These lamps just arrived...wow!.  Mercifully, I didn't experience any of the problems other people mentioned, such as bent or missing parts.  The shade does not just "sit" on the base; it screws to the base, nice and secure.  It's true that there is no base on the bottom of the lamp, but this isn't unusual for this type of "look"...I have seen the same open base on similar lamps in other stores.  These lamps are clean, airy and modern; they accentuate my living space beautifully (I bought the clear glass base).  I am delighted with this purchase.  From all of the shopping I did, I think they are a steal at this price...you can expect to pay at least $150 at a retailer for a similar lamp...but this is two lamps for that price!