"...I'm REALLY sorry you got roped into financial dealings with Mr. Buchko.

I, too (and many others) have been "Buchko-ized" by him in the past several years, and I'm sure you, I and the others to date won't be the last. It's said that "it takes all kinds to make a world", so I guess the "small-time con artist" field is well-represented by him.

He skinned me for a little over a hundred dollars (total) shortly after I published my first novel. At that time he had formed a loose group of independent authors, all published by Xlibris books, a Print On Demand publishing house in PA. We all wound up coughing up small amounts of money over a several months time period, for products and services (provided by Mr. Buchko) that were, shall we say, "less than expected", and/or sometimes non-existant at all.

In time we all abandoned his never-ending tales of woe and lame excuses that, at first, sounded completely legitimate. We ultimately decided that he apparently has some sort of psychotic defect that compells him to go to apparently great lengths to defraud people out of relatively small amounts of money.

In our case he had grandiose publishing, promotion and distribution plans for our (the group's) novels, and he DID produce a *FEW* poorly- done promotional items---but they only served as an ultimately doomed attempt to suck us deeper, financially, into his clutches.

We all "wrote him off" after about a year, and it's been over a year now since I received a short, pleasant email from him---*promising me a copy of one of his novels that he owed me*---that of course never arrived.

You have my sincere sympathies! You can, of course,
continue to persue Mr. Buchko through the legal system, but I fear you're chasing a will'o'the'wisp. I spoke to Mr. Buchko several times via telephone (during the time the Authors Group---which he formed, and which ultimately collapsed---existed) and while I know he apparently had (at that time, anyway)
a wife and at least one kid (I caught them on the phone, too) it seems anything he touches ultimately spins into chaos.

This comic book fiasco appears (to me, at least) to be nothing more than the latest incarnation of his (apparent) mental problems, and you are little more than his latest victim.

Sir, I wish you well, and I hope you have at least *some* measure of success in recovering your money!

The comic books he promised--- Ehh... I'd say they don't even exist." - Writer "J" 12/18/2003

Problem was I don’t know if he ever intended on sending us the catalogs but after a year I received six poorly printed stapled and taped catalogs that were to say the least an embarrassment to my work. I discarded him and wrote it off as a scam. Doing research on him I assume you found me under one of the websites we were all on. Those were created by a member of his “Group” but not a fellow scammer. 

He’s creative but I’d work to get my money back if I were you. This Comic Book thing just sounds like another one of his “Get Rich Quick” schemes/Rip Offs for his own benefit." - JC - 12/18/2002

Richard Buchko, Jr. - Books by Richard Buchko, Jr. The Universe - An Outsiders Perspective...
http://www.granthem.com/Buchko.html

Richard A. Buchko - ... Secret Enemies Of The Galactic Arm. The Universe - An Outsiders Perspective. Touchkillers. © 2000 Richard A. Buchko All Rights Reserved. 

Star Wars: Episode I | An Interactive Guide - Web-posted 13 May 1999 Star Wars A shy Richard Buchko took five different women to see Star Wars in 1977... 

10/21/2002 8:09:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: comicsrus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Dear Joe -

I received a call over the weekend from another collector about the Kirby Lot. You said you might be interested in these along with the other comics, but weren't sure. I told the other person I would call him back today or tomorrow and let him know if they were available. If you have a minute today, will you drop me an e-mail and just let me know if I should hold them for you? I don't mind sitting on them for a little bit - heck, I've had some of them longer than I've had my own kids, so if adding them to the mix is too much all at once, we can always get around that. 

I enjoyed talking with you the other day. I still haven't visited your site, but I promise I'll get to it today.

Rich
At this point I was pretty excited, and figured what the heck, I'll get the Jack Kirby comics as well. Things were looking Good!

10/21/2002 12:41:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

No problem at all, Joe. In fact, since you're buying the individual comics, I'll just send the Kirbys along with the other comics (different box, same time) when I get the first check, and you can send the second check/MO anytime in the next month or so. Fair enough?

Rich

What a great guy! It's nice to meet people with that kind of integrity on the internet!

10/21/2002 8:39:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Thanks - since you're "next day"-ing the payment I'll be just as fast getting the comics out. The Kirby's will come a little slower (weight).

I'll go back to your site tomorrow and see if there's anything I might like to submit.

Rich

That's totally understandable. And thanks for offering to write on the site!
(Over the next few days, we had a little e-mail communication about "serializing" one of his stories, but that isn't relevant to this plotline...)

