Classifieds Feedback?

[Holz Mechaniker]

I spent $2.10 to auction off some blanks, granted I will have to pay fees over the final price. yet I don't think I will spend $5.00 over all.

Personally I want more bang for my buck. Being infrequent seller I don't think I will ever post stuff for sale.

I just took a look at your posting history and are you aware that everything you have sold here in the past could have been done for free in the Steals and Deals forum?

Really For free?! Where does it say that in this? http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85686

I don't see anything that said I can post a sale for free.... WHY!? Because I am going to read the rules and ignore the rest and if the rules say you must pay to play.... and DOESN'T explain the multiple levels as how that forum is broken down

Using the Classifieds and Premium Classifieds Forums​

The General Rules for All Selling apply in these forums.

Purpose: The Classifieds and Premium Classifieds forums are intended for the repeated sale of items related to pen making. If you sell the same or similar items repeatedly, you must use one of these forums.

Cost: There is a cost associated with using these forums. Placing an advertisement to sell (i.e. starting a new thread) costs $5 in the Classifieds forum and $10 in the Premium Classifieds forum.

At this point I stopped reading
And even then I see Purpose: The Classifieds and Premium Classifieds forums... yada yada yada
then
Cost: IF you want to put up an ad for what the Frick ever, you can will pay either $5. or $10........ blah blah blah.....

It is not so much what is written, it is the tone of how this has been laid out.
The steals deal section it is not mentioned above... NOPE This screams... YOU WANT TO PLAY YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY!!!!!! we are not concerned with what is being sold, as much as we want our cut

Bottom line is this, the layout is given to the those that have massive stuff to sell. and kinda leaves the person that has a turning tool or a small amount of blanks that they don't need or just don't want for whatever reason. It just turns a person off
Personally, most of what is put in the pay classifieds should be on that persons personal website, eBay or Etsy. But that is my opinion.

 

[MesquiteMan]

This is posted in the Steals and Deals Forum. http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85676

I do agree that we need to have this thread in the General Information section just like the rules for the other 2. I will let Jeff know. I am sure it was just an oversight to not have it included.

 

[Timebandit]

Obviously like you stated you arent even bothering to Read the rules, and come on complaining about what you dont understand. It doesnt have to say that its FREE! What is DOESNT say is that you have to PAY! Go to the Steals and Deals forum and click new thread. Does it ask you to PAY?????? NO!!!!!!! Steals and Deals is FREEE!! Just take a few minutes to read instead of " I stopped right there...yada yada yada.. you want your cut!!!!!"
The fee that you are talking about is ONLY IN THE CLASSIFIEDS AND PREMIUM CLASSIFIEDS!!! It says that big and boldly below! Using the Classifieds and Premium Classifieds Forums Nowhere does that say steals and deals. Curtis explained that already as well as others. Then you complain about "unless you get your cut". Well do you like the IAP??? It takes money to run. If you dont want to contribute you dont have to, but others are MORE than happy to help keep this place like it is. If when you first joined the IAP there was a fee to pay to advertise, you wouldnt be complaining right now. Youve just had a free ride and now you are sour that you have to Pay to Play as you would call it, and since you dont sell enough for things to work like you think. But as others have said, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY IN THE STEALS AND DEALS FORUM!

I spent $2.10 to auction off some blanks, granted I will have to pay fees over the final price. yet I don't think I will spend $5.00 over all.

Personally I want more bang for my buck. Being infrequent seller I don't think I will ever post stuff for sale.

I just took a look at your posting history and are you aware that everything you have sold here in the past could have been done for free in the Steals and Deals forum?

Really For free?! Where does it say that in this? http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85686

I don't see anything that said I can post a sale for free.... WHY!? Because I am going to read the rules and ignore the rest and if the rules say you must pay to play.... and DOESN'T explain the multiple levels as how that forum is broken down

Using the Classifieds and Premium Classifieds Forums​

The General Rules for All Selling apply in these forums.

