on PayPal is we get it all setup and they'll do the same crap and we're back step 1.
 
Shrek said:
Since I'm already a member I'm not voting, but using PayPal for a gun forum just doesn't seem right to me. That's easy for me to say, I guess, cause I don't gain or lose anything either way.

Any other options available to us?
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Yes. We've got the account setup through SunTrust to take cards, or there's the check option.
 
BurnedOutGeek said:
Just as a little precursory knowledge. We started with square and they shut us down saying we were selling firearms. We aren't obviously, but they of course would not listen to us.

My thoughts on PayPal is we get it all setup and they'll do the same crap and we're back step 1.
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We could set up as CFF instead of Carolina "Firearms" Forum. That may help.
 
As notoriously anti-gun as PayPal is, I see no reason to open that can of worms. Especially when we realize that there is a very high likelihood of getting into a mess when they lock the account down like we know they will at some point. It's just not worth it.

The other options will have to do unless something better presents itself. That's my opinion.
 
Shrek said:
As notoriously anti-gun as PayPal is, I see no reason to open that can of worms. Especially when we realize that there is a very high likelihood of getting into a mess when they lock the account down like we know they will at some point. It's just not worth it.

The other options will have to do unless something better presents itself. That's my opinion.
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I'd bet we could find a developer that could create a hook into the system to automate the memberships. It would just take some research and of course $
 
Seems in XF2.0 we will get that option.

https://xenforo.com/community/threads/xenforo-2-0-development-updates.113262/#post-1044323

To give an example using a new system, we're currently spending time building a generic payment framework. This is designed not only to allow different payment processors (not just PayPal) but also to be a framework to make it easy for new "purchasable" elements to be added easily (not just user upgrades). A system like this benefits the core system, but also enables new add-ons to be developed more easily. Without this, developers may discount an idea that requires payment processing because of the extra legwork required.
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As much as I like the ideology of telling PayPal to stick it, I use the service all the time. And the site where many of us came from has had it set up for the same purpose for a long time. I'm not suggesting we model our behaviors after theirs, but it's not like this would be something new.

Being ideologically pure as the driven snow is a PITA. :cool:
 
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M
fieldgrade said:
One thing for all to bear in mind, as much as I like the ideology of telling PayPal to stick it, I use the service all the time. And the site where many of us came from has had it set up for the same purpose for a long time. I'm not suggesting we model our behaviors after theirs, but it's not like this would be something new.

Being ideologically pure as the driven snow is a PITA.
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It's not about making a stand against an anti-gun company, but rather attempting to prevent future problems for us. If those of you "in the know" say it can work without any future concerns, then I'm good with it.

I just didn't want us to have future headaches. Hopefully PayPal will never say anything to us just like other sites. :unsure:
 
I say if we use anti 2A to promote our 2A then do it. Seems as there isn't a better choice. Although I'll still mail a check.
 
Take a look at authorize.net, a quick Google shows they'll even willingly process firearms sales and have removed the terms guns, firearms, and weapons from their terms of service agreements.

I would be really surprised if there isn't an XF plug in for them.
 
noway2 said:
Take a look at authorize.net, a quick Google shows they'll even willingly process firearms sales and have removed the terms guns, firearms, and weapons from their terms of service agreements.

I would be really surprised if there isn't an XF plug in for them.
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That's the thing... Until 2.0+ it's just PayPal.
 
Can't paypal freeze the money if they find out it's being used for something against their policy? If that is the case what will stop some butt-hurt folks who own similar websites that lost money when we all jumped ship from ratting the account out and costing you guys all that $$$.
 
I don't have a philosophical problem with dealing with an anti-2A company, but I would be concerned about a situation like @DCGallim raises and be careful to take precautions to preempt it from happening.
 
DCGallim said:
Can't paypal freeze the money if they find out it's being used for something against their policy? If that is the case what will stop some butt-hurt folks who own similar websites that lost money when we all jumped ship from ratting the account out and costing you guys all that $$$.
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Yes they can (and have to others)...So don't keep money in the account. I drain mine the second a single penny is in there. At worst, you'd lose a day or two's membership fees.
 
DCGallim said:
Can't paypal freeze the money if they find out it's being used for something against their policy? If that is the case what will stop some butt-hurt folks who own similar websites that lost money when we all jumped ship from ratting the account out and costing you guys all that $$$.
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Yes, paypal can. I didn't want to outright say what you did, because I didn't want to give the idea life, but that was one of my worries. This is one reason I think our risk is higher than at the other site.
 
Burt Gummer said:
not only use paypal because screw you, but send all payments friends and family. We essentially are ....
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That was my thought as well. Just not sure how it works when you set it up with invoicing.

If there was a generic [email protected] address where we could send it as a Gift...

I don't need to name names...but we definitely have our share of crazy weird uncles in our family. :p
 
BigWaylon said:
That was my thought as well. Just not sure how it works when you set it up with invoicing.

If there was a generic [email protected] address where we could send it as a Gift...

I don't need to name names...but we definitely have our share of crazy weird uncles in our family. :p
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I think that paypal address should be tried.
 
concepthomes1 said:
I got a weird uncle named Waylon....keeps trying to say that actually isn't his real name...
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He's not your Uncle...maybe your Huckleberry, but definitely not related. :cool:
 
Can't people just mail a check in if they want to join? I don't have a PP account and never will. If you don't take cash, check or CC I'm not buying anything from you.
 
