Registries who absorb information from others without some form of reciprocation are no longer allowed to ask for information from FEP members on this site, whether in a thread or by PM.

Numerous email complaints over the years, along with disagreements that have taken place on this board have made it clear that many users find one-way information collection inappropriate.

To clarify a few things:

If a representative of a registry, or anyone acting on behalf of a registry asks for any identifying information about a vehicle (location, VIN, owner history, other data pertaining to the vehicle), then they must be prepared to release one or two facts pertaining to that vehicle in return.

This does not mean that they should be expected to release an entire record about a vehicle, or any others in their databases, or even that they should publicly state the information they are willing to give in return. This does, however, mean that they will be expected to perform a show of gratitude or goodwill to anyone giving information to them by letting informers know something of interest or use of the vehicle and/or its history.

Expecting people, vehicle owners especially, to volunteer information without giving anything in return is not a behavior that falls within the spirit of how FEP.com operates. FEP encourages the open exchange of information about these vehicles for the general good of the hobby. We respect the investment of time and money that is required to obtain and maintain large databases of information. We do not feel it is necessary for anyone to give all of that information away for free, but anyone willing to enhance that database should be given something in return for their kindness.

Note: This post is subject to change/revision.