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[WanderingWind]

Okay, so the B/S/T thread is getting heated and actual sales are grinding to a halt. To prevent any further dilution of the thread, let's leave all discussion of the proposed guidelines and the voting thereof in this thread.

For reference:

Reposts
So I went away for a month and it took me about 30 minutes to update the user-submitted feedback list. That's including a bit of allotted time for how god-awfully slow Google Documents is with a document that size. You might be thinking "Crisis, it only took you 30 minutes to update that list from almost 1000 posts?" Yep. You want to know how? Because so, so many of the posts in this thread are either people leaving feedback, or reposts of items for sale.

Think about a prospective buyer that hasn't done business in this thread before. They're almost certainly inclined to not look back far enough in the thread to see a bunch of the items that are listed because it looks like a bunch of positive feedback mentions for everyone and it looks like a giant load of reposts. Far too many people are merely posting when the page is still new, and not even waiting 100 posts or even 50 posts. This has got to change.

So I want to implement a new policy where every seller waits 150 posts to repost their items for sale. That's three pages if you're on the standard GAF settings, and a page and a half if you're on the 100-posts-per-page setting. This would benefit each and every seller in this thread, and it'd benefit any potential buyer, as they'd get to see more of what's for sale.

No More Linking to Auction Sites
You know why people on GAF like doing business in this thread? Because it isn't eBay. I speak for everyone, I think, when I say that we don't like paying out fees to sell our items. The fewer of those, the better. We also don't like paying fees to BUY items. We've got people linking here on NeoGAF to their auction sites or to eBay, and I really want it to stop. For starters, we need to keep GAF business here on GAF. But if that reason's not good enough, it's technically against NeoGAF's terms of service to link to an auction site, anyway. It's not really enforced in this thread because it's sort of a gray area in terms of the rules. But nevertheless, if you want to do business here, then do business here - don't link to another site to do it. Pass the savings onto your fellow GAFfers.

Seller Pricing/Promotional Item Sales
I'd like to clarify once and for all my official position on the matter of pricing in this thread. In the Buy/Sell/Trade Thread, you can sell any item you want for any amount of money you want. If you want to sell a copy of Madden 2003 for the Gamecube for $84.47, you can do that. And the rest of you need to get off that person's ass about it. On the other hand, if you happen to know of another user or site that is selling a copy of Madden 2003 for the Gamecube for $0.82, you can feel free to state so within this thread, or you can PM the user selling it for $84.47 to let them know about it. Seriously - stop whining about it in the thread. This is capitalism. The item will sell if it's appropriately-priced. It won't sell if it isn't.

For promotional items and codes and that kind of thing, I don't care if someone paid exactly $0.00 for them, or paid $1.75 for shipping/handling to get it, and they are asking $35 for it in the thread. It's their item to sell on the thread. If you know how they got it for that price and it's possible to duplicate it, feel free to list how to do it in this thread. How much you paid for the item is irrelevant when it comes to selling it here in the thread. Stop complaining about it.

To make it easier on the voting that should take place, we'll call these issues 1, 2, 3. So, for issue 1, I'd vote yes on a limit on amount of reposts per 100, for example. Etc.

And guys? We have a decent community of buyers and sellers. Please leave the name-calling and anger at the door. Let's try to keep it civil.

Addendum: For issue 1, please indicate 100 or 150 posts if yes.

 

[RBK]

Yes to Proposition 1, 2, and 3!

 

[scorpscarx]

Yes to all, for what it is worth.

 

[dallow_bg]

Yes to 1 (though a timed rule would be better, like at least 36 hours between reposts) and 3.

No to 2.
I've seen others, and even won an eBay auction posted by members in the past.
Don't see anything wrong with this at all.

 

[xaosslug]

issue 1: no. Every other page is fine. The default GAF page setting is 50 posts per page, not 100. If you choose to change that to 100 that is your choice, but other posters should not be held accountable.
issue 2: no
issue 3: yes

 

[WanderingWind]

Obviously, I am also in favor of 1,2,3.

