1/11/2003

Dear Sir,

What follows is a narrative of an interaction pursued with a person from October 2002 until January 2003.  It it composed almost entirely of a series of emails, which seem to me to tell the whole story without the need of further explanation.  In brief, he sent me a solicitation through by mail, I sent him money, he has not delivered the merchandise and has failed to make a refund.  Most of the interactions have been by email, but the original solicitation and a few other interactions went through the postal service.  I am not sure if this is a case of mail fraud or something else, but at this moment I am on the losing end.

I have all but one of the paper documents in my possession, the signed receipt for a certified
letter is on file at the 27611 post office.  The emails are stored on my computer.

The narrative:

Early in October, 2002 I received a letter containing a flyer from a Rich Buchko, 877 Fifth St, Wyandotte MI 48192-2934.  A copy of this letter is attached to this report labelled “item A.”  The flyer advertised a group of coins for sale.  I do not have a record of the actual date of receipt nor did I retain the envelop it came in.  I read the flyer and put it aside for further consideration.

I subsequently sent the following email:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
October 24, 2002
subject: box of coins sold yet?

If not I am interested.

++++++++
Bob Reis
"Anything Anywhere"
POB 26303
Raleigh NC 27611
USA
(919) 787-0881
reisbiz@nc.rr.com
www.anythinganywhere.com

I received the following response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2002 12:22 PM
Subject: Re: Box of coins sold yet?
 

Dear Bob -

  Unfortunately they have been sold.  It appears I could have sold about 7 of them, from the number of calls and a-mails that came through.  I'm told it was underpriced, but I was very happy with that.  I'm a stamp collector by hobby (and a writer by career, which you could see from my flyers), and I get coins all the time when I buy collections.  I'm sorry you weren't able to get that box.  Had I imagined it was that good, I probably wouldn't have sent out 10 flyers about it!

The only thing I have in coins right now, if this is something that interests you, are a few slabbed/PCGS graded coins I found in a collection from an auction I attended just Tuesday.  I didn't even know they were in the box!  The prices are what are already on the coins, and I really only thought I was getting the stamps, so I'm planning to keep prices the same, for better or worse:

1912 $2 1/2 Gold Piece  MS62  $200

1862 3-cent Type III Clashed Dies  MS63  $150

1838 1-cent Coronet - Beaded Cords AU58 $110

1914 Dime Barber MS63 $90

  All four are PCGS slabbed.  It's funny, because I only collect used stamps, and the stamp collection was all used, so finding Mint coins was wholly unexpected (there were a couple Indian Cents and Buffalo Nickels too, but nothing decent.

  I was planning to make out a flyer when I get back from the SF book convention on Monday.  If you want these, just let me know before then via e-mail.

Thanks for writing.  I'm sorry my flyer got to you a little later than the others.

Rich Buchko
877 Fifth Street
Wyandotte  MI  48192-2934
734-285-6971 (Mon-Fri 9-3 EST)

richardbuchko@yahoo.com

PS --- If you decide you want all of them, I would sell all for $450, I would give you a free copy of each of my books, and ship within one day of getting your order - IF you promised to read one of my books!!!

Rich

to which I responded the same day:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2002 2:30 PM
Subject: box of coins sold yet?

Offers:

$2 1/2 Gold Piece  MS62  $200 - $175.00
1862 3-cent Type III Clashed Dies  MS63  $150 - $135.00
1838 1-cent Coronet - Beaded Cords AU58 $110 - $100.00
1914 Dime Barber MS63 $90 - $56.00

Regards, Bob

And he then responded:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2002 3:49 PM
Subject: Re: Box of coins sold yet? (PS)

I just realized that you might have missed the "PS" at the end of my first e-mail, because I put it under my signature.  I shouldn't do that.  It says that I would take $450 for the lot and give you copies of all my books.  I think it does save you over your offers, which were fair.

Rich

And I responded:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2002 3:25 PM
Subject: box of coins sold yet?

Hi.  Deal.  Expect check next week.  Thanks, Bob

The next day this exchange of emails occurred:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2002 8:32 PM
Subject: Coin Deal

Will you want them shipped to your P.O. Box?  I'm boxing them up before heading to the convention.  Must sell those books!!!

Rich

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2002 8:01 PM
Subject: Coin deal

Hi.  Yes.  You're not going to wait for my check?

The next exchange was 11/01:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 4:31 PM
Subject: Re: Coin Deal

Dear Bob -

I sent you an email earlier this week, letting you know that the coins you were interested in were being shipped. You will have them in the next couple days, but I haven't received a reply to that email, so I just want to make sure you do still want them.

Rich Buchko

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, November 1, 2002 9:45 PM
Subject: box of coins sold yet?

Hi.  Yes.  Check goes out tomorrow.  Thanks, Bob

On 11/05 I got this email:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 4:59 PM
Subject: New items

Picked up a couple more coins today.  Did you get the box yet?  If you're happy with those I'll send these for you to look over and make an offer, if you'd like to.

Rich

At that point I had received no “box.”  I responded the next day as follows:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 9:48 PM
Subject: Re: Coin Deal

Hi.  I sent the check today.  Let's get in touch when you get it about what might come next.

Does the term "tachyon" resonate with you?

Regards, Bob

(Tachyons are theoretical particles that travel faster than light.  Their existence is not proved but
some science fiction afficionados like to think about them.)

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 9:49 AM
Subject: Re: Box of coins sold yet?

I understand, in a very general sense, what a tachyon is ---- but something tells me that you have a specific reason for asking the question........?

and mine:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 10:54 PM
Subject: Re: Coin Deal

Aren't you sci fi oriented?

Part of an email that I sent to NPR Science Friday:

As I understand it, tachyons would be particles, I assume massless, that travel faster than light.  Supposedly they are not excluded by relativity.

A brief search on google produced some comments at physics conferences along the lines of "if you set the speed of light as zero then you can theoretically have things going faster than that... and that such a setting of zero is possible is implied by relativity."  Along with that theoretical stuff is a bunch of trash from health hucksters and metaphysicians about tachyonizing elixers, harnessing tachyon power with your mind, etc.

I got to thinking about tachyons as I was contemplating the 4000 hours I've donated to SETI.  It occurred to me that anything they might pick up in the em spectrum from intelligent things out there would be a) old, b) unintentional because em is too slow.  If "they" are actually communicating over stellar distances they must be using tachyons.

As far as I could tell, no one is actually trying to devise a framework for researching the possibility, but perhaps you can find things that I cannot.

Related, but even more out there, is the discussion of the possibility of getting usable energy from the virtual/real particle pairs that Hawking says are always coming into existence everywhere.  But that, I think, would be too wierd for your show.

And his:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 1:07 AM
Subject: Re: Box of coins sold yet?

You make a good point about beings communicating over vast distances most likely using a system faster than light (similar to the Star Trek "subspace communication").  So, it is natural to assume that anything pick up would be unintentional.  EXCEPT ---- If we, in our current state of technology, can conceive that beings would be using a FTL system, it makes sense that more technologically advanced societies would be aware that we do not use such FTL systems, and therefore if they wanted to communicate intentionally, they would use something which is, to them, slower.  I guess it would all depend on our assessment of their motives and plans - which is scary enough!