10/22/2002 6:04:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

It really wasn't necessary to go to the trouble of FedEx, but I appreciate the effort and I'll get the comics out in the morning. 

I will be sending you some short stories and breaking SECRET ENEMIES into chapters for serialization. Now, I'm assuming, since that's what you do, that you'll be taking care of all the layout and setting up how it works, right? I mean, you wouldn't want me taking out your appendix, would you? It would be a similar mistake, if you get my meaning.

I was thinking of doing a review/critique/comparison of TV shows that have either crossed over from other media (a la Batman from the comics), or crossed over into other media (again, a la Batman into the movies). I wouldn't do Batman, because it has been done, but maybe a look at some crossed-over items like Lost In Space (TV, to comics, to movie, to games), Man From Uncle (TV, to books, to comics, to games), Dungeons & Dragons (Game, to comics, to movie) --- and so on. I am just forming the plan, so these would not necessarily be my first choices, but the general idea would be to explore how these various franchises translate into new media, for better or worse.

More soon!

This budding online partnership could really be going somewhere. Who know the intrigue and impossible plot consequences that would take place over the next several weeks?

10/23/2002 11:41:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
File: SE-SERIAL.doc (94208 bytes) DL Time (50667 bps): < 1 minute 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

I am attaching my draft for the serial idea. Let me know what you think, and if the font formatting screwed anything up. I can also send JPEG illustrations and book covers for the page, if you think they would be usable.

Rich

It looked easy enough. I was going to suggest that perhaps they were a little long, but I wanted to discuss it with my wife and another writer I know first. Although I do a little writing myself, I hadn't considered what the proper length of an online serial should be. I'm sure time can work out what would be best.

10/24/2002 2:17:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

I sent some pics in other emails - did you get them?

Comics went out today.

Kirby's will go out probably not until Monday because I need to repackage them for better shipping.

Rich

This letter, sent several days after I rushed payment was my first indication that things might not be quite right.
1. I never got the pictures
2. He didn't send the Jack Kirby comics when he said he would.
No biggie, we all get busy sometimes, and 300 comics is pretty heavy. Some days I hold off bringing big packages to the post office for a day or two myself!

10/27/2002 11:43:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

They went out Priority/Insured/Delivery Confirmation. You will have them sometime between Monday and Wednesday. I will scan the mailing documents and send them to you via e-mail tomorrow.

The Kirby's will go out tomorrow.

I had some trouble with my attachments the other day, but thought it finally went through. Will re-send tonight. There are book covers and illustrations for each of the chapters - good stuff, too!

Rich

The comics were shipped priority mail on the 24th, and I didn't get them on Saturday. As I often spend my daylight hours around what I'm expecting from our friends at the Postal service, I e-mailed an inquiry to him, to ask about possible tracking... 

10/29/2002 11:42:59 AM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Joe -

I'll check it out tonight and get back to you. Whatever you do, don't wait around on the mail! If they show up and you're not home, they won't leave it to be weathered or stolen, they'll just leave you a yellow slip and you can either pick it up or know it will be there the next day. I know you already know this, but I would feel guilty to think I'm keeping you home.

It may be late when I email you - 10/11 o'clock even, because I'm everywhere else but home today, but I will make sure I do get you the info before the end of the day.

Rich

This is good news. I'm glad my pal, Rich Buchko is on the case!

10/29/2002 7:54:05 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Could not get the information online, although I should have been able to. I have to go down there in the morning - will write or call as soon as I do. I was told today "Geez - give it a chance!" ----- Seriously, he said that! I wanted to say "--------- well, never mind what I wanted to say.

I'll have info for you by 8:30 -- at least then you'll know what to do with your morning.

Rich

Darn that internet! Whenever you really need something.....
I told my buddy Rich that he didn't have to go to that #$$#@ Post Office just for me.

10/29/2002 9:45:13 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

It's nothing to go through. Its just down the road, and the postmaster is a friend, so I'll go in and say "What the %**##&* is going on with this package?" He'll throw something at me. People will cheer.

Rich

Wow, he's really going above and beyond the cause. I mean Gee Whiz, although 2-3 days is promised, its only been four days at this point! Then again, I did feel the need to express concern about this valuable package being in USPS hands for over 72 hours, in an e-mail.