Purpose: The Classifieds and Premium Classifieds forums are intended for the repeated sale of items related to pen making. If you sell the same or similar items repeatedly, you must use one of these forums.

Cost: There is a cost associated with using these forums. Placing an advertisement to sell (i.e. starting a new thread) costs $5 in the Classifieds forum and $10 in the Premium Classifieds forum.

At this point I stopped reading
And even then I see Purpose: The Classifieds and Premium Classifieds forums... yada yada yada
then
Cost: IF you want to put up an ad for what the Frick ever, you can will pay either $5. or $10........ blah blah blah.....

It is not so much what is written, it is the tone of how this has been laid out.
The steals deal section it is not mentioned above... NOPE This screams... YOU WANT TO PLAY YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY!!!!!! we are not concerned with what is being sold, as much as we want our cut

Bottom line is this, the layout is given to the those that have massive stuff to sell. and kinda leaves the person that has a turning tool or a small amount of blanks that they don't need or just don't want for whatever reason. It just turns a person off
Personally, most of what is put in the pay classifieds should be on that persons personal website, eBay or Etsy. But that is my opinion.

 

[Texatdurango]

Wow, talk about folks getting angry, I can't recall ever seeing this much hostility! Goes to show you what money does to people!

Geeze, if they are this upset over the new "Pay to play" policy, can you imagine what their reaction would be if Jeff decided that enough is enough.......no more selling on the IAP period!

I'd bet a few would even get so upset they would quit the forum for good and all we would have left are folks who come here to discuss pen making and share their ideas with others........... Hey, not a bad idea!

Jeff, I think the classifieds seem to be working ok but all this rage and hostility is getting out of hand, I just hope it will die down.

 

[Holz Mechaniker]

This is posted in the Steals and Deals Forum. http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85676

I do agree that we need to have this thread in the General Information section just like the rules for the other 2. I will let Jeff know. I am sure it was just an oversight to not have it included.

OUTstanding, Bingo...
A lot of "press" if you will was put on the Pay Classifieds and NADA on the Steals and deals section. I wouldn't have gotten so up in arms over it all.

 

[SCR0LL3R]

I'm with Dan on this one. If you're going to take a cheap shot at Jeff and the mods, then "man up" instead of trying to act like you're the holy innocent. There's nothing worse than a weasel.

Where are these cheap shots? Jeff asked for feedback and people are giving just that. As far as I can tell, that's pretty much how the thread was coming along until somebody got all riled up and started name calling.

Perhaps you guys thought Jeff was only looking for feedback from those that think everything is hunky-dory?

 

[witz1976]

Wow, talk about folks getting angry, I can't recall ever seeing this much hostility! Goes to show you what money does to people!

Geeze, if they are this upset over the new "Pay to play" policy, can you imagine what their reaction would be if Jeff decided that enough is enough.......no more selling on the IAP period!

I'd bet a few would even get so upset they would quit the forum for good and all we would have left are folks who come here to discuss pen making and share their ideas with others........... Hey, not a bad idea!

Jeff, I think the classifieds seem to be working ok but all this rage and hostility is getting out of hand, I just hope it will die down.

George,

I believe some of the hostility is coming from people finally getting tired of the few who are complaining over and over and over and.......... until they get their way, I am one of them as I am tired of the whole thing. I have tried the civilized way by chatting to those that matter through PM's and still do. But when I keep hearing the same crap and some people who complain and admit they did not read the rules just shows that people will fight change no matter how much it could make the site better for everyone who comes here for the love of pen turning. Not for the love of capitalism.

Respectfully submitted.

 

[jeff]

This is posted in the Steals and Deals Forum. http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85676

I do agree that we need to have this thread in the General Information section just like the rules for the other 2. I will let Jeff know. I am sure it was just an oversight to not have it included.