The next day:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 11:04 AM
Subject: SETI

What has been your involvement with SETI?

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 11:15 AM
Subject: Re: SETI

I downloaded their timeshare program and let them use some of my computer time.  After about 1000 hours I started thinking about tachyons and emailed them about my thoughts.  It wasn't easy to find an email address for them and they declined to respond.  Meanwhile the old program locked up and I had to delete it.  Then an email came from them informing me that a new program was ready for downloading.  When I attempted to do so there were problems.  I then concluded that they had their heads up an electromagnetic hole and walked away from their project.

Regards, Bob

And the next day:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, November 08, 2002 2:20 PM
Subject: Re: SETI

That's very interesting!  You'll find when you read my book(s) - which you had better do! - that my science is not spelled out is any great detail in most of my work.  That is, I offer an explanation which allows the reader to understand how it works, even though they cannot understand WHY it works.  After all, since most of that technology doesn't exist it would be very easy to stumble into something which is impossible, and look foolish.

One interesting thing is that I have written a few time-travel stories, even though I don't believe time travel is possible.  I don't think there's any way to go back, but the premise and the possibilities are just too good to pass up in a story!

I know very little about SETI, but I always considered it one of the most courageous projects of this century.  A lot of money, time, and effort, for something that has only the tinest possibility of producing any results.  I admire it.

Let me know what you think of the coins.  Have them yet?

Rich

and my response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, November 08, 2002 5:58 PM
Subject: Re: SETI

Hi.  I will read your books, and no, nothing has arrived yet.

Regards, Bob

(Please excuse the chitchatty nature of the abovenoted exchanges.  The meat is at the end: at
that time no packages had arrived.)

The next email received:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2002 3:53 PM
Subject: Re: Box

According to tracking you'll get you first of two boxes Tuesday, and the other Wed.

Just thought you'd like to know.

RB

I did not respond to that one.  Here is the next email I received:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Tuesay, November 12, 2002 11:30 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Your check arrived, thanks.  As I mentioned this weekend, your shipment is in two parts, and if my information is accurate you'll get one today and one tomorrow.  Of course, it could be both today or both tomorrow or one tomrrow and one Thursday, or any combination of these, but the point is you'll have both this week and I will be very interested in your overall assessment of their value to you.  I have to say, it is much easier to send out slabbed coins rather than stamps (which is what I have collected for most of the last 30 years, when I'm not writing) or loose coins, because both parties already know what condition to expect.  I'm sure it is the same with coins as it is with stamps -- one person's "FINE" is another persons "VERY GOOD" and one person's "MINT" is another person's "You've got to be kidding me!"  This way, a disagreement is not impossible, but improbable.

You have me thinking more about SETI and the search for intelligent life in modern society.  I may develop the thoughts into a story, if I can come up with a premise that has not been overdone.

Thanks,

Rich

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 1:40 PM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Hi.  Actually nothing arrived today.  Would you mind giving me the tracking numbers so I can see for myself?

Regards, Bob

And his response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 3:43 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Sure, Bob.  The receipts are in my breifcase, and I'm about 14 miles from it, so I'll send them to you via email either late tonight or early in the morning.  I think I scanned them already, so you can see the whole thing.

Rich

The next day I received this one:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 9:14 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Bob -

I said that I would send you the tracking numbers for your packages this morning, but I can't. I can't find them. In fact, I cannot find my briefcase at all, which is a disaster for work and other things. But it creates a special problem , since you don't yet have your coins. I spent last night and a good chunk of this morning not only searching for the case, but also wondering what would be going through your mind. "I just sent that guy $450 and now he says he can't give me the tracking numbers. Did I just get screwed over?" Of course, that didn't happen, but since we don't know each other beyond this transaction I can't blame you for thinking that.

SO - I am immediately sending back your money, certified funds (postal money order). That way there's no reason for concern or suspicion. I can't think of any other solution at the moment. If someone took my case from the car and dumped it somewhere I hope to get it back, but there's no telling. Either way it's my responsibility. I wouldn't even worry about the boxes not arriving yet, since the packages haven't been that long in transit, but without the tracking slips I can think of no way to prove they were shipped. They were. They will arrive. But $450 is a large sum of money, and I don't want you having reason to even think that I've taken advantage of you. So, this is what I am doing. By the time you read this, it has already been done (I'm using tracking number 7001 2510 0008 9244 9806 with delivery confirmation number 0300 1290 0003
0129 8255 - later tonight you will be able to access them on the USPS website) . When the boxes arrive, we can take care of $$$ at that! time.

I was going to have you wait until the mail comes today and drop me an email if they didn't arrive, but then another day will have passed. Besides, you should have had it yesterday. I would have said just stop payment on the check, but then we both have bank charges to deal with and other confusion (big time for me). So, the $$$ via money order or cashiers check is on the way, and I will scan and e-mail you the tracking slip for that later today (and, like I said, you can access it on the website tonight). You'll have the funds back tomorrow or Friday morning. Hopefully I have overreacted and the packages are waiting for you today.

My intention was for you to have the coins before the check arrived, or more or less the same time. Certainly not this!

If you are uncomfortable with my solution, I can put you in touch with other people on the web I have done business with, to set your mind at ease. They will tell you that I am fair and honest. I can't make a claim to efficient right now, I realize that.

I will follow up with you tomorrow.

Rich

(I checked these “tracking numbers” on the USPS website numerous times over succeeding weeks.  They have never turned up.  Nothing that was promised in this email has ever been received.)

I responded as follows:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 9:31 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Hi.  That seems reasonable, and when the coins arrive I'll send the $$ right back.  I might have thought about a phone call between my last email to you and yours to me, but never mind, you did what you did.  When this is all done with we will have a profound level of trust and I will be eager to do more business with you.  (History seems to indicate that my bids will be higher than your asks.)

And by the way, my experience with the PO website indicates that some significant portion of tracking numbers fall out of the system and are not found when one searches.  That doesn't mean the packages are necessarily lost.

Also, your PO of mailing can pull the numbers out of their machines if you can tell them the date and zip code to.

Regards, Bob

The next day:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 9:55 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Your money is on the way back. I used postal money order, so there's nothing to clear and you can cash it
right at the post office if you like (I always liked that feature).

I'm sorry it was a pain.

Rich

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 11:11 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Hello.  It is more than a pain.  Today is Thursday.  Nothing has arrived.  The two tracking numbers you gave me yesterday are not in the post office system.

It is either a major screwup or a fraud.

I have posted an alert on your name on my website.  It is the first thing anyone will see when they visit me (90k hits in October).  If this deal works out I will post a clearance ("He's OK.")   If not I will post the rest of your data.

Yours truly, Bob

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 11:55 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

I offer to send you back certified money for a check that hasn't cleared, for merchandise I PROVED was shipped, days before I was ever even required to ship the packages, simply because I had my briefcase stolen and wanted to make sure you were satisfied, and you accuse me of fraud?  You should be singing my praises!  No one else would have made that offer.  They would have said "I have to wait two weeks for the check to clear and then I'll ship it."  I offer to send the money back of my own accord, and you email me back and say not only that you agree, but that you feel it will create a greater level of trust between us ---- then when I email you to tell you the money is physically on the way you reply that you're accusing me of
fraud in public?  That's not only unfair, it is actionable.  I not only followed the proper steps, I went far above and beyond them.

