Originally posted by Randy.
<br />It's not clear to me exactly what the problems are that folks seem to think might be brought to IAP by having auctions. I have not seen any real problem with the auctions that have been held so far. Someone did mention clogging up the board with a lot of back an forth posts......seems to me that if there were a requirement that the title identify the thread as an auction then those who didn't want to fool with them could just ignore those posts.
As to the comments suggesting the IAP classified was supposed to be only for folks who needed to get rid of excess or surplus supplies and such, that "ideal" has clearly been ignored already by many and if such an "ideal" was an IAP policy, it certainly has not been enforced.
One easy way to deal with the issue would be to allow auctions conditionally for a specific period of time(6 months, maybe) and then evaluate how they impact IAP. If they turn out to be a problem, then prohibit them or if they need a few rules to make them work, enact some controls.
Personally, I really don't care about auctions; but for those who do want them, why not give it a trial to see how it works out??
Someone put a mark on the wall!Get a marker and record this date!
Randy and I agree on something!
The back and forth of auctions really junks up the flow of information being shared. Plus, there's already an auction site...eBay! I fear that the more auctions we allow the more cluttered the site will become, taking away from the educational value of the site.
If you think of the site as a newspaper, some read the editorials(educational) some read the classifieds(Buisness)
some read the funnies(more eduacational)
I have in the past made many complaints about the amount of sub forums on this site and not having the time to look at them all.
I tried the RSS feed but needed to turn of internet security or change a complicated(for me setting) to have it work properly.
I have since learned to use the "viewed since" feature in active topics.
Anyway, during Lou's tenure the classifieds has been condensed and there is not as much activity in the swap section.
If an item for sale is marked as an aution it will give more people the opportunity to acquire it rather the first to get see it and bid.
I don't take part in many auctions but I do see the benifit for the buyer as well as the seller.
If an aution ends late and I want the item, I guess I will have to stay up late that nite.
Another feature would be to have the bids go by P.M. to the seller.
No clutter on the board put in your highest bid, you get it fine you don't, well you did make YOUR highest bid.
Lastly make the classifides for individuals, no pay pal,or payment services,(that would keep buisnesses to a minimum)and only for IAP members.
(you would have to be an IAP member to send the bid by PM)