I agree.. They're basically saying if you're a child without a smart phone, trading for you sucks (both for you and the person you're trading).

Basically, Valve has become the government: enacting burdensome regulations for the majority because of the abuses of a very small minority.

crap! :( mine has been banned (i set my bp to private for personal reasons) for 5 months. Do really have to wait 8 months (or longer) to use outpost again? Jesus, this is a cluster.

Sorry you're waiting so long, that really sucks.

Benjamin Franklin said: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety"

We're all responsible for making TF2Outpost the most well used trading site available. I have used it since its inception. And now that it's #1, it can do what it wants with little reprimand - like making people choose between privacy/freedom and security.

TF2Outpost ridiculous RULE #5: No private profiles or backpacks. You will be subject to a permanent ban until you make your profile and backpack public again. This includes both your game-specific and Steam inventories.

promptly contradicted by RULE #10: You are accountable for any trades you make with users that have a private profile. You should be taking as many measures as possible to prevent hijackers and scammers from profiting from their bad deeds, and private profiles are usually a red flag.

So, it's a rule to NOT have a private profile because it's a red flag that you're a "bad guy" if you do. Breaking this rule is punishable by permanent BAN - one where it takes many many months to appeal... They can do this because they are #1. Fanboys will defend and everyone else will just do what they're told (and shut their mouths) for fear of retribution.

Rule #10 is exactly correct. It's OUR job to ensure we don't make bad trades with people! Not TF2Outposts! Not Steam! Not Valve! Not the government! Ours! Rule #10 is clear. So, if rule #10 exists, why can't I have a private profile?? Rule #5 and Rule #10 contradict each other!

Listen TF2Outpost owner (Sneeza) - contrary to what you may think, there are many MANY good reasons to have a private steam account. Such as my reason: I'm going through a split with my EX. In her angst, she promised to stalk my steam profile, befriend everyone on it and embarrass me and tell everyone on my profile lies about me.

Users of TF2Outpost - Now that you've all given up your privacy to use their services, please remember, TF2Outpost CANNOT keep you safe from hacking or scamming. They cannot and will not help you! Making your profile public will only INCREASE the chances of being scammed and hacked. Do not doubt me - now every scammer can see all those lovely items in your backpack - and attempt to phish , send you hacked links, and scam you more efficiently. TF2Outpost WILL NOT HELP YOU! In fact, they can't help you.

P.S. I made my profile public almost 2 months ago - I'm still waiting for my (ridiculous) appeal. Yes, this makes me a hypocrite too, I know. I've traded my privacy for the ability to use outpost just like you have. I'm just trying to make a point that making their users make a choice between privacy and security is NOT RIGHT!!

Thanks for reading

I agree 100%. These ads make it so I can't leave outpost open anymore. Over this past week, they have been very annoying and they keep playing with no way of stopping them or turning them down. One ad plays right after another....