You not only have no reason to accuse me of fraud, you should be THANKING ME!  Almost no one would have reacted that quickly to a problem and made it right  -- would you?  If someone sent YOU a check (a week later than they said they would), and even though you had shipped the items in advance of the check arriving you suddenly found you could not provide the proof (again, even though you knew it was in transit, was not late, and will arrive), would you have IMMEDIATELY offered to send the money back with certified funds (remember, the check has not cleared yet), and do it that same day?  Imagine how angry YOU would be if you took those fast and extreme steps, only to find that the other person pretended to agree and then accused you of fraud in public.

I respectfully demand that you remove any "notice" or "warning" from your site immeidately.  If it is still there tomorrow I will file a lawsuit.  I went so far above and beyond the requirements for you, and you do me this way?  I took responsibilty for an error (losing the slip), but still did everything I was required to and so much more, and you think this is the right actions to take?  It's is not only unfair, it is actionable.

Keep these facts in mind:

I was not even required to ship it yet - yet I did.  I said in my flyer and in my emails that I could not ship in advance of payment.  If I had adhered to that instead of trusting you, it would not even have been shipped until yesterday --- that's if I didn't wait for the check to clear, which most people would do.

I made the refund offer, and I took the action to resolve the tiny problem.

I used certifed funds, even though I still don't have access to the check you sent.

I did everything I said I would do, and have documented proof.

This is fraud?

Please remove your warning.

I will have to send a copy of this via certified mail, in case the suit is necessary.  If you remove the warning and accept the refund already on the way, you can disregard the letter if you wish.

When the coins arrive, if you have removed the warning and a suit was not necessary, please keep them with my comnpliments.  I got online to tell you that, and found your e-mail instead.
I look forward to your reply.

Richard Buchko

(I will not comment on this email, as further messages from him make all allegations moot.)

I responded:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 12:43 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

My check cleared last night.  You have the funds.  I have your emails.

You've proved nothing.  The numbers were never provided for the parcels that haven't arrived.  The numbers that you provided for the alleged refund have not checked out.  You wrote me yesterday that you had mailed it yesterday.  Today you wrote me that you mailed it today.  This email seems to imply an offer made but not yet acted upon.

You have declined my offers to call me on the phone and discuss in more detail the possibilities on how to proceed.

You will note that the notice on the website gives a name but no other identifying data.  First question an attorney will ask is "How do you know that's you?"  So it's not actionable yet.

I should receive two boxes and a letter with money in it.  If I do by tomorrow then I will publish a retraction in the same place in the same type size.  If I don't I will publish everything: all of our emails, your name, email address, physical address, the whole story.  Let the rest of the world decide if its fair.

At that point I will eagerly look forward to hearing from your attorney.  I will have the evidence, you will only have the money.

I've been in business 25 years.  If you are real we will get past this, individually or together.  If you are real I will apologize in public.  If you are not then I will expose your current MO and you will have to get another one.

Yours truly, Bob

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 2:29 PM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

First of all, on one point you are right - I couldn't provide the documentation.  Of course, THAT'S WHY I OFFERED AND MADE THE REFUND.  I mean, if not for that, we wouldn't even be having this
conversation.

HOWEVER - On what are you making the assumption that I mailed the refund today?  I mailed it
YESTERDAY, within minutes of your agreement that this was the best solution!  I mean literally minutes.  My email today was simply the first time I was online.  Here's exactly what I said: Your money is on the way back. I used postal money order, so there's nothing to clear and you can cash it right at the post office if you like (I always liked that feature).

I'm sorry it was a pain.

Rich

  It had already been mailed the day before, and I just wanted to make sure you knew it was "on the way".  I did what I said I did.  The delivery confirmation numbers are valid, but are not designed for tracking on route, but for delivery confirmation.  You can verify this with your post office if you like.  If I was unclear about that in my e-mail before, I apologize.  I was responding with great emotion, because I don't like being called a crook, especially when I bent over backwards to right the ship.

Also - I never delcined your offer to talk on the phone.  I don't see such an offer in your e-mails.  I see your admonition that I didn't call the other night before sending the refund, but as I explained, it was the middle of the night and calling at that time didn't make much sense to me.  At no time have I ever declined or refused to discuss anything.  I am here from 9-3 weekdays, as my flyer says.  If you call during those times, I am more than happy to talk.

And, if the funds cleared your bank yesterday or today I would have no way of knowing it, and my bank would just be finding out today at the earliest. My point was merely that at the time I offered and made the refund, they had not been made available at my bank, because its an out-of-town check.

It's a much more simple set of facts than that:

--- I sent a package to you.

--- You sent a check to me.

--- The package has not arrived.

--- SO I sent your money back.

   Other than losing my briefcase (for which I am going to suffer a lot more damage than $450 if I don't find it, but that's my problem), this didn't need to be so complicated.

I haven't been to your site, so I don't know what form your notice took (planning that for morning).  I think its wrong regardless of how it is stated, because I've been up front, honest, and fast-to-act in the proper way.  Like I said before, if I planned to steal from you, I would have at least had the cunning to say they were being shipped "later".  I didn't do that, because I am not dishonest. I would still like the web warning removed, because it cannot be accurate.

I've really done my best, and more.  I'm sorry you cannot see that.

Rich Buchko

(I will continue to refrain from comment, as subsequent emails will clarify the issue, if that is the
proper word).

Another email received:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 2:41 PM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

I just re-read your e-mail.  If my name is on your site, it is actionable.  My name isn't something common like John Smith.  Please remove it.

I hope you do get the refund by tomorrow, but whether you do or not I will take legal action if there is anything inaccurate put on your site about me.  If you imply or infer that I did something dishonest, the business day will not close without a suit being started. I must. I take this very personally.  If you do truly present all the facts accurately, then no one could draw any conclusion than that I moved quickly and properly to see that our deal was taken care of.  You agreed to me refunding your money in this manner, and that's what I did.  You cannot then say "I no longer agree".

What I will do, if you would like to return this to the proper friendly footing (and we should not pretend it is friendly, because I don't like what you have done at all, and you can't be very pleased with me if you are making accusations on the web) is that I can scan the receipt I used to send your money back yesterday and e-mail it to you.  HOWEVER, so there is no misunderstanding, I cannot do that until tomorrow afternoon because I have to go to work shortly, and you will not see it until tomorrow.  I will also put you in touch with people who do business with me regularly.  I will take that extra step.  But if you continue to accuse with no cause, I will do nothing more.  Neither would you if you were me.

I haven't been mailing packages for 25 years, but I have done it for about 17 years, thousands of packages, with an on-time delivery rate of well over 99%.  I will measure my record against anyone's.

This one ran into difficulties.  But you are jumping to conclusions, and doing it way too fast.

Rich Buchko

I replied:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 2:50 PM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Here is my phone #:

919 787 0881.

Call me NOW.

I am waiting.

Bob

(He did not call.)

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 3:15 PM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

I am still waiting.  I suppose you will tell me you have gone to work.