10/30/2002 11:15:57 AM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Took a lot longer to find out what was happening than I imagined it would take. This could only happened on Halloween:

When I mailed the comics they were properly packaged, posted, recorded and readied. The only glitch was that the clerk didn't scan the bar codes of the Insurance and Delivery Confirmation into the computer system. So, I couldn't track it online. AND, when it reached the first checkpoint along the way the person sending it on couldn't verify it. In short, if I had merely thrown stamps on it and dropped it in a mail box, you would have had it by now. The mere act of making it traceable, because it wasn't scanned, made it late. It was in Detroit. It is now entered into the system, and on a plane today in your direction. I couldn't get a promise that you will have it tomorrow, but very shortly. And it would take nothing short of a nuclear blast to get through the packaging and hurt the books, so I don't think you need to be concerned about that (In fact, have fun opening it!) 

It never occurred to me to watch and make sure the bar codes were scanned.

Happy Halloween.

Rich Buchko

Ah those Post Office Nitwits! They would have just sat on that package forever. Since his buddy, the Postal Guy fixed it, I should have it any day now! Wow. "On a plane" in my direction. Do you think it's a JET plane?

11/1/2002 6:16:14 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Kirbys went out today. These should be to you by Wednesday, despite weight. The individual comics no later than Monday, though I am hopeful for tomorrow.

Geez, what a time!

Rich

Today, November 1st? That's not Monday the 28th. You'd think that with the delivery concerns, he'd have said that he didn't mail them. Why didn't he bring them when he fixed the first problem at the Post office yesterday? I hate waiting at my post office in line once a week, let alone twice. 
Ah, he probably forgot that heavy box of Jack Kirby comics, although my e-mails to Mr Richard Buchko are starting to ask more questions.

11/4/2002 8:35:16 AM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Hi Joe- 

I'm back from the convention - not bad. The attendance was down from last year I'm told, but I didn't notice it all that much. Sold some books, but more importantly made some really good contacts for bigger events in 2003.

Still having trouble tracking your packages online, which I tried to do while I was gone. What I've done is mailed you a photocopy of the original documents. This way you can see for yourself that they were mailed, though probably it was a wasted stamp and you either have them or will Monday. I've mailed about 600 packages since 1991 and never had one lost. A couple delayed, but never worse than that.

More important to me than anything is not only that you get the package in a timely manner and are happy with it, but that you come away knowing I was honest about it, which is why I sent the receipt copies. Also, if the comics don't arrive today, or if you in any way feel you waited too long or aren't happy with the packages, just say so and I'll immediately overnight your money back to you. Heck, if needs be I'll use Western Union. I've really come to regret not shipping before payment. I think I need to go back to that, which I always preferred, regardless of the reasons. If we had been talking about a $20 thing, I wouldn't care. This wasn't efficient, and this was too much money to have the delay it did. I'm glad you'll get the Kirby box before sending any money.

Will check email later.

Rich Buchko

Cool. I'll assume that he sent these receipts to me today. For those keeping score, this is 3 items sent to me, so far. At this point, I agreed to a refund. Here is my letter in response to above:

Rich,

I have decided that today (Monday) would be the last day that I'll be disappointed in not getting the comics I paid for.
Please send the refund to me as soon as possible.
Joe LAST NAME WAS HERE
STREET ADDRESS WAS HERE
CITY WAS HERE DE 

If/when the Kirby comics arrive I will:

1. Pay you within a day after your refund clears my account.
2. Return them to you if I'm not satisfied with the collection.

I hope that all of this is settled by Friday.
-Joe

11/4/2002 12:16:05 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

I certainly understand your decision. I will get the refund out to you today. When you have both boxes, you can send payment if they meet your needs. I had a talk with my wife after this problem, and told her that I will always ship first from now on. She doesn't like it, but I don't like THIS. If someone has to wait, let it be me. 

Rich

"refund went out to you today".
This e-mail was written just after noon 11/4/2002.
I got it on November 12th, 2002.
The check was dated 11/5/2002
The note with the check was dated 11/6/2002
The postmark from his town of Wyandotte, MI was dated November 7, 2002.
A call to his bank verified that his checking account no longer existed.
A second call had the same result. They also said that "Richard A Buchko Jr", "Richard Buchko Jr", "Richard Buchko", and "Richard A Buchko" were not customers.

At this point, I'm very, very concerned

11/5/2002 8:54:37 AM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

I mailed your refund this morning. By Friday I expect you'll have the refund and both boxes. Please take the time to look the books over and make sure you're completely happy, then you can send payment at your convenience. Sent the mailing documents, too, so you can see what happened.

What started as a simple transaction went all wrong, but once you have it all I hope we can start over. I won't bug you with any more e-mails until you write to tell me you have them.