OUTstanding, Bingo...
A lot of "press" if you will was put on the Pay Classifieds and NADA on the Steals and deals section. I wouldn't have gotten so up in arms over it all.

The rules were all in one section, but I moved them to the individual forums so that people would not have to follow a link from the sales forum to the rules forum. I was informed that would cause them to not read the rules. :biggrin:

Anyone who feels they paid for a classified ad when they should have used the free Steals & Deals forum, let me know and I'll refund your money.

 

[witz1976]

I'm with Dan on this one. If you're going to take a cheap shot at Jeff and the mods, then "man up" instead of trying to act like you're the holy innocent. There's nothing worse than a weasel.

Where are these cheap shots? Jeff asked for feedback and people are giving just that. As far as I can tell, that's pretty much how the thread was coming along until somebody got all riled up and started name calling.

Perhaps you guys thought Jeff was only looking for feedback from those that think everything is hunky-dory?

All I am going to say is take a look at the the following posts in the following order, and read everything including the bolded subject lines (if present):

Post 50, Post 58, Post 64 - this is 1 example.

Post 59, post 66, post 67 - this is a 2nd example.

These are just 2 examples and I know damn well I can find more if I wanted (and I don't).

Am I riled up, yup sure am and I know I am not alone. As I mentioned I am getting tired of hearing this same song and dance. There are good intentions of trying to change the way the IAP is going from a site where people were throwing ads out everywhere, (which I was guilt of doing as well). To a site that it was intended to be which is about the love of pen turning to further advance the craft.

BTW I am pretty damn certain that I was not the first one to take the road of name calling, I simply gave a description to certain actions... but go ahead and twist my post as you wish.

 

[maxwell_smart007]

I'm with Dan on this one. If you're going to take a cheap shot at Jeff and the mods, then "man up" instead of trying to act like you're the holy innocent. There's nothing worse than a weasel.

Where are these cheap shots? Jeff asked for feedback and people are giving just that. As far as I can tell, that's pretty much how the thread was coming along until somebody got all riled up and started name calling.

Perhaps you guys thought Jeff was only looking for feedback from those that think everything is hunky-dory?

All I am going to say is take a look at the the following posts in the following order, and read everything including the bolded subject lines (if present):

Post 50, Post 58, Post 64 - this is 1 example.

Post 59, post 66, post 67 - this is a 2nd example.

These are just 2 examples and I know damn well I can find more if I wanted (and I don't).

Am I riled up, yup sure am and I know I am not alone. As I mentioned I am getting tired of hearing this same song and dance. There are good intentions of trying to change the way the IAP is going from a site where people were throwing ads out everywhere, (which I was guilt of doing as well). To a site that it was intended to be which is about the love of pen turning to further advance the craft.

BTW I am pretty damn certain that I was not the first one to take the road of name calling, I simply gave a description to certain actions... but go ahead and twist my post as you wish.

Dan and others...

Please refrain from the back-and-forth that isn't productive...we're trying to get input into the classifieds reforms, so lets please focus on providing usable and insightful information, ok?

Thank you,
Andrew
assistant moderator

 

[Padre]

I don't know why anyone is getting upset. This is supposed to be a discussion on the Classifieds.

First: IAP charges no membership fees. It is strictly a donation site. I would like you to keep that in mind while reading my post.

Second: The classifieds are what they are. Jeff is providing a SERVICE to the members of IAP. You pay $5 to ADVERTISE what you have that you want to sell. Maybe you'll sell it, maybe you won't. That is the nature of the beast. If you are selling something for $3, then you probably don't want to put it in the classifieds. If you are selling 100 items at $3, then you probably do. IT IS UP TO YOU whether or not to use this service that is provided to you. If you don't like it, don't use it. I'm sure that whatever would have been for sale when it was free will be for sale elsewhere.