Am I to assume then that you have not actually been to my website to see what I have done?

As I wrote before I look forward to correspondance from your attorney.  Facts presented that cannot be denied are certainly actionable, anything is, but if you have my money and all I have are your promises you will not prevail.

Side issue.  99% delivery rate is very high.  I send between 3000 and 12000 packages every year.  Every year for 25 years between 8 and 57 have been lost and claims filed.  You are a lucky package sender.

Back to reality.  I repeat my plan.  At the moment I have your name only on my home page with an advice.  When ANYTHING arrives from you I will publish exhoneration and --

phone just rang - it wasn't you --

praise your patience & good humor, abasing myself and apologizing profusely for the temporary
inconvenience and arguable damage I have caused.  I will leave that message up 3 times as long as I had the warning up.  If, on the other hand, I never do receive anything from you, I will publish the entire email record, your email address, and the address to which I sent the check.  When I get back the cancelled check I will post that too.  Then I shall await word from your legal representative.

I am still waiting for your call.

Yours truly, Bob

Another email sent:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 3:38 PM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

I am still waiting.

And one more:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 5:14 PM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Still having not heard from you I am temporarily allowing my faith in the essential goodness of people to overcome my screw-meter.  I have removed your name from my home page.  I will wait until Monday 11/18/02.  If there is nothing in my box at that point I will post the whole mess of data.

For the moment then I am operating on the assumption that you are a victim of circumstance.  I hope this turns out to be the truth.

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: Notice

The reason I did not call is because I am home from 9-3 only.  I am not there otherwise, with very rare exceptions (occasionally home for lunch, and once in a while on the weekend).  I sent the last email and then I got offline.  At 3:00 I left.  I am checking my email from work (5:53PM as I write this) and your four emails were there.  So, yes -- I will tell you I went to work, because that's what I did.

Your last email is the only one I will focus on - and thank you.  I not only am pleased that you made this decision, but will agree that if you don't have things from me by Monday you have the right to complain and to post the facts on your site.  I have no problem with that at all.

I have no doubt as to your experience and reputation.  That is not and was never an issue.  I merely thought you jumped to the incorrect conclusion.  I don't consider myself as victim of circumstance, not in the extreme sense.  We had something go wrong, but we fixed it.  Yes, it is circumstance, but that's life.  All that matters is what we do about it.

You won't be sorry you chose to let this resolve itself.

If you do wish to talk, I am here from 9-3 (occasionally gone, but always back and will check caller ID).  If you want me to call, I will.

Rich

The next day I sent the following email:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 10:56 AM
Subject: Coin Shipment and such

Today at the post office - nothing from you.

I was thinking on the way home about how I could write the following without sounding sarcastic but I could not find my way to a neutral tone.

If you have a reputation that you care about you might consider the uses of next day delivery and you might want to arrange to have in my hand on Monday morning a negotiable instrument (NOT PERSONAL CHECK) for the full amount I sent you.

IF you did indeed send two packages as you informed me, and IF indeed you sent me a refund as you informed me I will of course return the excess - refund, merchandise, etc. as appropriate to satisfy the necessities of the situation.

If there is nothing from you tomorrow or Monday I will do what I said I was going to do.

Yours truly, Bob

++++++++
Bob Reis
"Anything Anywhere"
POB 26303
Raleigh NC 27611
USA
(919) 787-0881
reisbiz@nc.rr.com
www.anythinganywhere.com

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 12:03 PM
Subject: Friday Morning

Dear Bob --- I will try to write this in a way that will not sound like I am beating my head against the wall as I do it, but I don't know if I can reach THAT NEUTRAL tone.

I already arranged to have in your hand by Monday morning a negotiable instrument (NOT PERSONAL CHECK) for the full amount you sent to me.  I did it by the most secure method possible offered by the postal system.

This is exactly what I said was the proper solution on Wednesday, and you wrote to me and agreed.   Then on Thursday because of a misunderstanding, you thought my e-mail suggested that I had not mailed it Wednesday, which started a whole new series of arguements, but finally you again wrote to me and said you would accept my word that I had done it and would expect it before Monday.  We were in agreement on Wednesday, then again on Thursday.  Nothing has changed.  Why would you write again today and suggest that I do what for the last two days we established I have already done?  Didn't I agree that if for ANY reason you didn't have it Monday I would not argue your right to file a complaint?

You said yesterday:  "I have removed your name from my home page.  I will wait until Monday 11/18/02.  If there is nothing in my box at that point I will post the whole mess of data.

For the moment then I am operating on the assumption that you are a victim of circumstance.  I hope this turns out to be the truth."

To that I replied:  "I not only am pleased that you made this decision, but will agree that if you don't have things from me by Monday you have the right to complain and to post the facts on your site.  I have no problem with that at all."

"I have no doubt as to your experience and reputation.  That is not and was never an issue.  I merely thought you jumped to the incorrect conclusion.  I don't consider myself as victim of circumstance, not in the extreme sense.  We had something go wrong, but we fixed it.  Yes, it is circumstance, but that's life.  All that matters is what we do about it.

You won't be sorry you chose to let this resolve itself."

So ---- why are you now writing telling me to do what we've established has already been done?

I'm trying to focus on just the facts at hand, but I'm beside myself.  I mean, I had a hard enough time accepting how angry you were that even though I held the coins for nearly two weeks before receiving your check, and shipped them without the check, you are angry that they had not arrived 3 1/2 days after your check arrived.  That's what happened.  But, because of the loss of the slips, I offered to send the money back.  You agreed.  I sent it registered Wednesday.  Then you thought I didn't send it until Thursday it all started again.  Finally, you accepted that I had done it, we agreed that as long as you have it by Monday we could close the book on it, and we were ready to resolve it.  Now, today you write as if the whole thing
yesterday didn't happen.

Bob, here's the bottom line.  I sent you money back, the way I said I did, in the form I said I did, the day I said I did, the way you agreed to, exactly according to what we both agreed was the best plan.  I have to repeat this one point, to put it all in perspective -- your check arrived here less than 5 days ago.  That I even sent the money back so quickly (after less than three days -in certified funds) should tell you already that I am not the insane crook that you for some reason suppose I am.   I put your check in the bank on Tuesday.  By Wednesday since you didn't have the packages I offered to send it back.  But by Thursday you were calling me a crook.  Does that make sense to you?  There have been no inconsistencies in what I have said or done.  There have been no changes of mind, or changes in my actions.  I have done exactly what I said I
would do, when I said I would do it.  How can you conclude from! this that I am not dealing honestly?

A package has been delayed - that's the ONLY thing that has gone wrong, and I moved so fast to fix it that your head should spin.  I even, in my e-mail, offered to go have the refund receipt scanned so you could see it, but you never commented on that fact, merely restating your accusations.

Bob, I respecfully ask that you review our e-mails.  I think you'll reach the only logical conclusion.  Everything is exactly as I state it here.

Rich

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 1:15 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

Hi.  Time will tell.  Either I'm an idiot or I'm not.

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 1:16 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

You're not an idiot, and neither am I.  But we sure got our wires crossed!

And me again:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 2:04 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

And I was thinking that actually I'm an idiot whichever way this turns out.  (-:

The following Monday:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 12:14 PM
Subject: Monday

Hi there.  Nothing from you in my mailbox today.

