Three Strikes on Classifieds?

[syrupy]

Question: would it be beneficial to have a 3 strikes or similar rule for negative feedback on classifieds?

I say yes. I know FC is neutral towards these transactions, so I'm not asking for strict policing. But when someone has jacked up 3 transactions, I want to know. Yes, the negative feedback thread exists for that. Not everyone checks the thread, or has been around FC long enough to understand some of the selling/trading dynamics.

The idea comes from a similar forum I inhabit for musicians. Instruments are sold traded much the same way as here, except for their 3 strikes rule. Another site uses some kind of built-in 'karma' feature to show feedback ratings similar to ebay.

Browsing FC is available to everyone, but posting as a member has its rules. If I go on a crusade of cursing and bashing, it won't be long before I'm banned. But if I flake out on some classified transactions, rip some FCers off, the only consequence is posts in the Neg FB thread? That doesn't seem fitting.

Again, I'm not calling for the powers of FC to act. It's not their deal. But I'm calling for the community itself to request some consequence for members who can't pull off sell or trade. I don't care why some person can't seem to ship or get their communication straight. If they have a pattern, why let them list?

Posting in Classifieds is a PRIVILEGE, not a BIRTHRIGHT.

 

[norcalty]

FC moderators should look at pbnation.com forums and how they have monetized the site while offering feedback systems for the users. Works pretty well.

 

[syrupy]

FC moderators should look at pbnation.com forums and how they have monetized the site while offering feedback systems for the users. Works pretty well.

Oh no not the M word "monetized"!!! That would destroy my image of FC being totally independent, free with the hobbyist in mind. The anti-HightTimes. Right now, I imagine the site costs are paid by the mods pooling together pocket change. I'd still rather see a "hotties of FC" or VRE porn calendar.

 

[herbivore21]

I think 3 strikes is a reasonable time to be handing out a period of reflection away from FC for the perpetrator, hopefully mods agree.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

I'd still rather see a "hotties of FC"

You can use my avatar for the front cover.

And I'll get my fireman's costume ready for the back cover.

 

[DieHard]

I'm sure @lwien and @dorkus_molorkus will be willing to pose for said calendar.

Edit: oh yeah.... Fuck Monetization!

 

[Kief]

Right now, I imagine the site costs are paid by the mods pooling together pocket change.

This site does have advertizements at the bottom of every page in the form of 3 hyperlinks that rotate between our most supportive sponsors. They are the least intrusive ads I've ever seen on a public forum... that's just one of the reasons I love this place.

 

[Silver420Surfer]

I would donate yearly or whatever it takes, this site has NO equal, but wasn't this about 3 strikes and out classified privileges

 

[syrupy]

Yes, the idea in the OP was to just limit access to the Classifieds, not the entire site, or exile them to GC.

But in the end, it's probably better for the mods to kind of let the Classifieds do their own thing, and stick with the 'just a venue' line like ebay and craigslist.

 

[Vicki]

I think the best rule of thumb in the classifieds is to be careful who you deal with. I usually only deal with people I know fairly well here at the forum (as well as I can know someone I have never met), and long time members. I've used the classifieds a lot, and so far I am completely satisfied.

Of course there are always exceptions to the rule.

 

[stickstones]

I never do a transaction in the classifieds without thoroughly researching the other member's posts. it's very easy to search for posts about a member in the negative feedback thread.

 

[herbivore21]

I never do a transaction in the classifieds without thoroughly researching the other member's posts. it's very easy to search for posts about a member in the negative feedback thread.

This is true, in fact it is one of the few kinds of searches on FC which is very easy!

Just try throwing a short term into the search bar up the top lol - it's just like you typed in nothing at all!

The feedback threads are both crucial stuff no doubt! Still, for egregious offenders it would be nice to think we can forget caveat emptor and turn it into caveat charlatan before showing them the door (at least in the classifieds section).

Obviously though implementing this is another story, and requires more work of mods who already give plenty of their time and efforts as it is.

 

[pakalolo]

In all of the time we've offered Classifieds, we've had exactly two situations come up that a rule like this would cover. In both cases, the Classified privileges have been revoked.

 

[vtac]

In all of the time we've offered Classifieds, we've had exactly two situations come up that a rule like this would cover. In both cases, the Classified privileges have been revoked.

And the Classifieds rules have it covered.

• Use of the Classifieds is a privilege which may be revoked at staff discretion in the event of misuse.

I never do a transaction in the classifieds without thoroughly researching the other member's posts. it's very easy to search for posts about a member in the negative feedback thread.

The Tips and Feedback sub-forum has a helpful thread in this vein.

