I recently ordered a book from someone and a little bit later was thinking of ordering another from the same person.  When I clicked on their name, it appears that they may not have set up a public profile as I could only see their bookshelf.  This is the first time I've run across someone that hasn't set a public profile and  I was wondering why someone wouldn't.  Is it some sort of privacy issue?   I'm a curious person and would like to know about the people that I order books from.  Any ideas?

I didn't set on up until about 6 months ago. When I opened my account, I used it for the basic send 1 book order 1 book. Then someone asked me for a deal on some of my books. I had no idea what they were talking about , so when they explained it, I made my way to the forums. After seeing other peoples profiles, that's when I set mine up. I think a lot of members don't bother with the extras of the site. Some members keep their profiles private for there own reasons. I'm a nosey person, so I like looking at other members profiles. You get a feel for their personalities and they aren't so much just a name on the screen :)

The profiles are now on a standard setting of being turned off when you join.  You have to deliberately set up a profile. 

For some, it is a privacy issue.  Knew of one member who had left a domestic abuse relationship and wanted complete privacy, her books even went to a PO box.

Others believe in FIFO.

Some just don't hang out in forums and don't know about profiles.

Some people never do more than trade books. They don't come to the forums or do anythiing at PBS other than post and order books.