classified sections

[finga]

Hey Steve, would it be possible to have a sticky in the classified pages letting people know what information they need in an ad?
It seems that in 90% of the items needed or for sale the first 5 posts are taken up by people asking where is the item, condition and how much etc etc.

[Cammy]

I have seen other sites where they have a different setup for their classified section, where you have to tell, Location, price, quatity etc. Otherwise you cannot post the thread, it explaines everything and is easy to read. it could work on this forum to mabye?

Im not having a go at this forum if you got the wrong impression, about the way its designed, im quite happy with the way the forum is.....

Cam

[Ausfish]

Use to be a thread there with info but can't find it now. Would yoiu mind coming up with the template/info and I will post it up as a sticky/terms of use.

[finga]

I thought there was a sticky as well but things happen...

Anyways life goes on....
(1) Location
(2) condition
(3) extras
(4) picture is a good idea
(5) price
(6) contact number + best time to contact but in my opinion initial contact should be done by PM. That would be a personal choice though.
(7) if willing to post or not for little items.

A bump only allowed after 7 days and 'fake' bumps just deleted because you see lots of them through the pages.

If not enough information given or too many bumps then the thread deleted.

How's that to start with?

Also posts like the 2nd last in this thread should be a no-go zone for members.
That sort of comment upsets everyone.
http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/sho...d.php?t=139000

[Ausfish]

Thanks.

I have just purchased an add on classifieds program. Will install it over the next few days and incorporate that info.

Yes, posts like that are no use to anyone.


Here are some of the features of the software

• Fully integrated with vBulletin.
• Unlimited* categories & sub-categories.
• Unlimited* listings.
• Allow users to comment on listings.
• Add your own custom fields which can be enabled/disabled on a per-category basis.
• Completely template based so it is very easy to change the look and feel.
• Installer that will install all of the templates, phrases, and all database modifications.
• Main page with statistics, categories, recent activity, etc.
• Ability to arrange ads in categories
• Categories can have their own images
• See how many total, closed, and open ads are in each category.
• Ratings and category counts are automatically rebuilt
• After the timeframe of the ad is up, the ad is closed
• Add new classified ads with images, description, title, and more!
• Users have their own page where feedback and such shows.
• Paypal button is automatically generated if the user enters a paypal email address. Clicking this button will allow the user to buy whatever the other user is selling.
• Add extra fields to ads
• Ability to edit and delete ads
• Control everything from the amount of results showing per page in searches, to the size of thumbnails.
• GIF, JPG, and PNG images are supported.
• Search through ads
• And much much more!
• Subcategories
• Make fields required
• Ban people from category
• Control what usergroups can access what categories
• Control that amount of ads that usergroups can post (so that you can have premium memberships and such)
• More detailed comments when leaving feedback
• More stastics and layout in category section
• Bidding System
• Comments System
• Enable/Disable Paypal options
• More than one image in an add
• Users fill agreement before posting ad
• Set buyer and then comfirm that the buyer is the one giving feedback when rating
• Possibly more integration with paypal
• Fix no line breaks when not in the advanced mode (adding ad)
• Page to view user's personal information (My current ads, etc.)
• Advanced Search
• Post as user
• PM user to rate other user when ad finishes
• Show Categories On Forum Index
• Multiple categories per extra field
• And MUCH more!

[finga]

Thanks Steve.
Maybe some people will appreciate the trouble you go to and hopefully, just hopefully realise just how much it would cost to run this place when you have a need to buy and install software such as that.

The software might also control the number of people that join the site just to sell their old beach rod for nicks.

Cheers

[Ausfish]

OK, looks like I will not get time until Saturday night or Sunday, hopefully.

[GBC]

or maybe something simpler like:

ITEM:
<insert text here>

CONDITION:
<insert text here>

REASON FOR SELLING:
<insert text here>

PRICE AND PRICE CONDITIONS:
<insert text here>

EXTRA INFO:
<insert text here>

LOCATION:
<insert text here>

CONTACT:
<insert text here>

PICTURES:
<insert text here>

[Cammy]

Yer GBC, thats what the other sites have pretty much exacly like that.

Cam

[Ausfish]

Finally got it done.

Still a bit of fine tuning but it is up there.

Old classifieds will be removed soon.