I personally don't think it's worth it to get very involved with trades at this point, with all the exchanges and stuff. I may remain open to the idea if only to diversify my portfolio with altcoins or something I can trade against with confidence.
For me, not being a big trader, I had to get my rep started by risking BTC of my own with some short-term forum member who is now apparently a scammer.
Not the best experience.
TL;DR your first few deals should be with the elite core of ultra-trusted forum weirdos. Or else you're getting nowhere.