There remains the extremely small possibility that the postal service has misplaced all three of the things you have told me you sent me.  That being the case, I will give you until 3:00 PM this afternoon to come up with even one traceable number that will prove you actually sent me something last week, never mind what it might have been.  If I do not by that time have such a number, checked it, and found that it is valid, I will do what I wrote you last week that I would do.

Additionally, I will prepare a nice cover letter and send it and the correspondance to the USPS, since your initial solicitation was through the mail, cc. to the Attorney General and your local police.  My past experience indicates that those agencies will not actually do anything to you unless someone else has already complained about you and I will not get my money back, but at least those people whom I have treated in that manner in the past stopped doing what they were doing under the names they were using at the time.

I look forward to your numbers.

Yours truly, Bob

I received this response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 12:44 PM
Subject: Re: Monday

This will help.  I will be out of town for a few days, but will follow up Thursday.  I realize you must do what you must.

(Attached to the email was a scan of a receipt for certified mail # 7099 3400 0015 9379 9722.)

I responded:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 1:22 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

Hi.  That is today.  It is not in the system of course.  What is supposed to be in this letter?  What is your current explanation of everything you told me you sent last week and the week before for which you have produced no receipts?

Yours truly, Bob

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 1:26 PM
Subject: Re: Monday

Documents proving what I have said, and been saying.  I'm out of town for a couple days (until Thursday afternoon), and since my only decent contact may be via e-mail, I wanted you to have everything.  It doesn't undo the delays, but it will show my actions.  I know you placed a deadline, and I agreed to it, so if you aren't happy today as you should have been, you'll follow through with your plans.  As long as what you print is accurate, I cannot argue, but I hopw that will not be necessary.

Rich

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 2:27 PM
Subject: Re: Monday

Well, as I mentioned before, the date on that receipt is TODAY, so it proves nothing regarding anything you may have done before today.  That is why I asked the questions which you did not answer in the email below.  As you can see I am remaining ever hopeful that you are on the level, but your story is very thin at this point.  You have provided no proof at all of any mailings last week or the week before.  In an email last week you wrote that you would send a scan of the receipt of the letter containing the refund you spoke of.  You never did.  There would have been a receipt for the money order, bank check, or whatever that you wrote me you had sent.  You could have sent a scan of that.  You never did.  You could have gotten the numbers of the parcels from the post office when you supposedly mailed the refund.  If you got those numbers you have not sent them to me.  Finally I asked you what is in the certified letter you sent today but you have not answered that question.  Will you answer it now?

35 minutes left to get me some tracking numbers I can use.  I may be a patsy but I am not a silent patsy.

Bob

(The email noted as “below” refers in this report to the one above this last that starts:
“Documents proving...”  It was referenced that way because of the construction of the email)

Again from me:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 2:29 PM
Subject: Re: Monday

Now I read this again - are you attempting to tell me that the certified letter contains exculpatory
documents?  If so why have you not scanned them to me?

The next day I received this:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 1:07 PM
Subject: Re: Monday

Bob - I did not read all of your email, because I only had a few minutes to scan and send the receipt that I did.  Obviously 35 minutes has long past.  If you must post your report, so be it.  As long as the information is accurate (not assumption) I cannot argue.  I am out of town and not online much roght now, but I am going to review things and get back to you in a few minutes.

RB

And another:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 1:09 PM
Subject: Re: Monday

Because KINKOS charges $9.95 to scan an image, and that's what I had with me and a few minutes to do it.

I will write in a few minutes.

Rich

I then received this:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 1:22 PM
Subject: Tuesday 1:30 PM
 

Dear Bob-

I just spent a few minutes reviewing everything since we started this transaction. I've looked at the time involved, your response, what I did and didn't do, and literally everything.

I did not try to cheat you, but you have EVERY RIGHT TO THINK I HAVE. There's not one thing from the start of all this that I did right. I'm amazed at my own ineptitude lately.  As a result you spent money and don't have your stuff. I've lost total control of everything, more than you even know right now. Forgive me if this is vague, but I don't have the time to go through the details - I'm not even supposed to be online, but this is too important.

You have every right to be mad, to make a complaint to whomever and whatever you wish. I can't argue, other than to tell you that I did not intend to cheat you.

I am asking if you will allow me 72 hours to resolve this before taking any severe action. You can say no, and I would not blame you. In looking at it from your perspective, I probably WOULDN'T give me that time. But I am asking, and if you will give me the time I will do anything necessary not only make sure you have not lost money, but that you are satisfied I didn't mean to make this such a screw-up.

I know this e-mail sounds like "Oh woe is me, have pity on me". I don't want it to, because I am a big boy, and I am responsible for my own actions (or inactions).

As I indicated the other day, I am out of town, and that's part of why I need 72 hours. I will do what I can from here, but there are things I can't do from here.

Within 36 hours you will know what I have done, and I will show you proof online.

If you don't believe me (and would I? Probably not), I understand. I offer no excuses, although I will, within the 72 hours, give you a better explanation, if you want it. If you don't, just your money.

Rich Buchko

For what it is worth, I have lived in the same place for 14 years, the same city for 42 years, and I am not going anywhere. If you decide this requires official complaint, I am easy to find.

And I answered thus:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 3:13 PM
Subject: Tuesday 1:30 PM

I wait.  (-:

The next day I received this:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 8:38 AM
Subject: Re: Monday

Thanks - since this started I think I must have had a complete brain breakdown. You'll be receiving, among other things, and EMPTY envelope from me! Nonetheless, I'll have this resolved within the 72 hours I said.

Rich

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 11:23 AM
Subject: Re: Monday

If this works out and I end up with value one way or another I will have a proposal to make you.

(I was thinking about a way we could do some future business with limited risk - subject not
germane to the matter at hand.)

His response to this:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 11:20 AM
Subject: Re: Monday

We always seem to be online at the same time, though I always end up getting off before you.

I appreciate your email.

Rich

(The time of this email is anomalously a few minutes earlier than the one it answers.  I have no
explanation - machine glitch of some sort I suppose.)

Then this, two days later:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

I said it would be resolved by today, but it isn't unless you got the box, which I know you would have told me about.

I wasn't able to get the money to you (long story and not your problem) by today, though I was sure I would.
As soon as I do I will either overnight or Western Union it to you.  Maybe I can get it today, but if not, as soon as I do.  I'll make sure my screw-ups don't ruin your Thanksgiving.

You have every right to call me a liar and an idiot, and take whatever legal action you choose.  I haven't done one thing right in a month, including things I stand in amazement about, and for which I would call others clueless and useless (not only with regards to our transaction, but my whole life - though, again, not your problem).  I deserve whatever happens.

I have written to the proper authorities (postal, local, etc.) regarding our transaction, if only in
self-preservation.  From there I only hope it all shakes out.

I didn't mean to cheat you, Bob, and in the end you won't be cheated.  I will make good my word, and once the packages do arrive (they have to show somewhere) I want you to keep them with my apologies for all the headaches.

I wish I had something better to say.

I'll be home Monday all day if you want to talk by phone, then again next Friday.  That's it for me being around.  I hope by then it won't matter.

