What’s the paper clip challenge?

[Shado]

Hi, I’m still trying to learn all the lingo for trading and whatnot, I keep seeing people have a strict “no paper clip challenges trades” in their trade rules as it’s unfair. What is the paper clip challenge and why is it considered unfair by so many? Thanks for any help! <3

[otori]

the paper clip challenge is basically when someone starts with a low value pet, and trades it up for higher value pets in order to reach the goal of a much more rare pet, like a list or certain dreamie. its inspired by a man who worked his way up from a paper clip to a house. it can be looked down upon by some people, though, since usually someone will send a one sided trade with a pet asking for something more valuable, which many people may not be keen on doing.

[Shado]

Oh I see! Thank you so much for your explanation!

[axelandria]

in addition, i will often help people with their paperclip challenge, but only by a little bit! for example, if they offer a 2019 common, i will give them a 2019 uncommon, etc. i don't do rares or extreme trade-ups/-downs, but still helpful to them :)