Rich

Oh you sent it just before 8:00 AM this morning according to your e-mail clock, which did get to me in a timely manner. So yesterday was either a time warp from one of your sci fi stories, or a lie. Again, the local postmark is dated 2 days from now, November 7th. BYW - I like the new Christmas/Holiday stamps, with the happy snow men, don't you?
I sent another e-mail... "Just for giggles, what address did you sent these 4 items to?" (I had not yet received the "refund")

11/6/2002 1:02:33 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Joe -

Here's the address I sent everything to:

CENSORED ADDRESS WAS CORRECT!

It really doesn't matter at this point, but at least I know why they were delayed. I sent them the same day I was sending some of my books, which I do a couple times a week. Although I marked the slip "Priority" they were logged in as "media Mail", and shipped accordingly. It didn't help that the barcode wasn't scanned, making them impossible to track online. I know, that doesn't help them to get to you, and doesn't make anything better to know, but I understand it now, and it is completely my fault. The check is on the way back to you, like I wrote yesterday, and as far as I am concerned you can keep everything when it does arrive. It was my fault, pure and simple, and you shouldn't have been kept waiting. It bothered you, and damaged what I thought was a decent online relationship. I am sorry.

I will scan all the mailing slips and email them to you tomorrow. I wont be anywhere to do it the rest of today but that will be my first think in the morning. At least them you know they exist.

And I find no giggles in this at all.

Rich

Again, those Damnable fiends at the post office! Oh. And you're scanning the slips again tomorrow, to send. I have gotten 1 out of the four items you "sent" me, so if my scorecard is right, I'm now waiting on four items, and have received one check your bank says is no good. The post office success rate is 1 out of 5, or 20%.
I e-mailed a sarcastic "if I get anything" letter...

11/6/2002 1:35:25 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 
 

WHEN -- if I had to I would find them and drive them to you. 

No response needed from me here at this point.

11/7/2002 3:34:19 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Obviously you think I am a crook. So be it. You'll see the truth in the mail. I certainly don't expect you to believe it, but its a fact. When I screw up I admit it, and I fix it, but I don't screw people over. I even offered to Western Union it to you, which would have taken 15 minutes. Hell, if for some reason it doesn't come tomorrow I'll still do that. If I'm a crook, I'm a pretty bad one.

Its too bad this happened. I thought the web-cooperation would have been good. I would not have risked that for a few hundred bucks.

Rich

Me too. I'm still waiting on a package, a large box, a refund, and two letters containing postal receipts at this point. If he is a crook, he is, indeed, a pretty bad one. Another sarcastic letter went out. 

11/7/2002 3:57:20 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

I guess you have a right to be skeptical, but when you get the refund, the receipts and the boxes, you'll see that I did what I said I did. I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow to tell me you did.

Rich

As Madonna once said, "and pigs will fly out of my butt." Another sarcastic letter went out.

11/7/2002 4:28:48 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Fair enough. I do understand your situation (having been in it once or twice), and I guess I am a little defensive about it. Very disappointed too, though for different reasons. 

You'll have your silver age - on my honor.

Let's talk tomorrow. Thanks,

Rich

For those keeping score, I am waiting on one package, insured with delivery receipt, a large package, sent media mail, two letters with postal receipts proving the other stuff, and the refund (which actually arrives 11/12- sort of!) 

11/8/2002 8:31:14 AM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Joe - It may be silly even to discuss such things, I realize.

Since I cannot track the comics online I'm unable to know where they are right now, or if you get them today. And let's face it, would you be confident that I'm right? 

I know you'll tell me if they do arrive today. I can tell you that your refund (certified #7002 0860 0005 1596 2344) will not reach you until tomorrow.

More later,

Rich

Sheesh. I wonder how he could tell that it would not reach me tomorrow? Oh yeah, he lied about the first two times he mailed it. I told him, in another angry e-mail, that I'd miss the mailman tomorrow, in all likelihood.

11/8/2002 2:13:43 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

If you miss the mail tomorrow, at least you have a slip there to know something came. Small comfort, but I'm reaching for what I can here. Would you be happier if I simply Western Union'd a refund to you until this is all resolved? It's not the comics, but it will alleviate a little of the uncertainty of motive.

Let me know.

Rich

I e-mailed this response..
11/9/2002 12:21:46 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: ComicsRus 
To: richardbuchko@yahoo.com
Rich,
I managed to get home before the mailman, not that it mattered.
Again, nothing from Michigan.
At this point, Western Union would be appreciated.
You have my address.
Joe

I think I was clear with that.