Thank you for allowing me the time, particularly when you didn't have to and I wouldn't have blamed you.

If something happens which either sheds light on this or can make a  difference, I will write or call immediately.

Rich Buchko

(On this day the certified letter mentioned above arrived and I signed for it.  It was empty.  I have
preserved it unopened.)

I responded:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 12:38 AM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

Ok then, the only thing you've written that is proved so far is that you sent me an empty envelope by certified mail.  My friends at the PO have written on the receipt that the envelope is empty, so it is on the record as such.

You have declined to:
1. call me
2. tell me a coherent story
3. produce any evidence to corroborate any of the stories you've told me

Now you inform me that you have written to the "proper authorities" for "self-preservation."  You have neglected to send me a copy of that communication.

My post office is already waiting for me to make a report.  I will pull the data together and bring it with me on Monday when I go there next.  If I am not met there with an overnight letter containing the full amount I sent you, which is $450.00, in form of either a certified check, money order, bank draft, or cash, I will hand them the data and let them run with it.  Do not send a personal check.  Do not send by Western Union. At this point that is the only option that I will accept.

Yours truly, Bob

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 1:56 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

I have never declined to call you.  In fact, my last e-mail included an invitation to talk via telephone, which I repeated from the other day.

You've never lost anything?  How is my briefcase being lost not plausible?

I told you the envelope was empty.  I rushed in mailing and realized it the next morning.  Your whole "they noted it was empty and recorded it" only corraboarated what I already told you.  I save e-mails too, you know.

You never asked for a copy of my communication to the authorities.  I will send it to you.

Look, Bob.  I admitted I could not prove they were sent, because I lost the document.  If you recall, I told you that before they were late in arriving, before your check cleared, before any of this happened.  That's when you overreacted.

I thought you would have the refund by today.  You don't.  It will arrive, so there's nothing more I can do as we sit here right now.  I can't afford to send another refund this minute.  If you feel you have to take action, so be it.  I'm responsible for my actions, and I already told you what they were, and are.  I'll accept the consequences, but there's no force on the planet that can turn my error into a crime.

But you keep twisting the facts and trying to make them fit a criminal scenario, and it just isn't a fact.

In my last e-mail I told you I would be home during the day Monday if you wished to call.  I repeat that.  I will call you if that is more convenient.  I have offered it many times.  But I'm not going to apologize for being gone to take care of things at my parents graves.  Not going to happen.

Every time I am up frotn with you you twist it.  I'm done explaining.  My communications will be via mail from here on in.  If you prefer to e-mail I will read them, but I see no point in replying.  You don't accept the facts, except those which allow you to call me a crook.  I'm tired of it.

Call me Monday, or ask me to call you, or take your action, or just wait FOR THE FUCKING REFUND TO ARRIVE LIKE I TOLD YOU AND KEEP THE PACKAGE WITH MY COMPLIMENTS WHEN IT GETS THERE.  But no more insults from you.

Richard Buchko

My response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 2:24 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

Just calling it as I see it.  Go ahead and call me.

++++++++
Bob Reis
"Anything Anywhere"
POB 26303
Raleigh NC 27611
USA
(919) 787-0881
reisbiz@nc.rr.com
www.anythinganywhere.com

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 2:26 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Morning

I'll call you Monday before noon.

You see them a lot different than they are.

Have a good weekend (not sarcasm, a sincere wish).

Rich

(He never called.)

On Sunday I received this email:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2002 9:49 PM
Subject: FYI
 

I'll be out of town from now through Thanksgiving Day.  Expected to be back, but not.

I will check email sometime during the week.  Will call when I can (I'm on western time, so it will be later in the day.

Rich

And my response:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2002 10:00 PM
Subject: FYI

Looking forward to hearing from you.  The whole story must be amazing.

No, really.

The next exchange began after Thanksgiving, when I received this email:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Sunday, December 1, 2002 11:15 PM
Subject: Please read

Dear Bob,

I'm sending this to you via e-mail only so you can get it faster. I am sending a signed copy via regular mail.

You sent me money for some coins I offered for sale. I did send them, but I cannot prove it. I lost the proof.  You may not believe that, and I understand if you don't. Instead of telling you the truth from the beginning, I delayed, and in the process of delaying I misled you and lied to you. I expected the packages to get to you any time, so I blindly didn't see the harm --- at the time. Now I realize, too late, that lying then destroyed any chance that the truth means anything to you right now. I didn't intend to cheat you - just the opposite, I wanted it to be a smooth and beneficial transaction for both of us. But when things went wrong I turned coward. I didn't have the guts to stand up and say I don't know. It doesn't matter that I really thought it would work itself out, because I lied and delayed and now you think I planned to cheat you from the
beginning. I thought I would have you paid back by now too, and said things that weren't true, making my word useless. I ! even shot my mouth off in anger at you, like it was your fault! Like I said, I don't blame you for anything you think, and any names or words you use to describe me are accurate. Any reasons or circumstances I would give right now just sound like lame excuses. I know they would to me. I lost track of my integrity and was a coward. Over the last few days, with the help of reflections and some friends who forced me to understand what I'm doing, I know that I made a bad situation much worse.

I caused you effort, expense, and embarrassment as you tried to find out from your post office what was going on. You shouldn't have had to do that.

I just want you know that I didn't intend this. I did send them, and if you choose to press charges against me, I'll admit to everything I did to hurt the process, BUT I did send them. I wish I could prove it. I've stopped hoping it will work itself out through the mails.

I want to make it right. I will pay you back as fast as I can. If you'll treat this as an error and not a crime (because it really was an error, though I can't expect you to accept that), I will accept any reasonable interest, penalty, fee, or consideration you deem proper. If you choose not to believe me, there's certainly nothing I can say.

I don't want to be a coward about this any longer. If you wish to call, I'll answer any questions you have, straight and immediately. I am home Tuesday through Friday from 9 am - 3 pm. If I'm not there I shouldn't be gone long, but I'm not there after 3, and I don't expect to be home Monday. If you e-mail, I will reply. I may lose e-mail access shortly, as I am selling my computer as part of the repayment process, but I should have e-mail today. I need to stand up for my responsibilities. I didn't in recent weeks. I am sorry.

Please let me know if there is any way I can repair the damage. I know that paying you back is the first and most important step. I am working on it, but I can't tell you as I write this that it will be immediate. You don't owe me any consideration after the way I treated you, but I will give it my best - and honest - effort, and I hope you'll allow me to do that. I have contacted the authorities necessary, but to date have not heard back, and probably won't unless it is absolutely necessary, because I'm sure they don't want to be involved if they don't have to.

I'm too old and seen too much to do something this stupid, but for some reason I did. I have no excuse. I brought any trouble on myself, this being just one part of a three week effort to destroy my own life. I will do my best to make it up to you, and to keep it from damaging my family and my life more than it already has.

Richard Buchko

(The next day I received a letter through the mail that said substantially the same thing.  I have
this letter, with a cancel dated 11/23/02 and it is available for inspection if neccessary.)

On 12/02/02 I received the following email:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Monday, December 2, 2002 7:37 PM
Subject: Please read

Dear Bob -

I will try to get the refund to you before you file any papers.  If you read my letter you know that I have to be very careful about anything I say, since at this point I cannot afford to be wrong.

