I was recommended the site to use to sell
Not surprised. Where else can you sell these types of products on-line, for free? Sure we've had people register for no other reason than to sell something. We've also caught a member or two selling multiple items, on a ongoing basis, for profit (which is against the selling rules). Since the Classified section is a service for contributing members, we're always on the lookout for those who just want to use the forum to sell something. The latest addition to the requirements, 15 likes, was actually the lowest number we considered, and was kept low for those who may have trouble making posts that others feel are worthy of a like. If we think someone is making BS posts, just to get the necessary 15 likes, as some have done with the 50 posts requirement, we reserve the right to change the rules for that person. Some people are always going to go for the shortcuts or loopholes when there's an advantage to be gained.
While I am ready to contribute to the site for 50 worthwhile posts and stay active for 50 days, I don't want to find myself in a situation where the culture of the forum frowns upon those that do just the bare minimum to sell a piece in the classifieds.
We know we can't stop people from selling, then leaving, after meeting the requirements to sell. All we can do is force them to work for the privilege. If your posts are good ones then nobody is going to call you out. If you decide to leave the forum for good after selling your item, well everyone leaves a forum at some point. Forums have, by nature, a fairly transient membership. A certain number of people will adopt the forum as a hang out, if the topic interests them, and the forum is active and has enough good off topic posting. This one has been a success. A lot of forums never really get off the ground.
Personally I'd rather see someone make good quality posts, meet the selling requirements, and leave after the sale, than have some lazy person register and pump knowledgeable members on and on for info instead of doing the necessary reading in the threads, then leave after they've sucked out all the info they need to make a vape choice. That type of member contributes absolutely nothing and often leaves without even a thanks to those who fed them all the info. We'll also cut off an 'Ask FC' thread where this is happening, and send the person to the threads to finish their research.
Make your posts and meet the requirements. You're certainly capable of being a contributor instead of a user. No one will judge your motives, just your posts. If you decide to leave early, you'll just be one of many who do so. If you decide to hang around, even intermittantly, you'll be welcome as long as you follow the rules.