11/9/2002 9:44:55 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 
 

As soon as the bank opens, I'll take care of it.

Now carefully keep track of Rich's next few e-mails, and see if you can the totally unexpected bonus!

richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Was just reminded that there's no mail, or other business tomorrow, so will take care of things Tuesday after work (about 3PM).

RB

Sounds fair enough. I usually don't have $350.00 around the house either. 

11/12/2002 1:18:49 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Dear Joe,

Since our deal has gone all wrong, I wanted to take one last stab at making things right. At this point, based on what didn't happen last week, you probably have no confidence in me - either that I am dishonest or inept - and since the results don't prove otherwise, I won't even argue that right now. Maybe today's mail will fix everything, who knows? BUT - I'm a person of my word and here's what I suggest and offer:

You should receive the refund today in the mail. If that at least takes care of the legal obligations, we can work on hunting down your comics. 
If you don't get it today, or if you still prefer because your confidence in me is gone, I can follow through with the Express/WU refund plan. 
I have located replacement copies of three of the books, which I can have purchased and drop-shipped (overnight delivery) to you. Then when the others arrive, we can figure out what to do with them.
If you choose just to take your money back and forget we ever made the deal I couldn't blame you. Ultimately you'll see that I didn't intentionally screw you over, but I know what it is like when you get a sour taste in your mouth over a deal, and there's no doubt you have one over this. I would just like to make sure I succeeded in giving you what you wanted and paid for.
Please drop me an e-mail when the mail arrives. I try to check my mail often. I'm in an out of town over the next six days, but I will always have access to e-mail.

Thanks 

Rich Buchko

The mail came today, and even though he's out of town, I must admit that he is still doing well with his e-mails. As you probably know, if you were keeping track on your personal scoreboard, today is the day that the "refund" came in. It's also the day that I called the bank twice, and found that his check was not written on an active account.

On the plus side, it was really cool of Rich to find & be able to replace the comics, especially since they probably cost a lot more than what I had paid. More than Cool enough. BUT, the big news is in the letter following my "waiting for list".
1. A package containing the valuable comics.
2. A big box containing 300 Jack Kirby Comics
3 & 4. 2 envelopes with copies of the postal receipts for the 2 packages
5. A reason why his bank said his check was no good

11/12/2002 2:46:29 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Okay, Joe. Fine.

Since I am sending you certified funds (that is, nothing has to "clear") I will assume you will not be using the check. I will stop payment on it, not because I don't trust you, but because I don't want you to have to worry about sending it back to me. It'll be done before the end of the day.

It's a shame --- I understood your uncertainty. I understood your skepticism and sarcasm. I would even have understood your anger, if I hadn't busted my ass to try to make right what wasn't even my error to begin with. I spent three hours tracking down better copies of the books you wanted, and set them up for OVERNIGHT delivery. I sent you your money back (twice, by the way - when you didn't get the certified on Saturday I sent a money order. There was no point in telling you, because you wouldn't have believed it anyway). I stayed in constant contact with you, proved myself in every possible way. E-mailed you copies of the mailing documents, so you KNOW they were sent. So - no, I really don't understand the anger. I makes no sense to me. I have no motive for screwing you over.

However, I said I would send you certified funds and that's what I will do. 

If you change your mind, drop me an email and you can have those replacement copies shipped overnight.

You didn't get what you paid for yet, but I didn't do anything except what I said I would, all the way down the line, honestly and openly. I accepted responsibility for what happened, and did what was necessary to fix it. Twice. Three times if you count my offer to replace them overnight. 

When you get the boxes, let me know.

If you prefer to talk, I'll be home most of the day tomorrow.

Rich Buchko

What is there to talk about? You have given me a 5th item to wait on, a MONEY ORDER, which you sent only 2 days after you sent the check that your bank was no good! In addition, you are willing to WESTERN UNION the money as well.
At this point, I know I'm out $350.00, so I'll just play along with this game.
I also sent a nasty e-mail threatening with the creation of this page, which you are reading now.

11/12/2002 6:23:34 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

You're right - it will cost me more to replace the items, but believe it or not (and I know you don't) I am a man of my word. That's why I offered it, that's why I set it up. If you check around, you'll find that they are available here and there, at various prices. 

Since you offer it as one of the acceptable options, and we seem to at least agree on that, I will get them replaced in the morning.