But I will not take my ball and go home, should GAF decide differently.

 

[RomanticHeroX]

Yes
No
Yes

 

[darkeagle1437]

Yes to number 1. Every 100 posts would probably be best. I am getting sick of seeing the same posts on every page. I check every post anyway, so I really don't want to see a bunch of repeats.

No to number 2. I have bought a few things from links to ebay on this site. I have no problem with links to other sites.

Yes to number 3. This one should just be obvious. Someone going around saying that someone's items are overpriced is annoying. Each person has there own opinion of what their stuff is worth.

These are my votes. I have no problems with what whatever GAF members end up deciding for this thread.

 

[alr1ght]

Reposts: No sooner than 48 hours. We can all go back a few pages and look what people are selling. No, we don't need a repost every 50 posts with 40 pictures of individual game boxes. If you're selling a bunch of games, take a huge picture and cross out games as needed.

2. No

3. Yes. However, all items should have a list price. I don't even deal with people who say "make an offer."

 

[GK86]

1- I wouldn't mind the suggestion of 24 hrs between posts. But if we don't go down that road, then def 100 posts between posts.

2- don't mind linking to sites.

3- yes.

 

[lilralphie]

1. YES
2. Indifferent
3. Yes

 

[drizzle]

Yes for everything.

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

Yes - Seems fair enough.
No - GAF can be fickle, leading to the nuisance of GAF Prop 1.
Yes

Posting stuff on eBay just makes it easy to get a sale for me if GAF doesn't pan out, and most of my stuff goes for fair prices. See also that copy of Shantae I sold recently for around $50 to someone here. Or that Thor TPB that's out of print and sells for $50+ elsewhere that went for $8ish.

I don't gouge, I just want stuff out of my house.

 

[Aselith]

1. Yes but I think it should be 100 posts.

2. No. I don't see it being a serious issue UNLESS the seller will only sell it via the other site. It should be enforced that anything you post on Gaf you must be willing and able to sell through Gaf.

3. Yes without qualification.

 

[The_Inquisitor]

YES
NO
YES

 

[Rorschach]

1. Every other page seems fair.
2. I don't care either way. You are dealing with a GAFer in the end. That's what I care about. Other people may outbid you, but you're gonna buy the item from a GAFer.
3. Don't care either. Cock blocking is wrong, though!

 

[Card Boy]

1) No, should be every 100 posts not 150
2) No
3) Yes

 

[Aselith]

1) No, should be every 100 posts not 150
2) No
3) Yes

Just to be clear for results...you are voting yes but with the qualification that you want it to be 100 posts instead of the 150, yes?

 

[NeoUltima]

1. Yes
2. No
3. Yes

 

[Card Boy]

Just to be clear for results...you are voting yes but with the qualification that you want it to be 100 posts instead of the 150, yes?

Yes.

 

[friskykillface]

1- Yes, haha pages will go by slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww but its needed. I'd say 100 is more better, thats what i do anyway
2- No
3- YES, price police makes me lol and time to cut down on that please.

 

[MikeE21286]

Issue 1: No
There's a couple different things going on with this issue, but I think the problem is not the frequency of reposts, but the size of the posts that become continuously reposted.

I think this issue tries to solve a different problem. A prospective buyer that hasn't done business in the thread before will not have a gauge for what constitutes a repost. I think they're turned off moreso by the size of the post than the number of reposts.

Also, there's currently about 7500 posts in the buy/sell/trade thread through approximately 39 weeks this year. That's about 5-6 days to wait, as a seller, to post again. Most people (I'd venture) look at only the last page. There's also a common assumption that the likelihood of posts several days/pages back are no longer up to date.

I have a feeling that this rule could make activity drop and the thread will be far less fluid.

Issue 2: No
Issue 3: Yes

 

[Aselith]

Yes.

Ok then since there is more than one of us who would like this option, I'm going to PM WanderingWind about adding an a. or b. option for reposts to be either 100 or 150.

