I'm new to pinside, paid for the plus account. I felt that donating for the best would weed out scammers, but that makes me think thats its very little money and pins are big money.
I have just about a year collecting pins. You get one then you got 3. Haha. I bought one locally off CL. And it wasn't very much money but when you walk into a new place with a wad of cash its a nervous feeling.
The latest one I bought from a fellow pinsider and drove 4 hours to pic it up. We had talked back and forth and even talked on the phone. I didnt ask for more pictures or anything as I felt secure making a deal over the phone. Made the trip and it went great... i honestly think there are good people out there but you have to read the situation.