You are one of the few. I know of a few who are like you and I always offer them business by keeping track of the "good" vendors and sending newcomers their way. And I shall continue to do so.Why would anybody be concerned about this as long as they are having fun?
This is why I keep my goods as cheap as possible and you will never buy me out of the items I stock because they are easy to get. I do not sell cheap rune books because the people they are for can't afford them so I give new shard players a rune book for free. Anybody that has played more than 3 months do not need these. These people whinning about this and using the "community" is a joke. New players need city rune books and there is no way they can afford one, much less at Luna prices.
Here is my welcome starter set. 6 piece male leather with each piece having MR1, Mana 7 and %18 LRC. If you are a Garg I will mod the set. 1 rune book (fully charged, 18/20) with some city mints and some basic hunting spots marked and an extra 20 recall / 5 mark scrolls. I will also make a basic warrior sets for those that need them. This is enough to get anyone started in UO and to start earning thier own way.
- I do this because I enjoy it.
- I do this because when I started this was what UO was all about and when peps ask me how much I just tell them to help others and have a nice day.
I also keep track of the unscrupulous... and I do my best to pass on what I know of them .... avoiding them and their ilk. Pointing folk in other directions. And yes paying a higher premium for services sometimes because I will not shop there.
I applaud you on your efforts towards community. Wishing there were more who were there for the newcomers.
I quite often do not charge for my services as a crafter. Often crafting things for people, making furniture and anything needed out of kindness to help others. Not for profit. As I see it the more I assist others the more they will enjoy my home as much as I do and I hope they remain there.
But the fact is there are not so many like that. Sadly I find there are more and more of those out there who are just here to make a profit... They care nothing for anyone besides themselves and the DEV's seem to be fueling that drive..... Offering up more and more "rarities" and impossible goods fueling the madness and greed... and it sickens me and it poisons my love of UO to the point where I question my loyalties to the game I have loved for so very long.
I wish I could turn back the sands to when the EM's began and when they did NOT give items...... nothing more than a mere sash with their name... When the stories were all that was gained.... A fine tale told by master storytellers... fraught with dangers... and meant to be enjoyed for what they were.... not just a means to profit.