The rest can wait until your satisfied.

Rich

And I responded to it as follows:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Monday, December 2, 2002 11:15 PM
Subject: Please read

I remind you of the possibility of next day delivery.  I very much want this to be over.  Your lack of credibility will disappear when I have my money.

2. I wrote you back near the beginning of this to tell you that you could have gone to the PO with the date of mailing and they could have dug the insurance number out of their machine.  So you could have had proof at any point.  Still can.

3. You had originally written me that you sent me TWO packages.  If you had the correct address there was virtually no possibility that BOTH of them would go astray.

All in all it still adds up to less than a good story.  I will stop caring when I get my money back.

Your luck has been extended by the facts of various emergencies here that have delayed the filing of my report with the postal inspector.  It remains on my list of things to do.  If I get the refund I will cross it off the list.

That will be $450.00 in cash, MO, or certified check.  Personal check NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Reis

The next day I sent this email:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Monday, December 4, 2002 7:13 AM
Subject: One more advice

If I was in your position I would immediately send partial payment.  Even $25.00 would be some evidence of good will.  Further delay is your second worst enemy.  You can use paypal.  If you send a financial instrument by mail make sure it is convertible - MO or bank check only.  No personal checks.

Reis

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2002 8:40 AM
Subject: One more advice
 

Dear Bob -

I have already sent a payment, right after getting your email (Paypal is not yet an option, though it may be in the future).  I would not dream of sending you a check, so you can't stop adding that to every e-mail.  I not a kid, Bob.  I lost some documents, that's all.  I thought I would have you paid back by now, and led you to believe that I had.  I regret it, and I apologize.  I won't go into a 1000-word essay of the circumstances that led to me delaying you as I did, because I don't want this to become the excuse game.  If you want to know I'll tell you, otherwise its a non-issue.  I screwed up.

However, I did send the coins, and I accept my responsibility in the matter.  I have over a decade of transactions to show this was not a typical problem.  I understand your position, Bob, but I really think if you look at all the facts (and yes, some of them don't make me look good), you'll see that this was an error, not an attempt to cheat you.  I'll pay for the error, too, big time.  If you file a complaint, you'll be paid back.  If you don't file a complaint, you'll be paid back. That's going to happen either way, because I am an honest person, not a crook.  I will make sure you haven't lost because of this, but unless something unique happens and the coins show up, I'm out a lot, permanemently.  As a self-publisher there is no room for error, and this loss will probably set me back 6 months to a year in my plans.  Now, I realize that's not your problem.  What happened is my fault.  I'll suffer the consequences.!   But I'm doing everything in my power to resolve it quickly.  I hope you'll accept that.

By the way, I have given the information to the post office about when and where they were mailed.  I did that the day after I lost the documents.  To date they have not been able to tell me anything.  I know you said they could locate the packages with that information, and it makes sense that perhaps they should, but not yet.

Rich Buchko

He sent me another email a few minutes later:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2002 9:19 AM
Subject: One more advice

I should have told you that the payment I sent is $45 - a token, but when I got your reply to my e-mail I thought it best to do something rather than nothing.  It went out yesterday afternoon.

Rich

(Until this day (1/10/2003) no payment has ever arrived.)

Then followed a hiatus during which my region suffered an ice storm and power outage of
several days.  Simultaneously I started having problems with my computer.

The next interaction:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Monday, December 9, 2002 8:06 AM
Subject: Monday 12-09-02

Bob - Will be home Wednesday and would appreciate the chance to talk with you, so I'll call the number you gave me.  I hope to have some answers to this fiasco worth sharing by then.  I appreciate that you've been willing all along. Will call about noon.  Should have another payment out by then too.

Rich

(I did not respond because my machine was not working.)

He wrote again:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 10:26 AM
Subject: Re: One more advice

I deleted the e-mail with your phone number.  I'm working hard to prove that I did mail them (haven't made much progress, but I have to keep trying), and to finish paying you back.  You didn't reply to my last email, so I'm not sure if you wish to talk to me or now.  Let me know.  I'm in and out today, but if I miss you I'll get back to you asap.

Thanks, Rich

When my machine was working again I responded to his email in which he advised that he had
sent me $45.00:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2002 6:43 PM
Subject: Re: One more advice

Ah, yes.  Getting back into the swing of things, reading old emails.  This never arrived either.  Total value
received so far - $0.00.
++++++++++
Bob Reis
POB 26303
Raleigh NC 27611 USA
(919) 787-0881
reisbiz@nc.rr.com
www.anythinganywhere.com

He emailed me the next day:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2002 12:38 AM
Subject: Re: One more advice

Then you'll probably get the first tomorrow.  I understand you both being fed up and busy.  I've already given as much information as I have to the USPS, and while they aren't convinced of my efforts, I'm doing what I can.  I made an honest error, then made it worse - through holding back information and other honest, though idiotic, erros.  I won't sing my woes to you - you wouldn't care and it doesn't matter.  I'm doing everything I can both to pay you back and to prove what I did.

Will send more this week and will keep trying, even if you file a complaint.

I may call tomorrow, although you indicated it might not be pleasant.  If I think we can gain something by it, I will.  If you think so, I'm home usually weekdays 9-3.

RB

I responded two days later, still in the grip of machine problems:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 6:43 PM
Subject: Re: One more advice

Hi.  That did not happen either.  You have now informed me of 2 packages and a letter that have not arrived.  Two items did arrive, indicating you have my correct address, but you have not yet succeeded in delivering any value.

I am within a couple of days of getting caught up at which time I will turn my attention fully to the problem of you.  You may wish to review all of my previous advices regarding how to get the number of the original package allegedly sent, acceptable forms of refund, etc.  In addition, I would urge you to send every mail communication to me by certified mail with return receipt so you will be able to prove SOMETHING when the inspector calls.
++++++++++
Bob Reis
POB 26303
Raleigh NC 27611 USA
(919) 787-0881
reisbiz@nc.rr.com
www.anythinganywhere.com

His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 10:32 PM
Subject: Re: One more advice

The inspector already has all the information, except emails from this week.  I did send you a partial --- and will send another this week.  I can't explain everything, but I didn't try to cheat you.  That will be proven.  You'll have all your money back shortly.  You'll see.

Rich

I responded:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2002 7:15 PM
Subject: Re: One more advice

I'm sorry, no, you didn't.  You claim to have sent 5 items, one insured, only 2 have arrived: the short letter with no payment and the empty certified envelope.  A single lost item is credible.  3 lost items is not.  I hope to have my report filed on Monday.

His response the next day:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, December 20, 2002 2:12 PM
Subject: Re: One more advice

I'm sorry things didn't get to you, but I have proof that I mailed them.  Wouldn't you prefer to see that before wasting time on an unnecessary complaint? I'll have them to you by Monday, and hopefully once you see them we can work together instead of arguing back and forth.

Rich

Then a break for the holidays, followed by this:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2003 11:32 AM
Subject: $$$

$$ sent to you today - should have Saturday.  Been offline due to illness.

