FS/FT, how about 50 posts minimum?

[jellyrole]

Really? Lately it's seemed like all you guys want to do is change/add more rules to the B/S/T section. This 50 post thing is a terrible idea and the 14 day wait period prior to posting in the section is actually decent. I, personally, don't post on forums that require a certain number of posts for special sections of the site. EVGA's 50 post min. is bullshit because I had 50 posts before they had all that no more marketplace bullshit thing going on and they wiped it clean, which is why I don't waste my time over there any more.

Post count doesn't define a scammer, especially a dedicated one. The 14 day period that you have in motion right now does block people from getting access to the BST section and they probably even forget that they even registered here by the time that period is up. This is just going to get you a bunch of nubby posts across the board because of people trying to get to the required post count. These posts won't quite be spam, but more just really useless and borderline spam.

[/rant]

[stevednmc]

I agree, unless you did both in conjunction, but i think the 50 posts would easily be attained by spammers/scammers if it were on its own.

[newtekie1]

I like the idea of hiding the B/S/T section from non-members. I assume it would be easy to do, just a matter of not showing it or allowing access to it unless you are a member.

However, having a post minimum doesn't seem like it would help in any way. It would only lead to people filling the forum with "yeps" and "I agree" and crap like that just to get 50 posts. Hell, that is what I did over at [H] to meet their post minimum so I could sell there...

[stevednmc]

or just plain bumps!

[n-ster]

though I don't agree with all your counter arguments against 50 posts,

I like the hiding of the BST when not logged in, but I'd add hiding it for the 14 first days of membership too... Seems like a better solution

[erocker]

If someone wants to buy something from me be it they have 0 posts or 10 million, fine, as long as the money is in my PayPal account, it's yours. If you don't want to sell to a new member, don't, it's your choice. Also, since people can
see items in the FS/FT thread it may be a good reason for them to sign up here and stay. I think forcing more rules and regulations just takes things away instead of adding to it. I have faith that most members here are intelligent
enough to trade fairly and responsibly. It's up to you to make a decision, do your homework, protect yourself for a sale. The resources are at your disposal.

If you are faced with some kind of spammer in your PM box or any other kind of
problem, take it up with a moderator. After thinking about it, personally I don't see a need for a change. As far as buying goods from other people, again read up on safe buying and selling, the moderators and TPU in general don't need
to hold people's hands to make a transaction. What would limiting the viewing of the B/S/T forum solve?

[road-runner]

Myself I believe a reputation with heatware and or ebay is more important than post count. I am leary of folks no heatware or positive feedback even if they had 10,000 posts...

[stevednmc]

Originally Posted by road-runner

Myself I believe a reputation with heatware and or ebay is more important than post count. I am leary of folks no heatware or positive feedback even if they had 10,000 posts...

I could understand that, but first time sellers need to start somewhere right? Im gonna be a first timer soon myself..

[theonedub]

I like the idea of restricting access to the BST to non-members.

The way a new buyer communicates is what will determine whether or not I sell to them. If someone is speaking broken English and can't comprehend instructions or have a clear conversation over PMs with me, I am not selling to them.

[erocker]

Originally Posted by theonedub

I like the idea of restricting access to the BST to non-members.

The way a new buyer communicates is what will determine whether or not I sell to them. If someone is speaking broken English and can't comprehend instructions or have a clear conversation over PMs with me, I am not selling to them.

Then don't sell to them. Non-members can't use PM's here anyways.

[theonedub]

My post contained two separate ideas.

1) Hiding the BST to non members is something I agree with.

2) In regards to selling to someone who is a new member without HEAT or references, I determine who I sell to by who is able to communicate effectively.

thanks

[t77snapshot]

Originally Posted by newtekie1

I like the idea of hiding the B/S/T section from non-members. I assume it would be easy to do, just a matter of not showing it or allowing access to it unless you are a member.

However, having a post minimum doesn't seem like it would help in any way. It would only lead to people filling the forum with "yeps" and "I agree" and crap like that just to get 50 posts. Hell, that is what I did over at [H] to meet their post minimum so I could sell there...

Yep, I agree

[sneekypeet]

On the flip side I have sold to a few newbies who have been lurkers for years, but actually signed up to PM me. Just as said, I ask for Heat, ebay ref. whatever. If they dont have any I make a judgement call, and either do it on a good gut feeling, or I tell them no. It isnt really hurting anything allowing them to see it is it? (some of those purchasers actually became productive members too )

Either way I'm not bothered, just trying to see why the need.

[DonInKansas]

Pfft. If the Paypal's green, I'll send my stuff to Timbuktu. It's the buyer that has most risk.

If you're worried about selling to a rookie, just demand insurance on the package. If they say it doesn't show up and the DC said it did, it's on them to take it up with the shipment company.

[road-runner]

Originally Posted by DonInKansas

Pfft. If the Paypal's green, I'll send my stuff to Timbuktu. It's the buyer that has most risk.

If you're worried about selling to a rookie, just demand insurance on the package. If they say it doesn't show up and the DC said it did, it's on them to take it up with the shipment company.

Oh I agree with this also, when money hits my paypal I ship it with delivery confirmation and signature required. Its kind of annoying when I was selling a bunch of my old hardware I went to many different forums to post it only to find out I couldn't because of post count. This one I could...

[Fourstaff]

Lets just keep the rules as it is then. After letting the idea cook in my head, I think the current BST is working fine, with minor hiccups which is totally avoidable if the buyer/seller is careful.

[newtekie1]

Originally Posted by erocker

If someone wants to buy something from me be it they have 0 posts or 10 million, fine, as long as the money is in my PayPal account, it's yours. If you don't want to sell to a new member, don't, it's your choice. Also, since people can
see items in the FS/FT thread it may be a good reason for them to sign up here and stay. I think forcing more rules and regulations just takes things away instead of adding to it. I have faith that most members here are intelligent
enough to trade fairly and responsibly. It's up to you to make a decision, do your homework, protect yourself for a sale. The resources are at your disposal.

If you are faced with some kind of spammer in your PM box or any other kind of
problem, take it up with a moderator. After thinking about it, personally I don't see a need for a change. As far as buying goods from other people, again read up on safe buying and selling, the moderators and TPU in general don't need
to hold people's hands to make a transaction. What would limiting the viewing of the B/S/T forum solve?

I agree with is actually, and now that I think about it, I'm not to keen on hiding the B/S/T section for non-members.

If a non-member just stubles across my FS thread and wants to buy something, that is great. It increases my chances of selling something.

[n-ster]

Originally Posted by Fourstaff

Lets just keep the rules as it is then. After letting the idea cook in my head, I think the current BST is working fine, with minor hiccups which is totally avoidable if the buyer/seller is careful.

I feel the same... after some thought, I find it best to leave the rules be as they are now

[Kreij]

There will always be the occasional problem with a purchase or sale.
More rules won't fix that.
The b/s/t forum is working for the majority of the people who use it.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.