Selling Banner

[river]

Hi,

Not quite sure what to call the topic of this thread so "Selling Banner" will suffice.

There's been numerous posts by people (often in the wrong section) whinging that they cannot sell stuff and why not.

Like many of you I am getting tired of this continual dribble from ignorant boofheads that obviously haven't bothered to read the FAQ. Now, most of the time we answer their questions and often slap them with some -ve rep. But, like a turkey shoot, this becomes tiresome and aggravating after a while.

Although I understand there are FAQs and when ppl join the forums they are informed to read the FAQ etc... but I don't think the message is sinking in for some.

What alternatives can we do to highlight the importance of reading the FAQ? Is it possible to put up a largish banner on the Home page - to the right of the map of Australia - that clearly states to read the FAQ before posting (and especially before posting an item to sell), with the appropriate links? Also is it possible to put something at the top of the main Forum page (and maybe even the Classifieds page) - under where it says "Toymods Car Club" and above the menu bar - that also highlights the requirement to read/understand the FAQs?

I know that there will still be the odd spastic or three who will still charge in and make a dunderclump of themselves..... but.... well, I'm trying to see if there is a more obvious way we can try and reduce the number of these sort of posts. I understand there is already a FAQ and stickys.. but some ppl obviously need a flashing message with pretty colours to get the idea drilled into their head. And, I guess there's those that still don't get it

Your thoughts?

seeyuzz
river

[Ben Wilson]

How about a sticky on the top of each classifieds section called something like "Can't post? Click here"

[takai]

How about a sticky on the top of each classifieds section called something like "Can't post? Click here"

That sounds like a good option, especially as it doesnt obstruct the viewing/reading of all other users at the same time, and would reasonably accurately target the population of new users trying to sell stuff.

[WiLo]

How about a sticky on the top of each classifieds section called something like "Can't post? Click here"

there is a similar thread on H4s, where they have no advertising people have in their post they couldnt find the for sale section so just put it in a random section, then they wonder why they get flamed and the thread deleted.


good idea though river, pity i have to share some love first though

[kingmick]

"Can't post? something is wrong with your computer or sever connection, please contact them to see if they can help you, because the FAQ on toymods couldnt so they should be able to fix it for you"

bahahaha

[Joshstix]

There is a sticky at the top of each of the for sale sections that explains the rules Classifieds Rules & Posting Rights: updated 31/8/06

The problem is that people think it's their right to sell things on this resource that is supplied to them for free by the Toymods car club rather than a privillege. I don't know what we can do to change this. There are a lot of people that do know the rules and choose to break them anyway.

[Sigmeister]

It's been a while since I signed up, but is it made very clear on the sign up page about selling goods etc?

Is it possible to add a little test or soemthing to make sure people are aware of the facts when signing up?

How much rep do you need to post in for sale?
Why is this so?

Then they can be rejected if poeple don't know with a reason or something?

Just trying to think as I suspect you can't change the error message you get when posting in the for sale section to read "You are unable to post in ths section becuase you do not have enough rep. Please make some positive contributions to the Forum"

[Jackel]

why just make a two line script that pops up another window when you user signs up that has 24 size font saying "you can't post in classifieds if you don't have enough rep"

maybe it'll sink in

[Enchanter]

Im not sure what happens when a low rep user tries to post a for sale thread and is denied but why cant an explanation simply pop up at the time?
eg.
sorry you do not have sufficient rep points to post in this section

and then a link to "what are rep points".

[mtp_69_i]

what about making a Decline/Accept part of the registration that includes the FAQ and must be accepted before registration is completed. That way you really shove them in peoples faces. State clearly in this part that failure to follow instructions set out in the FAQ will be dealt with harshly, blah blah blah... negative rep from the rep squad, rocks on your roof, internet crucification etc etc

[mtp_69_i]

Im not sure what happens when a low rep user tries to post a for sale thread and is denied but why cant an explanation simply pop up at the time?
eg.
sorry you do not have sufficient rep points to post in this section

and then a link to "what are rep points".

that is also an excellent suggestion

[WiLo]

that is also an excellent suggestion

and is pretty much what is in place now, except it doesnt say not enough rep, but something along the lines of insufficient privledges

[Enchanter]

and is pretty much what is in place now, except it doesnt say not enough rep, but something along the lines of insufficient privledges

Id say that is one of the causes of confusion then. People may think, "huh, well how do I get those privledges, I though Id joined properly...." etc

If it said rep points and then a link to describe what rep is and how to get it AND why its important I think we may reduce the newbie ignorance problems.

Its funny but at work I ask people to sign very important documents and do they read those documents - NO, at least not until I point out they should probably understand what they are signing. Its the same here in a way, we ask people to read the rules and FAQ but do they - NO they dont, its human nature. "if everyone else has done it, its got to be ok...." etc

[deviant]

I think that it should be made so when you click to view the classified section it first takes you to a screen saying 'you may view the classified adds but you may not post in here until you have sufficient reputation points' with a box to tick to say you understood before it directs you on to the classifieds and another button with 'what are reputation points?' on it that directs you to the FAQ.

I think the club needs to be carefull about how much it grills new members and drills rules into them, it could potentially push new members (and fee payers) away.