RB

Nothing arrived.  I remained preoccupied with computer problems and answered after a few
days:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Wednesday, January 8, 2003 11:00 AM
Subject: $$$

I'll file my complaint Friday 2/9/03 latest.

+++
I am writing this on 1/10/2003.  As I was working I decided I would give Mr. Buchko a call.  Time
was about 4:00 PM.  I spoke with him for about 5 minutes.  He did not explain anything, promised
that he would send the money, told me there was a long story he could tell but he did not tell it.
Overall he was not forthcoming.  I made no accusations, though I expressed disappointment.  He
told me that he had engaged an investigator and was working with the postal inspector where he
lives.

I just got this email from him:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2003 6:43 PM
Subject: phone call

When you called, I thought it was an opportunity to clear the air and talk straight, reach an understanding and help the problem to be resolved.  Instead you ignore the proof I sent and the good faith efforts and call me a crook and a liar.  I didn't expect you to be happy with me, or even necessarily friendly, but you have the proof that I sent the original items, and proof beyond reproach that I have operated in an ethical an honest manner for years, and you have the first payment I sent.  I thought you would be calling to talk, but you really wanted to insult.  Fine, your choice.  But if you call me a crook you can't expect me to  just take it.

I apologized for the error, and for not treating this with greater urgency early on.  But since that point I have been bending over backwards to try to resolve this.

If you would like to try again, give me a call (I'm home Monday-Friday 9-3).  I've taken the steps necessary to complete your refund, as I said earlier today, and if you want the details I'll share them with you.  But if you want to insult me, put it in writing.

Rich Buchko

I responded:

From: Bob Reis
To: Richard Buchko
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2003 8:19 PM
Subject: Re: Phone call

I didn't insult you.  You know that.  I didn't call you a crook.  You know that too.  Perhaps you condemn yourself.

You have never given me any proof of anything.  Why do you keep saying you have?  Proof is documents or copies thereof, numbers that can be tracked, etc.  You've never given me anything but promises not kept.

Here follows the record of our interaction from the beginning until now.  You can let me know if anything is incorrect, though I imagine there's not much to argue with, since it is almost entirely the original emails, which reveal pretty much everything.

A copy will go to to my local postal inspector tomorrow by certified mail with return receipt.  On Monday a copy will go by same method to the postal inspector at your zip code.  On Wednesday copies will be sent to your state attorney general and your town chief of police.  On Friday the text of the report will be posted on my website.

Yours truly,

Bob Reis

(To this I appended a draft version of this report)

+++

To sum up:
-He has my money
-He has informed me that he sent two packages but neither have arrived
-He has informed me that he has lost the receipts for those packages
-He has informed me several times that he has sent me money for refund but no money has ever
arrived
-He has informed me several times that he has sent me “proof” of various statements he has
made to me but he has never sent me any proof of anything

Conclusion:
I do not know if this is a case of fraud, a hard luck situation compounded by an ongoing string of
bad judgements, or a psychological situation.  My interest is in getting my money back.  As long
as I do not have the funds in hand I feel that I must pursue the matter, and that is why I am
bringing this to your attention.  Please advise what I should do next.  I look forward to your
response.

Yours truly,
 

Bob Reis
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ADDENDA

1. Emails exchanged since this report was written:

His response to mine of January 10, 2003:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2003 1:58 PM
Subject: Re: Phone call
 

That's just it, Bob - I sent you the proof.  I don't understand why you say you didn't call me a crook, because you flat out did.  You did it again in your email.  You say you want the truth from me, and then you ask me to lie on the phone so you can hear what you want, but when I won't do that you call me a crook.  Think the conversation through, Bob.  That's what happened.

You're right - I am mad at myself.  I made the error.  But that's all - error.

I sent you a partial, and more goes out shortly (tomorrow or Monday morning).  I can send you copies of everything - again.  I admit that I fucked up the transaction, but I've done everything in my power to make it right.

I realize that you have to take action to protect your interests.  I would too.  But you called because you wanted to work it out, and I was glad for that, before the conversation went sour.  I admitted my errors, but I committed no crimes, and won't talk with you when you say so.  But if you want to work this out without extra effort or expense, we can do that.

You want the rest of your money back.  I can do that, and that has always been my intention (I won't give you the history of my days, I'm just accepting what is mine to do).  You want proof that it was an honest transaction.  You say you didn't get it.  Okay - I'll send it again - overnight mail first thing Monday morning.

But you are going far beyond what you have to do.  I will gladly reimburse you for any reasonable expense you've had to this point, but there's no reason to go through everything you are.  What you have so far is enough to tell you that.  What I have in proof is enough, too.

Give me a call Monday, or I'll call you. Give me a time, and I'll call then.  Maybe we can try again.  If not, I'll do what I've been doing, which is get this refunded as fast as possible.  I'll send you another package of documents in either case.  Like I said, I'm already working with the USPS - or trying to - and there's nothing criminal here.  Just a lost package as some screw-ups.

Rich Buchko

My response:

From: "Bob Reis" <reisbiz@nc.rr.com>
To: "Richard Buchko" <richardbuchko@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Phone call
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2003 3:01 PM

Hi.  This all has the appearance of communication but it really isn't.  I did not call you a crook and you did not provide any proof.  Rather, you have many times told me things that you did or were going to do but none of them happened.  As I wrote last night proof consists of documents, copies thereof, and trackable numbers.  Assertions are not proofs, and that is all you have presented.

I sent my report this morning.

As you can see, that final statement was not “accurate.”  His response:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2003 11:02 PM
Subject: Re: Phone call

Fine - once again, I tried.  I hope your apology will be as aggressive.

And another:

From: Richard Buchko
To: Bob Reis
Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2003 10:56 PM
Subject: Re: Phone call

It just amazes me how you'll berate what you perceive as my efforts and will complain about what I have or haven't done, but when I make a suggestion which will easily take care of everything, you refuse it.

Makes me wonder if you really want it resolved.  Because I can show you what happened.  And when I offer it, you ignore the offer and complain some more.

Your "report" is pointless, because you refuse to include the proof I have - and sent - and just offered to overnight you another copy of.  Why would you refuse that?  Because it now appears you prefer this to remain a problem.  Is that it?  Because that's what you are saying.

So, if you didn't call me a crook, are you now saying you think I am not a crook?  Does that mean you want the proof I talked about?

Once more - so you want to work together to sort this out, or do you prefer the conclict?

Rich

Note: no “proof” received, and I notice no offer to send same in any emails above, rather an assertion presented that an offer had previously been presented.  My response:

From: "Bob Reis" <reisbiz@nc.rr.com>
To: "Richard Buchko" <richardbuchko@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Phone call
Date: Sunday, January 12, 2003 9:58 AM

You didn't send anything.

Finally, I did what I should have done first and performed a search on “Richard Buchko” on the
web search engine Google.  Item #2 was the website:
http://popculturemadness.com/RB.html.  I printed out the entire page and attach it here as addendum #2.

It appears now that I have in fact been victimized by a criminal using the mails to defraud the
public.  This would definitely be within your purview, would it not?  Please investigate and
perform other actions as appropriate.  Please inform me as permitted.

I look forward to your response.

Well, folks, there it is.  He really is a criminal.  If you click on that popculture link above you will see another email exchange describing almost the same set of events.