Interesting concept for a classified forum

[E30 Memorial]

This is an interesting concept for a forum classified. It would definitely cut down on all thread shitting.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=151106

[Farbin Kaiber]

That is actually pretty interesting. Cuts down on the drama, and the threadcrapping is capped at 0%. Mods will get more gripe PM's though.

[JasonC]

I kind of like it. I've often thought about seeing if a rule, where if you dont want the item for sale, then dont reply. Even if it is a positive comment. Stay out of the thread. (Yes, i'm guilty of doing it)

[flash 23]

why not just automatically ban those who thread crap? lol

[bmw325csi]

But then every simple question is gonna have to go through pm's (i.e. will this fit my car, location of item)

Unless the seller is very clear about all the details of his item.

[MC Hammered]

I've seen this policy used on watch forums.

The only negative is if someone has information on the item (broken, not working, false description) or seller (scam, flake, unreliable) is unable to comment to help prevent a bad transaction from happening.

[Vivek]

But then every simple question is gonna have to go through pm's (i.e. will this fit my car, location of item)

Unless the seller is very clear about all the details of his item.

+1. With the quality of most of the ads on this site, I can't see this working out too well. Each and every person will have to bother the seller about each and every question and then 95% will likely realize they're no longer interested. It's much easier to have members get everything out of the seller in the FS thread and then every prospective buyer can just see the thread, get a full feel for the item, and decide whether to skip it (most likely) or to PM the seller with the intentions of buying it.

[ZM Blue Devil]

This may work. I agree with the point of what if you have info on the part, etc. One idea would be to suggest the seller to link their feedback to the listing.

[pantelones]

I don't think that this is a very good idea.

Really the only problems I see with the classified ads is just the lack of common sense. You don't post a for sale ad for a $1000 motor with no pictures, service records, compression/leakdown tests, and so on. Or the guy that was selling a "getrag 265 dogleg box" for $900 with no pictures anything, and some guy actually bought it. WTF?!?!?

My only suggestion would be to have an auto-bump system that would be determined by a moderator (or pre-set system) depending on the item and/or who is selling the item.

Also clean up the listing that have been sold, those are always a tease.....

[JinormusJ]

+1. With the quality of most of the ads on this site, I can't see this working out too well. Each and every person will have to bother the seller about each and every question and then 95% will likely realize they're no longer interested.

Or you could just make a template people can follow and educate da stoopids on how to write a half-decent sale ad..

Or create a collaborative thread per seller and allow people who want to look through single items for post a wanted ad in the WTB section?


I honestly don't think it's that great of an idea.. Just teach people how to write a half decent ad with at least one pic, a price, and at least third-grade length scentence describing your product and the classfields will already become a better place.. Allowing people to post feedback and having transparent conversations about the product is one of the things I'll trade off for occasional thread crapping..
I myself have been threadcrapped more than once, yet I've till sold the parts that I've had been crapped no problem because of my transparency and the ability to discuss the product within the thread.

[DarkWing6]

I like the idea! Garage Journal is an excellent forum, BTW.


I think it would force people that actually want to sell an item to put thought into the ad vs. a 1 sentence post without a price or pictures for a $1500 set of wheels. Sellers can edit posts should they get a bunch of questions via PM, so adjustments can be made. Also, as far as having knowledge of an item being falsely represented... That's what us Mods are for. We can always post on closed threads or address concerns with the seller, so drop one of us a PM.

Keeping threads fresh (bumping) is probably the biggest concern I see, as it would be nice to avoid re-posted FS ads. Hmmm....

[E30 Memorial]

I like the idea! Garage Journal is an excellent forum, BTW.


I think it would force people that actually want to sell an item to put thought into the ad vs. a 1 sentence post without a price or pictures for a $1500 set of wheels. Sellers can edit posts should they get a bunch of questions via PM, so adjustments can be made. Also, as far as having knowledge of an item being falsely represented... That's what us Mods are for. We can always post on closed threads or address concerns with the seller, so drop one of us a PM.

Keeping threads fresh (bumping) is probably the biggest concern I see, as it would be nice to avoid re-posted FS ads. Hmmm....

Garage Journal has given me way too many ideas.

If I'm not mistaken, the GJ has it set-up that the OP can bump up his own thread, but it's closed to everyone else. That would eliminate multiple reposts.

[E30 Memorial]

Here's some interesting insight on the subject

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150952

[mbonanni]

I also think that some people that post in threads can help sell the item.

Like people who post pictures of their/other people car with certain wheels on. Or for people vouching for the car and what not.