 

[dallow_bg]

Ok then since there is more than one of us who would like this option, I'm going to PM WanderingWind about adding an a. or b. option for reposts to be either 100 or 150.

and a c. option for timed reposts rather than per page perhaps?

 

[Crisis]

Guys, I'm not gonna vote in this thread. I've argued until I was blue in the face over it so you all know where I'm at on this issue. But I want to point out a couple of things about the time limit idea. If the thread weren't stickied, I would have suggested that route instead of a post count minimum because it's a really good idea. However, the thread IS stickied, and therefore cannot be "bumped" up. The posts aren't disappearing from the page if there is no activity in the thread. Secondly, it is going to be really, really hard to moderate that as opposed to a strict post count minimum. Personally, I feel that a time limit would only complicate selling items in this thread, and that was absolutely not my intention in bringing up these. I'd really prefer not to go a time route, because I feel that can lead to a lot of potentially negative effects as a result of it, the way this thread is structured. You can feel free to vote for it if you want, or for no post count minimum at all, but I think a post count minimum is the best way to go.

 

[Aselith]

and a c. option for timed reposts rather than per page perhaps?

Well, you'd have to make your case on that one. Way I see it if the thread hasn't progressed at the least 100 posts since you posted, you should probably just update your original post and bold the changes so that people notice them since the thread obviously isn't moving too fast anyways. Not saying that shouldn't be an option but I'd like to hear a bit more on your reasoning.

 

[The M.O.B]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes

 

[knee]

I fail to see what makes this a fair way come to a consensus. You're all voting based on a sole poster's (Crisis) view and the quote is hardly objective.

 

[Aselith]

I fail to see what makes this a fair way come to a consensus. You're all voting based on a sole poster's (Crisis) view and the quote is hardly objective.

We are voting on rules that Crisis suggested. Crisis isn't trying to be a dick, he's trying to improve the thread. This thread is to decide if the majority want the changes suggested. If you have better ideas you can suggest them and we can add those to the vote. Quite a few people have suggested personal modifications and anyone can agree with and vote on those as well.

For example, I suggested 100 posts instead of 150 as have a number of others.

 

[TP]

1. NO
Every 100 posts instead of 150

2. NO

3. YES

However, all items should have a list price. I don't even deal with people who say "make an offer."

I agree. I just skip those posts until I see prices posted

 

[knee]

We are voting on rules that Crisis suggested. Crisis isn't trying to be a dick, he's trying to improve the thread. This thread is to decide if the majority want the changes suggested. If you have better ideas you can suggest them and we can add those to the vote. Quite a few people have suggested personal modifications and anyone can agree with and vote on those as well.

For example, I suggested 100 posts instead of 150 as have a number of others.

Ah okay-- just seemed like the vote was going on before discussion was even happening.

• I'd be okay with 100 posts per repost.
• I would also be okay with moving all feedback and using Heatware from here forward. That would eliminate all of the 'Positive Feedback' posts within the thread.

 

[NathanMcMahon]

1.No,
2.No,
3.No,

 

[tsigo]

1) Yes. I don't care if it's 100 or 150.

2) Don't care.

3) Don't care. I bought a Dirt 3 code, which was free to the seller, for $3 and I was happy to do it. It's all about what someone is willing to pay. If no one's buying or the owner is feeling generous, there's always the Free to a Good Home thread.

 

[woodypop]

1. Yes
2. Currently don't feel strongly either way
3. Yes

 

[Crisis]

Ah okay-- just seemed like the vote was going on before discussion was even happening.

• I'd be okay with 100 posts per repost.
• I would also be okay with moving all feedback and using Heatware from here forward. That would eliminate all of the 'Positive Feedback' posts within the thread.

Just so you know, I saw what you wrote originally before you edited it. Stay classy. And Heatware requires administrator implementation on a forum to get it to work properly.

 

[8BitsAtATime]

1. Yes
2. No
3. Yes

 

[Drkirby]

Yes for 1 and 2, I am a bit divided on 3, since I did always enjoy calling people out who were selling disc only games at 40% markups compared to Amazon or Gamestop and such, but can see why it is a bit rude.

