IllustratedATCs.com FAQ

The iTrader system is used to rate ATC traders. Please use the system properly, as indicated in this FAQ, so that the ratings are a proper reflection of accurate trading status. There are 3 types of traders listed in the iTrader system:

Host: Person hosting the swap
Player: Participant in a swap
Trader: Person completing a 1 on 1 personal trade

For each trade that you make at IllustratedATCs.com, you must leave iTrader ratings.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. You can access a person's iTrader system through their profile or by clicking their iTrader rating that appears in the header of their posts to the forum.
2. Please indicate the type of swapper that you are: Host, Player or Trader (see above for definitions). For instance, if you were in a swap, you are a PLAYER and only leave iTrader for the host, not the people who made the cards. If you took part in a personal swap (ie a 1:1 trade), you are a TRADER and you leave iTrader for the person you traded with. If you are a HOST, leave iTrader for each swap participant who sent in cards.
3. Please indicate the rating that you will be giving the person.
• Positive: You received the cards within reasonable time and in good condition.
• Neutral: Cards were very late and there was very little communication regarding lateness. OR, the participant did not send in cards for a regular swap and did not withdraw.
• Negative: You did not receive any cards and you did send your cards. OR, the participant did not send in cards for a PAT swap.
4. Write a short comment where indicated. This comment will be viewable by all.
5. You can use the larger comment area to leave a private note to the trader if you wish. This will not be veiwable by anyone by the recipient.

You will receive 1 iTrader point PER TRADE, regardless of how many cards were traded.

You should only receive a negative rating if you do not send in cards for a swap or a personal trade. If you are signed up for a swap and cannot send in the cards for whatever reason, you must withdraw by private message or post in the swap thread so the host knows you will not be sending in cards. Please note that you CANNOT withdraw from a PAT swap once you have signed up.

Cards must be received by the due date for swaps.

For personal trades, cards must be sent within 30 days of the acceptance of a trade unless other arrangements have been made and agreed to between two traders.

If you have received a negative rating for a swap or trade that was not deserved (ie you sent the cards), please send a private message to an adminstrator or a moderator. They will correct your rating.

We are very strict at IllustratedATCs.com. All members are expected to follow through on trades initiated at this site. If you do not fulfill your trading commitments then you will be asked to leave.

Can Someone Be Banned for Negative iTrader Ratings?

• When a member receives their first negative rating they will be sent a warning letter.
• If a member receives two (2) or more negative iTrader ratings, the IllustratedATCs.com Staff will review the ratings (we understand that miscommunication is possible) and come to a decision on whether or not the member will be banned from the site or placed on Probation.
• Failure to respond to PMs and email will be an automatic suspension.

If you have been suspended and have sent out all cards owed, please contact an Administrator to be reinstated.

Artists must send in their swap cards before the due date. It is recommended that participants make their cards prior to or just after joining swaps in order to get them in on time. It is unacceptable to hold up a swap by sending cards after a due date or asking the host to wait longer than our 2 week grace period. Artists who continually do this will receive an Administration given neutral iTrader rating for holding up swaps, regardless of the hostess given rating. Hosts do NOT have to use the grace period. It's their choice, not the participants'.

Artists who do not finish their PAT or CAT cards on time should mail directly to their group members at their own expense. Their returns will be sent out by the hostess, AFTER their group mates have received their cards. The late sender will receive an Administration given neutral for holding up the swap, regardless of the hostess or group member given ratings.

Any artist who receives 3 or more neutral ratings for late swapping will be suspended from trading here for a period of 3 months.

Administrator Neutrals are not reversible.

www.illustratedATCs.com (iATCs) is a sister site to www.atcsforall.com (AFA).

If a member of iATCs earns a negative iTrader while trading at iATCs, that negative will also "count" at AFA, just as regular iTrader points count when applying to swaps that require a minimum iTrader needed, such as PATs, Moleys, and Circle Journals.

If a member of AFA earns a negative iTrader while trading at AFA, that negative will also "count" at iATCs, just as regular iTrader points count when applying to swaps that require a minimum iTrader needed, such as PATs, Moleys, and Circle Journals.

We also accept membership lengths from both sites for swap hosting and trading requirement purposes.