I too have encountered people sending private e mails in response to offers on CC and even started a thread about it approximately a year ago. But I have to add that when I first came to FT, my way of becoming part of the community was to post items I had. I think it's like bringing a cake when you go to someone's house. It sends a message that you want to offer something. Not everyone is out to take things, some people want to give, and I think we might shut out some newbies who would become valuable members of our community. Thus it might be a better investment to be tolerant of the few bad apples.