Third: Have any of you who are complaining about the $5 noticed that this is a totally FREE site void of advertising? You have to pay nothing to access the best pen-turning, pen-making site on the web, and there are NO advertisements shouting out at you from the sidebars, top bars or any other place. Go to Lumberjocks, or the Wood Whisperer and you will see lots of ads. Compare them to this site and then thank your lucky stars that Jeff has chosen not to go that route.

 

[OLDMAN5050]

They are the rules and we have to follow if we want to use the classified add........... I think a add should stay up longer that 2 weeks maybe have to redo the add one time a month.

 

[zig613]

Wow, I have read through this entire thread and who needs the soap operas on TV, we have our own IAP version of "As the World Turns". Enough of the sarcasm…

Jeff... thanks for your patience in listening to the concerns/issues brought forward by IAP members and for seeing things through with the overhaul of the classified section. Overall, a job well done and I for one appreciate your efforts. As noted in a couple of earlier posts the only thing that could be re-visited is the two week listing time. Perhaps a longer period could be looked at, perhaps in the 3-4 week range.

Thanks for providing us the opportunity to provide feedback.

Wade

 

[bruce119]

Well I didn't read all the post just first few pages. But I did notice that just about all the little guys are gone. That's great for the big guys opens the view for them and heck there making a profit and most just direct you to a web site. I haven't had time to post anything yet but I was planing on clearing out a bunch of blanks at a very low cost. I guess it's just adapting a different tactic. I am still sitting back and see how it goes and get a better feel for it. I have no problem supporting IAP but I can see why the the little guy that posted 1 or lots of blanks dirt cheap every other day went away. Like I said that's great for the larger competition. So I guess I am not sure.

 

[Ruby pen turning]

Well I didn't read all the post just first few pages. But I did notice that just about all the little guys are gone. That's great for the big guys opens the view for them and heck there making a profit and most just direct you to a web site. I haven't had time to post anything yet but I was planing on clearing out a bunch of blanks at a very low cost. I guess it's just adapting a different tactic. I am still sitting back and see how it goes and get a better feel for it. I have no problem supporting IAP but I can see why the the little guy that posted 1 or lots of blanks dirt cheap every other day went away. Like I said that's great for the larger competition. So I guess I am not sure.

I miss all of the ads where you could actually look for something and find it. Or just look for that matter.
where have they all gone? As the laws of rules and regulations would have it, the little guy that wants to sell what they like doing and make a small buck gets squeezed and says screw it, it aint worth sifting through the binders of do`s and don`ts.
Since the new (regulations) We have not sold 1 item on here.

Ahhhh rules and regulations hmmmm... sound familiar.

 

[magpens]

It's too early to pass judgement. As a frequent buyer I am seeing fewer ads. I think the sellers are recoiling from having to pay a fee to advertise. I am still not clear on what "issues" the changes were intended to fix as I am a relative newcomer to IAP. If one of the issues was fundraising, then I think an alternative method would be preferable. I would, for example, be willing to pay a yearly membership fee and have free ads. PREVIOUSLY, the ads provided GREAT ENTERTAINMENT as well as a source of GREAT STUFF. I am missing that !!!

 

[Texatdurango]

......I miss all of the ads where you could actually look for something and find it. Or just look for that matter.
where have they all gone? As the laws of rules and regulations would have it, the little guy that wants to sell what they like doing and make a small buck gets squeezed and says screw it, it aint worth sifting through the binders of do`s and don`ts.
Since the new (regulations) We have not sold 1 item on here.

Ahhhh rules and regulations hmmmm... sound familiar.

Oh for crying out loud Brian..... now you're blaming the new rules for your lack of sales... REALLY, are you kidding! If your pen blank making business isn't doing so well her, perhaps another forum might produce better results.

Try googling pen making forums and see what pops up, try advertising on a few of those and see if your sales pick up any.

You start out talking about all the rules and regulations as if there are thousands of pages to sift through but to insinuate that the new rules are to blame for you not selling any blanks is just absolutely rediculous! If anything they should be helping your sales because there aren't many members posting blanks for sale. Perhaps something else within your control is the reason!