For Number 1, I think a 48 hour rule would be best. Every x posts cause a lot of repeat.

Actually, like one person pointed out, I really would love it if items were required to have prices. That way I can decided on the spot "Take it or leave it", and not have to deal with bartering. Most of the time, anything that is an "offer", that isn't some sort of actually unique item, I'll just pretend it isn't there.

 

[Jsquared77]

1.Yes
2.No
3.Yes

 

[Wool]

1) Yes, 150 posts seems reasonable.
2) Yes
3) Yes


I think some people are really overreacting, these all seem like very small changes. I will continue browsing the thread either way though.

 

[conkwe]

1. Yes
2. No
3. Yes

 

[dallow_bg]

Well, you'd have to make your case on that one. Way I see it if the thread hasn't progressed at the least 100 posts since you posted, you should probably just update your original post and bold the changes so that people notice them since the thread obviously isn't moving too fast anyways. Not saying that shouldn't be an option but I'd like to hear a bit more on your reasoning.

I hadn't thought about it that way. Good point actually.

 

[storl026]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes

 

[IrishNinja]

1) Yes
2) No
3) No, i know it's annoying but if im about to buy something for $30 used, i kinda appreciate it if someone chimes in and says "its $20 right now new on amazon", myself. i might be salty if i was the seller, but i buy more in that thread than i sell, so i don't mind!

 

[knee]

Just so you know, I saw what you wrote originally before you edited it. Stay classy.

What is your point? Stay focused and stop being so emotional.

And Heatware requires administrator implementation on a forum to get it to work properly.

That's actually a good thing.

3) No, i know it's annoying but if im about to buy something for $30 used, i kinda appreciate it if someone chimes in and says "its $20 right now new on amazon", myself. i might be salty if i was the seller, but i buy more in that thread than i sell, so i don't mind!

I chime in and I've been chimed in on. No one wants to get fleeced.

 

[Aselith]

What is your point? Stay focused and stop being so emotional.



That's actually a good thing.



I chime in and I've been chimed in on. No one wants to get fleeced.

I don't think instituting an automated feedback system would be beneficial as long as someone is willing to run the system we have currently. I always feel pretty good about how things are going in the thread when I stop into look at new merchandise and see a bunch of positive feedbacks. It's great to be able to not only know that people are having good experiences but to see a person wax just a little poetic about the experience they just had buying here. Makes me feel safe buying here and I like the personal flourishes from Crisis when someone hit's a milestone in the feedback program.

It's also beneficial for grinding out posts so that you guys can repost your knick-knacks that nobody has shown an interest in for the past 10 weeks on the new page.

 

[Wallach]

Yes to all three points.

 

[Kunohara]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes

 

[Ryuukan]

Yes
Yes
Yes

 

[EYEL1NER]

I vote yes on all three.
150 posts per repost, no eBay, and no telling people off about pricing all sound good to me.

-I hate seeing the same post 3 times on a page because someone wants everyone who has 50 posts a page set to see it.
-Having been burned by ReconYoda (friendly reminder people, don't do business with this guy!), I can kinda see the appeal of linking to eBay sites, because there is some more protection beyond just Paypal, but if it is against the rules to link to auction sites, then they shouldn't be here.
-And the pricing issue...I have seen a ton of shit that I read the name of, think 'Damn, I've been looking for that, I want it,' but then I see the price and say "eBay and Amazon have that for $X cheaper right now, why would I ever pay that?" But if that is what they want to sell it for, then whatever. They can price shit whatever they want. If it doesn't sell, well, it's their fault for not knowing the value of their stuff, have fun holding onto your items you don't want. If it does, well, it's the buyer's fault he paid more because he didn't look around.

 

[bubnbob]

indifferent
indifferent
indifferent

If you have to repost your stuff over and over, take the hint and move on. You are borderline spam, equivilant to those seen on CraigsList. If I could flag your posts, I would. Over and over.