BigWaylon said:
If there was a generic [email protected] address where we could send it as a Gift...
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+1

And as noted, periodically empty the account so that there is never a large amount of funds in the account.

It may not be a permanent solution, but it is super easy while it lasts.

And no matter what the final solution is, remove 'Firearms' from the name. That's just a bullseye begging to be hit. 'CFF' - we know what it is and no one else is the wiser.
 
OK, if you call PP moving forward, go for it. Not me though. I use mostly cash, it doesn't leave a digital trail.
 
Well, nobody is going to get my info from swiping my card with a skimmer when I pay cash. I wouldn't call that tin foil hat stuff. That's for real. And, get your identity stolen once and you change your habits. BTDT.
 
SPST said:
Well, nobody is going to get my info from swiping my card with a skimmer when I pay cash. I wouldn't call that tin foil hat stuff. That's for real. And, get your identity stolen once and you change your habits. BTDT.
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A good friend of mine ended up with some counterfeit cash that his bank's ATM spit out at him.

There are no guarantees of anything anymore.
 
I voted "No". I am personally against Paypal for many reasons going back to my ebay days. As for now, they are against us, so I can't be for them. Using them just makes them more powerful.

Is "because it is easier" ever a proper justification for doing the "wrong" thing? They are just as anti-2A as the Canadians we just left. Where exactly is our line drawn?

I think if we are going to truly be the 2A advocates we claim to be, telling users we don't accept Paypal due to their stance on guns would align itself with our core values.
 
Yep. But thieve's aren't looking for checks in the mail as much now when they can get much more digitally.
 
TheWallrus said:
I think if we are going to truly be the 2A advocates we claim to be, telling users we don't accept Paypal due to their stance on guns would align itself with our core values.
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I hear you, but this rationale extends to virtually everything that comes out of Silicon Valley. Paypal, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, etc., ALL lean left. Should we not use any of those apps/services?

It's different when globalist extraordinaire Howard Schultz says he is going to hire refugees when there are millions of American citizens without jobs - I can get coffee somewhere else than Starbucks, e.g., Black Rifle Coffee. When it comes to tech, there are hardly any pro-2A companies.

Also, I think the proposal still leaves open the option for people to pay by check? So it's a lot like transactions in the Classifieds - sometimes I use paypal, sometimes cash, sometimes MO or check.
 
Funny about the paypal thing. Some big box stores accept it as payment, even the ones that sell guns and ammo. Paypal doesnt say a word about it.
My tabletop ffl takes it which makes it too easy to put money down on a gun he just posted pix of for sale online.

And it makes it easy for those of us who sell on Ebay <even selling gun parts> to accept what has become just another bank currency
 
drypowder said:
I hear you, but this rationale extends to virtually everything that comes out of Silicon Valley. Paypal, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, etc., ALL lean left. Should we not use any of those apps/services?

It's different when globalist extraordinaire Howard Schultz says he is going to hire refugees when there are millions of American citizens without jobs - I can get coffee somewhere else than Starbucks, e.g., Black Rifle Coffee. When it comes to tech, there are hardly any pro-2A companies.

Also, I think the proposal still leaves open the option for people to pay by check? So it's a lot like transactions in the Classifieds - sometimes I use paypal, sometimes cash, sometimes MO or check.
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I admit, it is a challenge. I don't want my comments to be construed as to pertaining to an individual's choices. I am in no way implying how others should choose to live. Everyone has to do what they deem is best for them.

My comments were for this forum. It is either taking a firm pro-2A stance or it isn't. In a way, being pro-2A requires you to be anti-anti-2a. Again I ask, where is CFF going to draw the line?

Why did you leave CSC? They are anti-2a.

Why do you use Paypal? It is easier.
 
TheWallrus said:
I admit, it is a challenge. I don't want my comments to be construed as to pertaining to an individual's choices. I am in no way implying how others should choose to live. Everyone has to do what they deem is best for them.

My comments were for this forum. It is either taking a firm pro-2A stance or it isn't. In a way, being pro-2A requires you to be anti-anti-2a. Again I ask, where is CFF going to draw the line?

Why did you leave CSC? They are anti-2a.

Why do you use Paypal? It is easier.
Click to expand...

That is a good question. Boy, if TR gets wind of this at CSC we will never hear the end of it!
 
TheWallrus said:
I admit, it is a challenge. I don't want my comments to be construed as to pertaining to an individual's choices. I am in no way implying how others should choose to live. Everyone has to do what they deem is best for them.

My comments were for this forum. It is either taking a firm pro-2A stance or it isn't. In a way, being pro-2A requires you to be anti-anti-2a. Again I ask, where is CFF going to draw the line?

Why did you leave CSC? They are anti-2a.

Why do you use Paypal? It is easier.
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Paypal has always been whatever it is that they are. I own or use a lot of things that were invented, developed or manufactured by people who I don't agree with. My Ford truck has a UAW union sticker in the rear window from when it was made. I personally think unions are strangling businesses, but I like their trucks, and that is how they have always been made.

CSC on the other hand professed to be one thing, but turned out to be another. They sold us out. We became the product.
 
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