It absolutely blows my mind how some of you people can put such a spin on things to suit your arguments.

And what are you trying to say with your last line? Geeze, if you're going to say something.... say it, don't beat around the bush with cute little comments about how the forum is being run.

 

[jeff]

Brian, thanks for your thoughts.

Over the past few weeks I've asked repeatedly for specific improvements to the rules. I don't believe I've heard from you. I can't do much with "too many rules"...

Well I didn't read all the post just first few pages. But I did notice that just about all the little guys are gone. That's great for the big guys opens the view for them and heck there making a profit and most just direct you to a web site. I haven't had time to post anything yet but I was planing on clearing out a bunch of blanks at a very low cost. I guess it's just adapting a different tactic. I am still sitting back and see how it goes and get a better feel for it. I have no problem supporting IAP but I can see why the the little guy that posted 1 or lots of blanks dirt cheap every other day went away. Like I said that's great for the larger competition. So I guess I am not sure.

I miss all of the ads where you could actually look for something and find it. Or just look for that matter.
where have they all gone? As the laws of rules and regulations would have it, the little guy that wants to sell what they like doing and make a small buck gets squeezed and says screw it, it aint worth sifting through the binders of do`s and don`ts.
Since the new (regulations) We have not sold 1 item on here.

Ahhhh rules and regulations hmmmm... sound familiar.

 

[jeff]

Well I didn't read all the post just first few pages. But I did notice that just about all the little guys are gone. That's great for the big guys opens the view for them and heck there making a profit and most just direct you to a web site. I haven't had time to post anything yet but I was planing on clearing out a bunch of blanks at a very low cost. I guess it's just adapting a different tactic. I am still sitting back and see how it goes and get a better feel for it. I have no problem supporting IAP but I can see why the the little guy that posted 1 or lots of blanks dirt cheap every other day went away. Like I said that's great for the larger competition. So I guess I am not sure.

Which little guys? I'll contact them directly and see if I can find out why they can't make it work. Little guys built the IAP and as I've said several times previously, it was not our intention to squeeze them out.

At least one guy who used to post a small lot of blanks every day is still there. He combined his sales, figured out how to deal with the rules, and is still there selling.

Thanks

 

[Smitty37]

What do you want Jeff?

Would you like my specific suggestions here or would you rather have me send you a PM. Some of them might provoke a few readers.

Brian, thanks for your thoughts.

Over the past few weeks I've asked repeatedly for specific improvements to the rules. I don't believe I've heard from you. I can't do much with "too many rules"...

Well I didn't read all the post just first few pages. But I did notice that just about all the little guys are gone. That's great for the big guys opens the view for them and heck there making a profit and most just direct you to a web site. I haven't had time to post anything yet but I was planing on clearing out a bunch of blanks at a very low cost. I guess it's just adapting a different tactic. I am still sitting back and see how it goes and get a better feel for it. I have no problem supporting IAP but I can see why the the little guy that posted 1 or lots of blanks dirt cheap every other day went away. Like I said that's great for the larger competition. So I guess I am not sure.

I miss all of the ads where you could actually look for something and find it. Or just look for that matter.
where have they all gone? As the laws of rules and regulations would have it, the little guy that wants to sell what they like doing and make a small buck gets squeezed and says screw it, it aint worth sifting through the binders of do`s and don`ts.
Since the new (regulations) We have not sold 1 item on here.

Ahhhh rules and regulations hmmmm... sound familiar.

 

[Buzzzz4]

For me, changes will happen and all will not be pleased. I voted that I don't think things have improved but that is for me as a small seller. I pour blanks as I can and in the past, listed them in small batches. Now I am just stocking up and looking at doing my own website vs. Listing on here or I will probably do both. What I do see happening for me is that I will be expanding what I have to offer. We all have to do what is right for us.
Now as a buyer, the classifieds are cleaner with much less bumping. In time, the amount of ads will pick up and we will all find what we are looking for whether it is on the IAP or elsewhere. Change isn't always easy or good, but it looks like the admin. team is on the right track.