I have to be honest --- more often than not the things you say in your emails would create a response in me that is quite different. The whole website thing is enough to send me, normally, into a complete fury. Why it doesn't in this case is actually a surprise, even to me. You are out and out accusing me, even though from my perspective I have proven myself. But, I will accept that you are being honest with your perceptions, and will simply prove you wrong. How promising overnight delivery of a replacement is "stalling for time" is beyond my ken, though. Just another thing to come out in the wash.

I'm not a rich man, but neither an I without resources. I'm just a guy, and this transaction HAS been a string of bad luck. I sent the money order because you said you didn't get the check. I looked for replacements because you didn't have them yet. It's all logical to me.

As to the check, it is valid. I understand that you don't want to risk it, but it is.

Anyhow --- the replacements are in the works and you will get them within 48 hours, as we have agreed. The rest will sort itself out.

Rich

At this point, I'm waiting for:
1. The original package
2. The big box of Jack Kirby Comics
3 & 4. Two letters with postal receipts
5. A second refund, in Money Order form
6. A reason why his bank says that his check is no good.
I sent a rather long winded explanation of my concerns. I'm thinking he's stalling for time, what do YOU think, MIster or Missus reader?

11/12/2002 9:12:10 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

To me, you are over-analyzing things. From my perspective it is much simpler -- it's simply a matter of needing to do what needs to be done to correct a wrong. Your e-mail was well-thought and well-organized, but most of it I cannot address (The bank thing, for example, I can't touch on until I check it out. The only thing I will answer is when you said (I paraphrase) "Why would you send the money order....?" Under those cirsumstances, after all that had happened you still had not received the certified letter I promised would be there. On that day I decided that you had good cause to be concerned. I mean, at that point, if I had been you, I would have been a little worried. So, I made sure that you were covered - and I was covered. 

We could go back and forth. You make points, I make counter-points, and in the end you don't have documentation to show what I know happened, so you're skaptical, and I don't have the perspective of sitting there wonder where the (%*$#& my stuff is. 

I think we came upon the right solution. I am confident that in the end we'll "have a laugh" about it -- okay, maybe not a true laugh -- but in the meantime, I have to do what needs to be done. 

Rich

Your have material coming from four different places (drop-shipped from two cities in Michigan and one in Tennessee). I accept responsibility for all of them, but physically only handled one. It took one day to arrange and make payment for the replacements, so whether they all went out yesterday I will not know until later today.

At the USPS.com site you can track EI879029711US. It is guaranteed delivery by 3PM tomorrow. It may take an hour or so for the information to be avaiable on the site.

I am confident that these actions will not only satisfy our deal, but prove that whatever has gone wrong, it has been unfortunate circumstance only.

By the way, my bank says there are no problems with my checks. It's a moot point, and perhaps a blessing in disguise, because if you had simply deposited the check there would have been no replacements.

Rich

I did get the money order, on November 15th. It was for $50.00, and I'm guessing that it is partial payment for the irreplaceable $75.00 Adventure Comics # 72.

11/15/2002 8:40:38 AM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Joe - 

You're right - the USPS site will only say that the item left here, but since it doesn't give the destination, it really doesn't do the recipient a lot of good. I like the FedEx site, because it shows where the package is supposed to go as well as where it came from. It's not important right now, but I had a package lost at FedEx once -- a computer my wife had ordered never showed, and FedEx simply "lost" it. Took weeks to get credit for it. 

The thing from me this morning is the refund for Adventure #72, which I could not replace (my estimate of the percentage attributed to that book, while standing in line at the PO). Yes, I know you said that you would eat that portion if you got the others, but I didn't think that was right. It will take a day for you to realize it, but my goal has always been to make you a good deal.

According to the stores from which I bought the replacements, you will receive one of them today and the other two either today or tomorrow. It didn't fit your deadline, but I couldn't get payment to them any faster than I did, and I relied on them to ship it quickly. I am not concerned about them getting to you as much as I am the condition of the comics. Grading is such a subjective thing, and since two of the books are supposed to be NM-MT, I'm nervous about it.

I know none of this means anything to you right now because you are still under the assumption that I am either a crook or slightly insane, but I can only report the facts. There's a big mess to sort out, and I'll be down at the Detroit PO this morning working on that. It will all come out in the wash. I will see that you get copies of the reports.

I understand why you had trouble with the bank check. Again, there's no point in outlining the whole thing, because you'll just say "sure, sure" or "convenient story". When it's all resolved, if you're interested I'll happily tell you.

Let it sort itself out - you won't be sorry.

The thing from me is guaranteed by 3pm today. 

If there's anything unresolved in 24 hours, I'd be shocked (you won't be, but again - I can only report the facts.

