David M.

The main problem is not that it's a scam--which I do not think it is--but that in too many instances participants have unrealistic expectations, starting with the notion that there's anything FREE about it: If you already have the credits you can request a posted DVD, but even then there's a 50-cent-per handling fee; if one of yours is requested then you're obligated to pay $1 or more for the postage involved.

I've read complaints that DVDs sent were never received, and the sender was out the cost of postage plus the value of the DVD sent. Did the sender send it by Insured Mail? There's NO recourse from the USPS on ANY package that's lost in the mail if it wasn't insured by the sender--even if an additional dollar is paid for delivery confirmation. (And in the unlikely case that it was sent Insured, the RECIPIENT must file the claim). Since the sender suffers the loss, with no down side to the recipient--except not getting the wanted DVD--there's not much impetus for the recipient to go through the hassle of filing a claim--which is something that USPS regulations won't allow until 45 days have passed since sending--just so the sender (may eventually) get reimbursed.

As for broken DVDs: For garden seed! What can one expect if they follow the SwapaDVD instructions to use one sheet of paper and a piece of cereal-box cardboard as the mailing package just to save a few cents on postage! I ALWAYS send mine in the original DVD case, in a #5 bubble-wrap envelope, and as long as I've been a member I've never had a damaged-DVD report.

In summary, it's an on-line group worth belonging to... but you get what you pay for. If you want total protection from loss or damage in delivery, buy your DVD from eBay (at four or five times the cost)!