 

[jeff]

PM would be great.

Would you like my specific suggestions here or would you rather have me send you a PM. Some of them might provoke a few readers.

Brian, thanks for your thoughts.

Over the past few weeks I've asked repeatedly for specific improvements to the rules. I don't believe I've heard from you. I can't do much with "too many rules"...

Well I didn't read all the post just first few pages. But I did notice that just about all the little guys are gone. That's great for the big guys opens the view for them and heck there making a profit and most just direct you to a web site. I haven't had time to post anything yet but I was planing on clearing out a bunch of blanks at a very low cost. I guess it's just adapting a different tactic. I am still sitting back and see how it goes and get a better feel for it. I have no problem supporting IAP but I can see why the the little guy that posted 1 or lots of blanks dirt cheap every other day went away. Like I said that's great for the larger competition. So I guess I am not sure.

I miss all of the ads where you could actually look for something and find it. Or just look for that matter.
where have they all gone? As the laws of rules and regulations would have it, the little guy that wants to sell what they like doing and make a small buck gets squeezed and says screw it, it aint worth sifting through the binders of do`s and don`ts.
Since the new (regulations) We have not sold 1 item on here.

Ahhhh rules and regulations hmmmm... sound familiar.

 

[bruce119]

Well I didn't read all the post just first few pages. But I did notice that just about all the little guys are gone. That's great for the big guys opens the view for them and heck there making a profit and most just direct you to a web site. I haven't had time to post anything yet but I was planing on clearing out a bunch of blanks at a very low cost. I guess it's just adapting a different tactic. I am still sitting back and see how it goes and get a better feel for it. I have no problem supporting IAP but I can see why the the little guy that posted 1 or lots of blanks dirt cheap every other day went away. Like I said that's great for the larger competition. So I guess I am not sure.

Which little guys? I'll contact them directly and see if I can find out why they can't make it work. Little guys built the IAP and as I've said several times previously, it was not our intention to squeeze them out.

At least one guy who used to post a small lot of blanks every day is still there. He combined his sales, figured out how to deal with the rules, and is still there selling.

Thanks

Perhaps it just seems that way. I know the one you are speaking of and I did the same thing from time to time. Jumped on with a small flat box from time to time and make a quick cheap sale. That way of selling is going to be a thing of the past as it would drive prices up. But that is OK now you just got to post a lot of lots and I am talking cheap wood not high priced specialized blanks that's different more money involved. I haven't had time to post anything yet but my tactic will change. I got a ton of wood I got to get rid of I'm sure it will work out. Anytime change happens there is going to be a rebel we will adapt. Like I said I have no problem supporting the IAP there is plenty here that can only be found here.

 

[Woodlvr]

I am not saying anything because as George just proved a member offers his opinion and gets attacked for it. It is ridiculous as Jeff asked for opinions and someone attacks them for having them why even bother to care about this subject if you cannot have an opinion? Just my humble opinion!

 

[jeff]

For me, changes will happen and all will not be pleased. I voted that I don't think things have improved but that is for me as a small seller. I pour blanks as I can and in the past, listed them in small batches. Now I am just stocking up and looking at doing my own website vs. Listing on here or I will probably do both. What I do see happening for me is that I will be expanding what I have to offer. We all have to do what is right for us.
Now as a buyer, the classifieds are cleaner with much less bumping. In time, the amount of ads will pick up and we will all find what we are looking for whether it is on the IAP or elsewhere. Change isn't always easy or good, but it looks like the admin. team is on the right track.

I completely agree that we all have to do what's best for us individually.

