New Classified Section Rules? Hattie, did you write this?
 

I just noticed the new classified rules section and I'm wondering if a few amendments can be made, specifically to rule number 5.

Here is my suggestion:

5: Absolutely no criticism or negative commentary allowed unless specifically requested by the original poster. Negative posts attacking the car/seller will be deleted by the moderators and could result in an infraction. If you suspect anything fraudulent with the sale alert a moderator. No longer will flaming the car's price, condition, character of the seller, etc, be permitted.

I realize the cleaning up of the sale forum is a long time coming, but let's not completely eliminate commentary altogether. Myself and many others have benefited from positive comments and questions regarding the vehicles we're selling. There have also been instances where people ask for suggestions and criticism, and it has helped them along as well.

By not allowing members to make pot shots, (guilty) but allow compliments/productive welcome discussion the spirit of the cars forum will remain.


Original Guidlines:


These guidelines for posting classified ads are for the better of our community.

We ask that you please try to stick to the guidelines to ensure a pleasant experience here in the classifieds section.

1. Posting classified posts with less than 10 posts in the ShopForum can result in getting your ad removed.

2. Dealers of any kind are not allowed to post classified posts in this forum. If any dealer wishes to post ads, please contact the webmaster regarding a premium sponsorship. webmaster@peachparts.com.

3. Accepting money for parts and not sending those parts will result in your account being banned. - With that being said, peachparts will take absolutely NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER for any transactions between members. It is BUYER BEWARE. If a member gets ripped off by another member they are on their own. NO EXCEPTIONS! We do NOT want to get involved in ANY WAY

4. Please try to include pictures with your classified postings, it is not required, but it beneficial to those looking to buy.

5. This is strictly a classified section, no commentary on the items for sale will be allowed. Any commentary will be deleted by the moderators.

Failure to follow the rules will result in necessary actions. This is for the benefit of our community of members helping members, and members purchasing parts from the wonderful parts man we have, Phil, who does a great job handling all the parts requests of this site. The parts bought through Buy Parts and fastlane, help to support this free site, without those parts sales, we would have no ShopForum to go to.

That's been why my '99 E300 isn't/hasn't been listed for sale here.

That said, oft times it turns into a free-for-all. But worse - some quasi-car dealers/car dealer salespeople have sometimes devolved it into a sleazy practices car sales website. That's been a huge turn-off to me.

on the Miata forum if it is not your ad you cannot post at all. That does not keep folks from pm "helpful" comments.

I didn't know that you were selling your E300, SRJ. Did you buy its replacement already?

Yeah its about time. People seem to get a kick out of tearing apart people's adds. The classified section is just that, if you wish to discuss use the other forums for it.

Any posts that don't benifit the seller will be deleted. I don't really want any comentary on the cars at all, although I have been keeping some posts that are benificial to the seller. However I don't think that will continue. We won't issue infractions or warnings unless pushed, or the other forum rules are broken. Simply posting isn't infraction worthy.


I think the changes can only help the classified section. Hopefully more people will list their cars now.

Yes I'm a member of another forum that runs in very strickly as a classified only section. You can only post in the thread if its a question about the item, and it can't be negative. It does work quite well they have a very active forum.

However they have taken it to far and have protected some really bad sellers. We don't wish to do that, if their is a bad apple they will be removed.

Glad to hear it!

Just hit the delete button and save me the trouble.:D

Ok. :D
But you know you giggled a bit before you commented.

Don’t you dare lie and say you didn’t.:rolleyes:

- Shelby

Can we insult anyone who installed those crappy chrome trim pieces around the wheelwell openings on the fenders? How about just some gentle mockery of anyone who installed whitewalls on a post-W108-109 sedan? I'll tell you one thing, if a Merc with one of those fake convertible tops ever graces the Classified section, just ban me before I find out.

Hatterasguy,
I think you are on the right track with your changes.

1st amendmant? :D

After seeing the responses to a 75 240D and 92 300D that was posted recently, I'm glad to see these changes. Not a moment too soon.

As the rules are currently written, even positive posts, like your recent one with the 300SD's very cool sunroof, are frowned upon.

*edit, I see the mod gods have made some changes. Good show.

I've been trying to tone it down, but got sucked into that same thread you described. It was regrettable and I apologized before he deleted the thread. I'm glad some good is coming from it, though.

How in the world is this a 1st Amendment issue?
This is a private forum; you gave up your free speech when you agreed with the rules.

Was everyone stoned during high school civics class? I thought it was just me.

a) i wasn't, uh, totally serious. on the other hand,
b) i don't recall signing my rights away?

i think that most, if not all?, of the "critical" responses are actually quite helpful to the seller. tyler and the "dealer guy" (whose name escapes me) know a lot about the market, and a lot about effective marketing. i guess people - sellers - have a "right" to ask ridiculous prices in poorly constructed, non informative, confusing and misleading ads?

Yes they do, and people will vote with their money until they get their act together.

I imagine its okay to ask questions, as long as its not "why is your car a piece of *%it? :D

As of a week ago, I'm a licensed used car dealer, so no more posting cars for sale here I guess. :(

400 Eric's recent post in his 300E thread is giving me the shakes. The rules came just in time for him...:D

This is a good point, I was not aware of the new guidelines and have since deleted my post. I'll get in touch with Colin privately.

