This article will prepare you so that you will understand what you are going through.

People getting ripped for the 1st time go through 5 basic stages:

Stage 1: DENIAL
The first reaction to learning of getting ripped is to deny the reality of the situation. It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions. It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.
Examples:
-Its been 2 months and you havent received his cards? "The postal service must be slow. Canada is so far away that it always takes 4 months for mail to arrive"
-He doesnt reply to your emails? "He must be sick... maybe he went out of the country"
-Your emails bounce? "Maybe Hotmail is down...its strange that such a server will be down for more than a month, but who knows? or maybe he just changed email address and forgot to notify me"
-You see many complaints about him in the bad traders forum? "Its just a coincidence...maybe someone with a similar name and address... or maybe he is just ripping them off poor people i'm glad he isnt ripping me"
-The deal was too much in your favor? "i got lucky...what a great deal, trading my foil absorb for his black lotus, i'm tha man!"

Stage 2: ANGER
As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected from our vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as anger. The anger may be aimed at inanimate objects, complete strangers, friends or family. You feel guilty for being angry, and this makes you more angry. Anger may be directed at your remaining cards. Rationally, you know they are not to be blamed. Emotionally, however, you may resent the cards for causing you pain or for leaving you. A normal effect would be to tear apart your remaining cards, thus leaving you with nothing and making you feel even more angry.

Stage 3: BARGAINING
The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control. If only we had checked more referenecs. If only we had checked the bad trader forums. If only we had noticed that the deal was too much in our favor. if only we had noticed that his 30 refs consist of freemail non-motl members. if only we had sent the cards certified. Secretly, we may make a deal with God or our higher power in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. This is a weaker line of defense to protect us from the painful reality.

Stage 4: DEPRESSION
Two types of depression are associated with the loss of cards. The first one is a reaction to practical implications relating to the loss. Sadness and regret predominate. We worry about the cost of replacing the cards. We worry that, in our grief, we have spent less time with others that depend on us. This phase may be eased by simple clarification and reassurance. We may need a bit of helpful cooperation and a few kind words. The second type of depression is more subtle and, in a sense, perhaps more private. It is our quiet preparation to separate and to bid our cards farewell. Sometimes all we really need is a hug.

Stage 5: ACCEPTANCE
Reaching this stage is a gift not afforded to everyone. The card loss may be sudden and unexpected or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. It is not necessarily a mark of bravery to resist the inevitable and to deny ourselves the opportunity to make our peace. This phase is marked by withdrawal and calm. This is not a period of happiness and must be distinguished from depression

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My Have Want list

__________________
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

quote:

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Originally posted by *Tedman*:
Either this a joke, or you're taking ripping WAY too seriously

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__________________
Most People Drank from the Fountain of Knowledge, I just gargled, rinsed, and spit.
HanSolo's Refs
Screen Name: SURFNSKI4REAL
E-mail: SURFNSKI4REAL@aol.com

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gombies:
hey, u calling me weak?

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:P

Oh well. I healed. On the bright side there's Karma.. now if I only played white.. (pun intended)

quote:

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Originally posted by Avatar of Stuff:
Oh brother, its not like the end of the world if you loose 1 piece of cardboard. I say your little chart is the same one used when someone dies, but slightly modified

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__________________
Stickdeath 4 life!

My Refs
Email: darkdamion@hotmail.com

no.... it cant be... hes... just on vacation.... it must be hot nowadays in south america...

of course.. he could be really ripping me off... boy... ARGH!!! I HATE YOU ALL!!! MOTL IS HORRIBLE!!! AUGH!!...

Well... technically.... MOTL isn't that bad... I should have looked at those refs... Maybe that little red word under his name...

Well... THERE goes everything Ive got... Im such a lonely... lonely man...

At least I still have my magic cards.... those are the only ones who care about me now... .."sniff"

-yip_boy

quote:

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Originally posted by Valmtg:
"hell hath no wrath than the fury of a woman's scorn"

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