Back in June you listed 60 blanks at an average price of about $6.50. Most of them sold, so let's say your gross was around $300. The cost for a Premium Classified would have been 3.3% of that. That seems pretty reasonable to me for the exposure to qualified buyers. I don't know how your results have been on eBay, but I believe the cost for selling there would be around 12%. I only quote this info because that ad was one of the ones we discussed when deciding on what would be a reasonable cost for ads for someone who considers himself a small seller.

 

[jeff]

I am not saying anything because as George just proved a member offers his opinion and gets attacked for it. It is ridiculous as Jeff asked for opinions and someone attacks them for having them why even bother to care about this subject if you cannot have an opinion? Just my humble opinion!

I'll happily take your comments via PM.

 

[Buzzzz4]

I completely agree that we all have to do what's best for us individually.

Back in June you listed 60 blanks at an average price of about $6.50. Most of them sold, so let's say your gross was around $300. The cost for a Premium Classified would have been 3.3% of that. That seems pretty reasonable to me for the exposure to qualified buyers. I don't know how your results have been on eBay, but I believe the cost for selling there would be around 12%. I only quote this info because that ad was one of the ones we discussed when deciding on what would be a reasonable cost for ads for someone who considers himself a small seller.

It is good to get that perspective. About half of that add sold which isn't in your control. I closed it as it got so buried under the bumped up ads that I gave up. This will be a good result of the changes. Ads like that one wont get lost as easily.

 

[Justturnin]

Some of my thoughts. I am new and only use the classifieds a couple of times so I dont think I can vote on it.

The bulk of what I do would be in the steals & deals just because I don't deal with large numbers of blanks nor do I do this to actually make money. Most of what I make typically goes to another seller for their blanks. I only have a couple of suggestions for steals and deals.

If you want to limit the amount of items limit the total number and not force them to be grouped. It is hard to group items like that. Maybe instead just limit the number to 25 items instead of 5 groups of 5. What if a buyer wants a couple of blanks from a few groups. The seller loses and so does the buyer becasue they cannot be posted that way.

Only allowing a seller to post in steals and deal once per quarter per like item is tough. Maybe one like item a month or only one like item at a time, so you have to close you old post w/ some blanks to open the new one.

Just my thoughts. No matter what there is no issue from me. It's not my site and you open it up to me so I am greatful for what I have. Like my kids say "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."

Also, I am glad that you open it up for discussion. I am sure changes will be made along the way, so thanks for that as well.

 

[NewLondon88]

well I only placed my first premium classified last night, but have had
some response already via PM. And nobody asked me if I still made
molds or told me "I thought you sold your mold business" so it's all
good. Maybe with less 'clutter' people can see the ad now? Dunno.

But I did have one question come to mind .. what about partnerships?
I know in the premiums you can have up to two ads going at once. It
isn't likely to happen, but what if I had two mold ads going and then
Alton wanted to put up an ad for the 3D blanks? Creative Dimensions is
both of us, and he has nothing to do with molds. Would I need to take
down one of the mold ads before he could put up a Creative ad? I ask
because we've got some things in the works that might appeal to this
crowd, so we'll need to plan it out.

 

[clapiana]

as a seller i think the process for paying is a lot easier then i expected. i was concerned that after paying it took me a bit to get back to iap to post but everything worked smoothly.

yes we do need to review in a few months to see the number of posts in both sections. lots of posts before added a level of excitment that was cool in that lots of stuff was always changing every day hmmm change that.... every hour.

before with bumps like "PM sent" a potential buyer got a feel of the overall interest in an offering...if it was hot others also jumped in....now this is gone with only the ability to send a PM this dynamic is lost.

the intent of having ads getting posted that are much more organized being presented like a billboard ad has been acheived. this is new and the jury is out to see how it works out in the long run for both the seller and buyer. is there a place for this type of post, yes its just a differnt angle then what was working before even with some of the pitfalls. i have confidence the mods will keep tweaking the model overtime and threads like this even with some heat being tossed around is healthy in that comunication is flowing.

a "free for all" section in the classified area would be interesting

i agree $130 yr is dirt cheap stepping back and looking what you are getting as a seller on the iap.