Thanks!

There were reasons why he was getting trashed, Tyler.

Hey, I'd have NO PROBLEM with you selling your own car(s) that have your name on the title. I WOULD have a problem with you bringing your "work" home with you and then you shooting a few pics and trying the hawk the stuff on us unsuspecting PPers...there, we'd have to draw the line. :eek: :P ;)

yes, but fear not, there's still no prohibition on you giving me a nice W126 or W108. :D

I agree with Tyler's suggestion. The current guideline seems me to be very broad. No commentary? Does that mean I shouldn't compliment the seller's vehicle and wish him/her luck? It seems "commentary" should be defined more. I usually will compliment a seller or so. I've never written mean or angered comments, to my knowledge anyway.

I think commentary should be allowed, it might give prospective buyers a good feeling about a car thats for sale. By seeing respected members of the forum approving/complimenting/wishing luck the prospective buyer might be more inclined to inquire/purchase.

Just a thought.

-Kris

Point to ponder......

Rules are only as good as their enforcement.......

Sorta like the OD rules that are not enforced...... Or the immigration laws.

Cry me a river.:rolleyes:

The Mods are fair, if they are on your side by reasoning with them, not by sniping at them.

Not saying they (the mods) are unfair. Just saying that posted rules are frequently not enforced. If rules are not going to be enforced, why post them in the first place? I don't see the point in posting more rules when the existing rules are being ignored. If the rules are out of date or something, why not revise or delete them?

Please cite the specific rules in the classified forum thats not being enforced.

Here's a few that I have observed from the last 90 days or so.



Cardinal Rules

Transgressions here will result in a warning or an infraction (see below). Any violation of rules 11,12,13 or 14 will usually result in an immediate ban.

2. Trolling is not permitted. Trolling is defined as an inflammatory post used strictly for the purpose of irritating other members. The moderator of the respective forum will have the final determination of whether trolling was utilized for a specific post.

3. Ad-hominem arguments and personal attacks are not permitted. Criticize the idea, not the individual. An ad-hominem argument attacks an opponent's character rather than answering his argument. Users who verbally assault the character or person of other members on a regular basis will be banned. "You're wrong" is not a personal attack; "You're wrong because you are an idiot" is an example of a personal attack. Moderator's judgment will apply.

10. Foul or inappropriate language, including racist remarks and slurs, and juvenile toilet humor is not permitted. Moderators judgment will apply.

1. Political / Religious Threads

Political and/or religious threads typically cause the most issues on OD. Members take strong positions on either side of an issue and the responses can quickly deteriorate into personal insults. Political/religious threads will be permitted provided the following conditions are met:

a) The thread is not considered to be trolling. The original post of the thread shall be the determining factor. If the post is determined to be placed for the sole purpose of ranting or inflaming other members, the thread will be removed and the OP will receive a warning or an infraction.

b) The thread proceeds with respectful discussion. If the thread degrades into personal insults or petty responses, infractions will be issued and/or the thread will be closed.


2. Personal Attacks

Debate, discussion and and criticism are acceptable. Personal attacks are not.

When the debate degrades to the point of attacking the person rather than the argument, the post will be considered unacceptable. Words such as "delusional", "idiotic", "moronic", "psychotic", etc. all refer to a person and will generally not be permitted.

An infraction equal to one point will be issued for all blatant personal attacks.


3. Infraction System

Visibility of the System:

All members can see if a specific post was deemed to be unacceptable. In the lower right hand corner of the post will be a yellow card if a warning was issued for that specific post. A red card will be present if an infraction was issued for that specific post. Usually, the word INAPPROPRIATE will also be added to the post by the moderator for all posts where an infraction has been issued.




Amazingly, there appears to be no specific rule against name calling. however, one can get an infraction for "Insulting Other Members" (also not mentioned in the rules). Name calling was running amok here a few weeks ago, mainly by 3 or 4 individuals. For example, do a quick search and see how many hits you get on "Bimbo" or "Bimbos", or "rwnj", or "rwnj's". Some are just general slurs, however, some were directed at specific individuals. And then one day, the name calling slowed down considerably. I suspect that an infraction or two may have been issued, but, as the flag system noted in the rules seems to be no longer maintained, there is no way to tell. Again, if there is no flag system any more, why leave it posted in the rules?

Hey I can speak from personal experience that the rules are being followed. 6 months ago I was given an infraction for suggesting that a certain ( now banned ) individual was "the site idiot". Now this may have been true but you cannot call some one that. Larry B. was given one for a similar comment. Many of us think that was a little over the top to do to him.
The job of a moderator is a thankless one. Guys like Jim Smith and Hatterasguy do a great job. Maybe a few people need to take a "chill pill" and grow up a bit. As far as I am concerned call me what you like, just dont call me late for dinner!! (as my late father often said).
I think the best approach would be to give the person the opportunity to edit their post, if they refuse, then roll out the heavy stuff.
How many times have you exceeded the speed limit & not been caught? Likewise for comments on here.

Palangi clearly you cannot stay on topic, I was talking about the classified forum, not open discussion.

Thread closed.