 

[herbivore21]

In all of the time we've offered Classifieds, we've had exactly two situations come up that a rule like this would cover. In both cases, the Classified privileges have been revoked.

Sounds like we effectively have a 3 strikes type approach in practice anyway then

 

[His_Highness]

IMO - For the most part there are two types of frustrating folk you can run into for a purchase:

1. The well meaning but disorganized and lazy: These folks come out of the gate with the best intentions but the 'Say - Do' rate is nowhere near what they themselves intended. These are not fraudsters ... but man can they frustrate the crap out of you with their 'meant to get it done today' kinda shit that can drag on for days/weeks. Most of the time these folks will eventually come through if pestered sufficiently, but damn....life is too short to get stuck working with these well-meaning soul suckers. The three strikes rule would help here but so would doing your homework.
2. The outright fraudster: This is someone who meant to hose you from the start. The 3 strikes rule is useless here because for the most part...they meant for the transaction to be a 'one and done'. Although they may try and work out a few 'one and done's' simultaneously. The three strike rule isn't going to help here.

The rest are either good transactions or would have been if not for something truly unforeseen and meriting consideration/forgiveness for a time.

 

[killick]

I've bought a couple of things through the forums, and have never had an issue. I like to think our 'little' group is a bit more friendly than others, and therefore more forthright and honest. But then again I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, and usually it works just dandy.

 

[darkrom]

FC moderators should look at pbnation.com forums and how they have monetized the site while offering feedback systems for the users. Works pretty well.

But yes I think this would be good. At very minimum a feedback system. I understand why the site does it at your own risk, basically they are not involved at all. Keeps the liability away from them. Understandable. So if they want to stay totally hands off, they should at least implement a feedback system. If someone had 5 positive reviews and one review about "they are a scumbag my glass showed up broken!" then I'd probably still want to do business with them, and have them pack better etc. If someone had 2-3 reviews about shady things, scams etc...It would save a lot of honest people some serious headache and potentially money. My vote is at minimum leave a user operated feedback system, if its even something they can implement reasonably. Still stay hands off, but empower us to take care of it better.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

But yes I think this would be good. At very minimum a feedback system. I understand why the site does it at your own risk, basically they are not involved at all. Keeps the liability away from them. Understandable. So if they want to stay totally hands off, they should at least implement a feedback system. If someone had 5 positive reviews and one review about "they are a scumbag my glass showed up broken!" then I'd probably still want to do business with them, and have them pack better etc. If someone had 2-3 reviews about shady things, scams etc...It would save a lot of honest people some serious headache and potentially money. My vote is at minimum leave a user operated feedback system, if its even something they can implement reasonably. Still stay hands off, but empower us to take care of it better.

Search the Positive/Negative Feedback for a seller's username! Yeah not every single transaction is posted but it should give a half-decent idea if they've done business here before.

And yes, definitely the least intrusive ads I've seen on any forum I'm a part of. I would rather paypal @vtac some money than have it go monetized. Having been here for a few years now and getting pretty familiar with how things are here I have to say it's a truly fantastic thing to behold. Yes we have our arguments and stuff but hot damn if the level of maturity (and immaturity ) isn't high here Knowing that there's no monetizing going on is a nice feeling.

 

[SSVUN~YAH]

How about a rule of only one or two "Want to buy" post/s on the classifieds per member at a time? Must close one of the older one before posting a new one. I want to buy stuff all the time too, but have never posted an ad, and I do see the "Want to buy" as a very useful tool. However, I have seen some very "vague" descriptions and seen over 7+ "Want to buy" on the classifieds, unlocked from a single member.

 

[Jeppy]

I think I should get 3 strikes, as I have screwed myself on at least 3 transactions there. It would definitely prevent me from another failure on my part.

 

[DDave]

I'm sure @lwien and @dorkus_molorkus will be willing to pose for said calendar.

Edit: oh yeah.... Fuck Monetization!

That calendar would be pinned up in my garage!!!! Yep, right behind the plywood, 3 layers of drywall, and a sign that said BEWARE!!!

No offense guys, this post was made out of pure fear!!!

 

[iDRINKBLEACH]

I like the classifieds I look through them to start my FC creeping. I wish I could post there, but I think I've used it 4 times already. Just acquired a whole rig n enail set up. Ill leave a feedback as I always do once package arrives on Thursday. I've had no problems but always checked feedback section before buying. An auction section would be nice tho.

 

[BeardedCrow]

I have zero strikes and yet I can't post in classified.
I have all the requirements..

 

[FlyingLow]

I for one would be opposed to a 3-strike policy.

I think it would only encourage offenders to set up multiple accounts under new names, making tracking true seller rating history nearly impossible.