No need to reply if you don't want to, until you have your stuff, then we'll be better able to compare notes.

Rich

I can only respond at this point with my November 16th e-mail, starting with a quote from his last e-mail:

"If there's anything unresolved in 24 hours, I'd be shocked (you won't be, but again - I can only report the facts. No need to reply if you don't want to, until you have your stuff, then we'll be better able to compare notes."
 

Rich,

Lets compare notes.

Yesterday, I did get a money order from you for $50.00. Based on what you said in the prior e-mails, I think that this is to be assigned towards the $75.00 Adventure Comic # 72.

There were no other packages today or yesterday.

At this point, I'm still looking for (or evidence of):

1. The insured, original package with the four comics you sent me on October 24th.
2. The big box of Jack Kirby comics that you sent on November 1.
3. The copies of receipts you sent on or before November 4.
4. The copies of receipts you said you'd send on November 6th.
5. The money order you sent on November 9th.
6. The package sent from Detroit sent around November 13, 14 or 15th.
7 & 8. The packages from other Michigan location(s) sent around November 13, 14, or 15th.

I do have the $50.00 money order, but it's best to just sit on that until the $350.00 money order from last Saturday comes in, on the off chance that absolutely none of the 5 packages with comic books actually arrive at my home.

I also have the check that your bank still says is no good.

Them's my notes.

Joe

11/16/2002 10:17:34 AM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

ET 670968000 US

This is Avengers #4 - had to go get it and ship.

Rich

I'm sure that this information is a surprise to noone.
Nothing was delivered.
The package is not traceable via the USPS site. I also inquired about the $50.00 payment. He gave some convoluted reasoning about the comic "refund". I did guess, however, which comic it was!
:-)

Re: Saturday November 16 
Date: 11/17/2002 11:45:02 AM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Individually they would have been $435, but the $350 was for all. Based on that percentage, I did the math in my head in line and came up with $50. Doing it now I see that it should have been $60. Not critical at this point, but I am trying, really, to make this work out for all parties involved. I could have and should have just did the $75 to avoid confusion, but I have a lot of unclaimed funds floating out there.

If I were you I would have the same notes. So don't expect me to argue with you now. That's why I said we could compare notes when everything is done - and done it will be.

I hope the return of the Adv. $ and the arrival of AV#4 (plus others coming) will show that I'm not trying to cheat you.

I don't understand it all, but I will.

Rich.

Then I got this..11/18/2002 12:46:57 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
File: ******.JPG (48239 bytes) DL Time (53333 bps): < 1 minute  Sent from the Internet (Details)

More stuff coming.

OK I can't hardly wait.

In the meantime, I found that the Avengers 4 wasn't coming. I sent the following letter:

11/18/2002 4:13:20 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: ComicsRus 
To: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
 

Since this is now the 5th week of this ordeal, I think it's important that we properly date the "Subject" section of our e-mails. Simply "Monday","Saturday" or "2002" really won't suffice.

Today marks the start of the 5th week since the start of this transaction.

It is now officially after 3:00,and it looks like I'm not getting whatever was in the package, tracked via ET 670968000 US that you claimed you sent on Saturday.

At what point is it not unreasonable of me to call you a liar and go through the whole "post office fraud" thing?

While I do have the time, I really don't want to go through it.
Then again, I'd have to be a real idiot not to, according to every soul I've discussed this situation with.

Perhaps you are just doing some research for a book or psycho-project.

In any case, I'll take you at your word that you won't be around most of this week, ALTHOUGH NOT THAT A SINGLE THING YOU'VE SAID HAS PROVEN TRUE IN ANY FASHION.

Just so it's in one place, here's the dated, big list of stuff I'm still awaiting from you, followed by the "items received":

1. The insured, original package with the four comics you sent me on October 24th.
2. The big box of Jack Kirby comics that you sent on November 1.
3. The copies of receipts you sent on or before November 4.
4. The copies of receipts you said you'd send on November 6th.
5. The money order you sent on November 9th.
6. The package sent from Detroit sent around November 13, 14 or 15th.
7 & 8. The packages from other Michigan location(s) sent around November 13, 14, or 15th.
9. The replacement Avengers # 4 you sent on 11/16/2002 
10. The "mystery letter" you sent me earlier today 11/18/2002.

The letter I sent earlier indicated 11 unaccountable parcels & letters.
That was my error. There are ten, plus two "insufficient items"...

