Personal Adverts - eBay, new members etc

[Northern Man]

As a suggestion, would it be possible to :

(1) Start a separate section for eBay sales listings so those who genuinely want to buy/sell/exchange items direct with other YD members don't have to trawl through countless adverts with links to eBay.

(2) Put a stipulation that members have a post count of 50 before being able to list items for sale. This would discourage new "members" who use YD as a free advertising service for their eBay sales with little intention of actually contributing to the forum

Just a thought, getting off my soap box now

[PeeBee]

Seems to me that what generally seems to happen is that if it's an item that the sellers are happy to see again in a boat being used by someone else then people advertise on YD first, if there are any questions about it's quality/reliability it goes on ebay too. That's my rule of thumb, I'd add that if it's unsafe IMO ten I don't sell it.

[Northern Man]

Originally Posted by PeeBee

Seems to me that what generally seems to happen is that if it's an item that the sellers are happy to see again in a boat being used by someone else then people advertise on YD first, if there are any questions about it's quality/reliability it goes on ebay too. That's my rule of thumb, I'd add that if it's unsafe IMO ten I don't sell it.

Remind me not to buy your eBay items then

[finbar.taylor]

Sorry but I diagree

I have no objection to someone wanting to sell their dive kit putting it up on here for us all to have the opertunity to buy.

What if some one gave diving a try and idn't like it decided to sell their kit and joined here to sell it? Were getting a good deal, they get it shifted. they don't want to post an intro they just want to recope some of the mioney spent on a sport they decided against.

Fin

[CotoChris]

I see your point but I personaly have not seen a problem arising from this. Have there been problems in the past?

[Northern Man]

Originally Posted by finbar.taylor

Sorry but I diagree

I have no objection to someone wanting to sell their dive kit putting it up on here for us all to have the opertunity to buy.

What if some one gave diving a try and idn't like it decided to sell their kit and joined here to sell it? Were getting a good deal, they get it shifted. they don't want to post an intro they just want to recope some of the mioney spent on a sport they decided against.

Fin

Fair enough, I just think that membership of forums should be for more than just the chance for free advertising which clearly some people are doing. I'm a member of other forums (non-diving) and the "50 post" thing discourages this sort of non-contributory membership.

Also, I've got no problem about eBay links in general, but how about separating them out from genuine personal ads? I've bought quite a few items direct with other YD members, and would prefer to do it this way - perhaps it's actually no safer/reliable etc. but I feel have more trust in a transaction with a YD member than doing it through a "new member" who has everything for sale on eBay anyway.

Perhaps it's just me though

[PeeBee]

Originally Posted by Northern Man

Fair enough, I just think that membership of forums should be for more than just the chance for free advertising which clearly some people are doing. I'm a member of other forums (non-diving) and the "50 post" thing discourages this sort of non-contributory membership.

Also, I've got no problem about eBay links in general, but how about separating them out from genuine personal ads? I've bought quite a few items direct with other YD members, and would prefer to do it this way - perhaps it's actually no safer/reliable etc. but I feel have more trust in a transaction with a YD member than doing it through a "new member" who has everything for sale on eBay anyway.

Perhaps it's just me though

To a certain extent I agree with you, it would be nice to think that we weren't just an advertising opportunity but tbh the mods are pretty good at sifting out the trolls and spammers.
If you use the forum a lot, you get a sense of the kind of person someone is, is he/she known, popular, trusted etc so you can make a judgement call about whether you would buy from them or sell to them/let them take kit away to try etc. I certainly value the trust that other YDers have put in me to play fair and with a few rare exceptions I'm happy to do the same for others.

[gerbil]

Got to be honest i wont buy anything from here unless they have largish number of posts and others seem willing to talk to them

[witchieblackcat]

Whereas I feel that I'm getting to know a few of you quite well when it comes to buying things you all fall into the same category as eBay sellers. Yes I can check your posts to see what lovely people you all are but I can check feedback for eBay sellers too.

Without wanting to offend anyone, the bottom line is YD people and eBay sellers are internet people and might not be what they seem. An appropriate lating phrase springs to mind: Caveat emptor - buyer beware.

[Twinsetmad]

I find its alot to do with how and whats for sale... I can't abide just links to ebay...

I do use ebay, and If I feel I can make a fair deal then I'll offer it on YD first..

Then if there's no interest then off to ebay it goes...

I'm not against people selling stuff on here, just posting a link to ebay is boardering on spam..

If new members are selling good stuff cheap, then they are welcomed with open arms.... which is sad.

I think the 50 post thing is a great idea. .... or a request to the mods to post the advert.... seems polite to ask...