<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8016199#post8016199 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zoafrags
I didn't realize until now how RC really takes care of this forum. tsk tsk tsk.
What, people shouldn't be able to discuss in a discussion forum? If this were a selling forum, the mods would have stepped in and said something because it is wrong to voice opinions in those threads. Discussion forums are usually for discussion...
I've never had any dealings with you, zoafrags, but I do how you run your ebay operations. It is a legitimate business in legal terms. However, the business practices I've seen certainly don't seem ethical (I think we've all seen the inverted Tub's blues pics that weren't yours to begin with, but were selling zoas for you on ebay). This is a free society with capitalism, so making a living is not an issue, but the practice of getting something dirt cheap from a wholesaler to turn around and sell individual polyps at a higher price than you paid for the colony does not foster helping fellow reefers (which is what sites like Reef Central are all about). New people come into this hobby and see a potential to turn huge profit because lately, even plain run of the mill paly's that grow like weeds are pulling some serious per polyp prices. They expect to get the same price or more for their frags, and the next expects more until pricing becomes very unstable and eventually crashes. The biggest issue I have with it is the loss of corals due to chop shopping and buying something from one person one day to sell to another a few days later. These are not stocks and bonds. One doesn't have to wonder why there have been increasing numbers of thread about people's newly purchased zoas melting. Sure, the frag may be replaced, but that is irresponsible on the sellers part if he/she hasn't done all they can do to ensure the health of the animal before selling. Would you treat any other animal like that? Also, just because prices can be pushed further and further doesn't mean they should be pushed to the breaking point. Anyone with business sense knows they have to stop pushing at some point or the price will break (except apparently oil). So if the attitude is enjoy the ride while it lasts, the hobby is in jeopardy.
To add to that, your responses here have been quite childish. I'm sure you won't suffer in sales from it, but making a public beef with someone is usually not a good business practice.
To your question, I agree with several of those responding. Those are more likely the true RPE's (or OPE's if under lower K lighting). Envy Oranges don't have the dark center. The dark center is pretty noticeable in your pic.