I also have a money order for $50.00, which is partial payment on one comic book (see below) and the check your bank says is no good as well.
I also got a copy of a "return receipt" thing that you got this morning. 
Although your note indicated that there was more, there wasn't.
The above list should be complete, and considered official.

You said...
"Individually they would have been $435, but the $350 was for all."
Oh.
The way I add it up, listed on your "for sale list":
Avengers 4 $75.00
Star Trek 1 $75.00
Adventure 73 $75.00
X Men 94 $125.00

TOTAL: $350.00
No discount asked for, or given for this list.
Postage was "covered" in the price.
You do state however that I will get the item "within three days".
That would be considered "false advertising" in most states.

I didn't see anything for $85.00 on your list, how do you come up with $435.00?

The Jack Kirby Comics you "sent" were for $275.00, pending my approval, pending my acceptance.

This makes 3 weeks of broken promises, allowing time for you to "get" to the post office for sending the first week after getting payment.
Hmmm, I guess that makes it 4 weeks of broken promises.

Joe

I sent a follow up, stating that he was an a**hole. Some e-mails from him follow....

11/19/2002 1:28:05 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 
 
 

Dear Mr. <me> - 

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. 
11/19/2002 1:26:37 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Once again, although I don't agree with everything you said, you have corrected an error of mine. The original flyer did have higher prices for the comics, but I changed it before mailing. So, you are right that the Adventure was and should have been $75.

Look, there's no point in going back and forth. The truth is, I've screwed this transaction up from the beginning. What I've don't properly hasn't turned out, and has grossly overshadowed by what I have done wrong.

I won't dispute facts with you, because for everything I can refute there's another thing I cannot explain. If I were you I would feel the same way and think the same thing.

SO -- If you file a complaint, I cannot argue your right to do it. And except for some small differences of fact we don't disagree on one thing ---- you didn't get what was sent (or you would say it wasn't sent, but there's no force on the planet that will get me to say that). 

You have $50. I will email you shortly with what I will do to complete this.

Rich

11/19/2002 7:58:19 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Well, that's what's going to happen. If you choose not to believe me, I can't blame you. I won't bother trying to explain the whole story because A) You won't believe it (and neither would I, until I prove it), and B) I only have a second to be online (as it will be for a while.

So, while I appreciate your perspective and point of view, thats what's happening.

Rich

11/19/2002 7:35:01 PM Eastern Standard Time 
From: richardbuchko@yahoo.com 
To: ComicsRus@aol.com 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

I re-read your e-mail.

Once more, I appreciate your position, though I don't agree with everything you say, of course.

As for the law, I have already contacted them, provided them with all the necessary information, and informed them of what I am doing to correct the issue.

Since it will be resolved within 72 hours of my earlier e-mail, I am confident I can change your mind.

Once you see everything, you might still consider me an asshole, but you'll call me an honest a**hole.

I wont bother you with any more emails, until Friday at 1:30 PM.

RB

On Thursday, November 21st, I go the certified letter he sent me earlier this week. I opened it, in eager anticipation, with my mailman.
It was EMPTY!!!!!!

Yes, he sent me a certified, EMPTY envelope.

I DID deposit the check. It came back, SUPRISE! - ACCOUNT CLOSED.

He sent me a letter at the end of November, apologizing, and promising that I'd be paid by December 4th. 
The last update on this issue was on December 19, 2002.
Guess what I've gotten?
$0.00

With the bank fee, I'm out $320.00, just weeks before Christmas.

If you bump into Mr Buchko, please let him know your opinion of this story!

If you've been burned by this guy, as initial letters are starting to show, please feel free to let me know!
A page 2, 3, 4 are all possible, if you have anything (true) to add!

I must confess that at one point I told him I'd never make this page. But that was before he sent me the empty, certified envelope. So I guess I changed something that I had originally planned and told him. That makes the "lie" score about 25 to 1.

Financial Breakdown:
Oct 21, 2002 - I send Mr Buchko $350.00, via Fed Ex
November, 2002 - Buchko sent a check that bounced, fee $20.00
Total owed: $370.00 (plus legal fees)
Early December: I got a $50.00 money order
Early January: I Got a $15.00 Money Order
Total Due: $305.00 (plus legal expenses)
I'll handle the legal expenses seperately... details will follow!

E-Mail:
Me : Joe@PopCultureMadness.com (unchanged & available for 4+ years)
Richard A Buchko: (you may have to try them all. He may be 'hiding")

• richardbuchko@yahoo.com
• freelance42@yahoo.com
• richbuchko@netzero.net
• importantmessage2003@yahoo.com