To read Part 1:
http://www.lighthousekeepers.com/forums/Forum1/HTML/000817.html

Pam is right; most of us have been cheated out of far more. We are out $31.50 which isn't a lot of money although now that I think about it, it is almost half the price of a Harbour Lights lighthouse. Also as stated before muliplied by many collectors the Rutherfords took in a lot of money.

I truly believe we are more upset about the lack of response from the Rutherfords. If they are in a situation beyond their control (can't think of too many other than a serious illness or death in the family) they would have informed us a long time ago. That is what family does! We would have been very understanding and supportive. I don't
believe this is the case. As more time goes on I feel they used our money for some other purpose other than it was intended for and now have no way to pay it back.

We all face many disappointments in life relating to health and financial security. The most important thing is your health. I totally agree with you that if it was a health problem, the HL Family of Friends would have rallied to their support. I would guess it was a financial problem and for $31.50 or so, we shouldn't be forming a posse looking to put their heads on the end of a stick in the sun.

Maybe it's time to put this to rest and chaulk it up to experience.

Bob

I agree, Bob, that in the great scheme of things that the $30 or so isn't that important. But that doesn't excuse the lack of even trying to explain or make reparations. It wasn't just a person or two bilked by an unscrupuluos dealer, but perhaps hundreds.

I buy & sell a lot of items on E-bay. Their whole system is based on trust. Trust that when you mail that M/O, the desired item will be sent to you. Trust that the buyer will pay and pay with a check that doesn't bounce. The Rutherfords had much more than a casual auction/E:bay rating, they had the trust & following among the HL collector family. They have blatantly betrayed that trust & confidence that a quality product would be delivered. That, no matter how you slice & dice it is WRONG!

Donna

Those who use mail fraud rely upon the fact that no single indvidual has lost enough to make it worth while to persue the issue. I'm not beating a dead horse, just stating the facts. Let's drop this issue unless someone has enough gumption to carry it to fruition. We've gummed it to death, which doesn't change anything.

Amen

Whats that old saying, "Put up or shut up"?

For those of you that were wondering if this is really mail fraud you may go to this link, decide for yourself, and make a report if you feel it's necessary.

http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud/welcome.htm

I hope this helps settle some questions for those of you that have not received anything from Jim and Julie.



[This message has been edited by SThompson (edited 03-25-2001).]

Thanks, Sean!! The link should be the end-all for those who wish to and those who wish not to!!




[This message has been edited by pharologst (edited 03-27-2001).]

Who's this Stan Guy?

Is he a new member?


Dennis

Thank you very much "SEAN" for providing this link. I decided to "put up" and it took a whole 5 minutes to submit my complaint. To make it even easier when filling out the form, here is the basic information you need:
James Rutherford
The Nautical Exchange
PO Box 501101
Atlanta, GA 31150
(770) 754-9060
Email: HLSG@aol.com or Julie FoxR@aol.com
Your fee for book and newsletter was probably $33.50.


In response to those who are worried about the Rutherfords or who want to "chalk it up to experience", let me tell you this:
HLSG@aol.com is still a valid aol screen name...so someone must be paying the $21.95 a month to keep the account open. And Julie FoxR is on-line right now as I type this. Over the past 2 weeks, I have sent a couple polite and cordial "return receipt" emails asking about their well being and the status of the newsletter. These were read but not answered. It may be a personal flaw on my part, but being ignored infuriates me all the more. While some may find it hard to believe that "one of us" may be so deceitful and callous...I have decided that I am no longer willing to take the barge trip down that Egyptian river with Cleopatra!

Think of it....is stealing $33.50 from a hundred people really any more justified and less appalling than stealing $3350.00 from one person? STEALING is STEALING...plain and simple. We paid for an item, they failed to deliver the item and they failed to offer a refund. They won't respond to emails or phone calls. Hence, THEY STOLE OUR MONEY!!!

So please take the effort to file a mail fraud complaint. It won't take much time on your part and being passive won't correct the wrong thats been done.

Doc John