 

[gandsande]

I have noticed that the selling seems much less I have to say I am missing that,

I my self decided to do the trade method instead to save the new fee, I have to say it is nicer to be sorted better and I thinkIi got a fair deal for my trades.

Myself at this time I will not be selling because I find the rules to confusing. especially for The cost charged and then to be limited on the number of postings/update. maybe if I was to have a large stock to be more then a guy with some occasional over stock or good deals to pass along.

I am a little fuzzy as to why the coding could not be set up to stop the bumping and yet allow people to post comments. Then the listing would just stay in order and if a person was interested in the Tread they could open it to find the latest update/post.

I guess thats my 2 bits worth. I am happy to see that the auto deleting and killing of posts when an accidental inapropriate comment is entered has stoped or at least is not quiet yet being done.

I can understand Jeff and the other moderators fustration on the guys selling a lot of stuff for free at the groups/IAPs expense especialy if they are a retailier with there own website/business but, as a little guy with an occasional item to sell or willing to pass along a deal found i think the limits are a bit much also.

I will learn to live and hopefully everyone else will eventually.

I know I will eventually sell again. once I understand the rules better. maybe in the near future.

Greg

 

[KnB Polymers]

I've just been sitting back and observing and reading everyone's posts. Very entertaining!

Here's my observations ...
People aren't selling anymore. There's still only one page of classifieds and it's been almost 2 weeks since they started. I used to love reading the classifieds, seeing all the cool blanks for sell and seeing the varieties that certain pen makers bought (I would LOVE to see their blank stash!) Now it's very very boring going there and I find myself only glancing in there every now and then.

People aren't buying anymore. The few that are posting classifieds, I used to see people grabbing their items up. Now, just a lot of lookers.
This is my second premium classified ad ... I have not sold a single tube. Not blaming it on anything, but would love to know the reason why. I rarely posted a bunch of tubes and didn't sell any.

My opinions ...
I would like the $5 classified ads to be able to accept "I would like item # XX" ... buyers could see what is sold ... it's ok for sellers to not be able to post, they can X the ones sold and anything else can be sent through pm. But I think when the buyers don't have a clue what is available, they skip it. People are lazy as a whole, they don't want to go to any extra effort.
Also, I really like your ideas and thoughts on vendors having their own little spot (sub-categories?) to sell in. Maybe somehow have it pop up in "new posts" when they add new items so buyers don't have to keep going through everyones "store" to see if there is anything new (back to that extra effort thing).

One last opinion I can't stop myself from adding ...
These changes have made a LOT of people act like a bunch of kids!!

When rules are set in stone, people accept changes and go with it.
When rules are still up in the air, people are going to gripe and grumble hoping it will go their way if they raise a high enough voice.

Good luck Jeff and others. You have my sympathy in your endeavors! :biggrin:
And please, nobody jump on me for anything I wrote ... we were asked for our opinion. I almost didn't give mine for that reason. My husband did yesterday and was instantly jumped on.

 

[doddman70]

Well after much thought on how to answer the poll i chose to vote Worse. I have used the forum to sell stuff in the past but have not done so in a couple years and don't plan on posting an add anytime soon but who knows i may find something next week that i want to sell and i have no issue with paying for the add if i choose to do so. I have no problem with charging for the add and i think that Jeff should have done that a long time ago. What i miss is all the adds that used to be in the forum, I'm one of the guys who enjoyed seeing the adds and looking through at all the different posts to see what was available or to even get ideas on things i might like to make. I kinda looked at it just like any of the other forums. Just my opinion on the question at hand. Thanks Jeff for the opportunity to be here.

 

[Displaced Canadian]

What about a wanted section? Just thinking out loud, the idea popped into my head today. If you need something and you are not sure who may have it...

 

[jeff]

Thanks all for your input. We're interested in improving the classifieds and I thank those of you who offered concrete suggestions.