What's up with the classifieds?

Geitje · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 08:27 PM

Just curious why we now see $ signs on some classifieds (are some classifieds still free to everyone?), snakes for sale in the gecko section and just a general hodge-podge assortment of posts?

Thanks,

Jon

cliff_f · #2 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 10:13 PM

I noticed that to and I was wondering what was going on.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 11:03 PM

I inquired with Marty about some of the same stuff earlier today. I think he's working on getting things worked out. It's more complicated than you may think to make all that stuff work properly. I's going to take a little time to work out all of the little bugs. I think the $$$ are just a graphic thing you can add to your post to make it stand out...kinda like a smiley face. If you see someone post an animal in the wrong section, please report it. I try to keep up with it all, but I do miss stuff from time to time.

**Marty** · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 11:20 PM

I will be closing the classifieds forum soon, so the classifieds will be the only available way to post for sale/wanted ads. I've heard from few people that having two side by side classified systems is very confusing. The

distinguishes classifieds from other posts. Cool thing is that when a new ad is created it shows up as a new thread. When you click "Today's Posts" it's easy to distinguish between new posts and new classifieds. New version of the classified system will be installed within a day or two (it's still being made

).

For Sale ads and 'want to trade' cost 1 credit ($1), wanted ads are free.

What do you guys think of adding a category "Free 2 Good Home" for any animals that will be given up for adoption due to various reasons.

Geitje · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 11:39 PM

So, just to get it straight, you're closing the classified forum permanently and thereby leaving the "vb classified" up as the permanent replacement?

I think that having a free to good home/adoption section is a fair idea. I think that any sub-forum or any way to help organise the unorganised classifieds will help the system in the long run. Who knows? Maybe in the future your forum might attract a broader scope of other breeders (snakes, amphibians, etc.) and business if you would think now about implementing smaller classified topics/sections such as
* shows (for sale/exchange)
* Rhacodactylus (Kingsnake.com gecko page has become nearly unusable due to the redundant and excessive crested geckos for sale)
* Eublepharine geckos (leopards, fat-taileds, Goniurosaurus)
* Aussie geckos
* Diurnal geckos (Phelsuma, Gonatodes, Rhoptropus, etc.)
* Nocturnal geckos (nearly everything else)
* Snakes
* Other lizards
* Amphibians

You just might learn that you're able to market your site in a much broader way, and yet better streamline your service for your customers.

Just a quick thought that can certainly be improved upon.

Jon

**Marty** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 09:15 AM

I should say that the classified forum will be closed for posting, but every time you use the new classified system and you place an ad, a thread will be placed in the forum. This way, if you keep track of what is posted, you won't miss anything and the ads will get better exposure. At the same time, in the closed for posting classified forum, I will leave the

button. You won't be able to start a new thread with the button like before, but the button will sling shoot you into "start a new classified" page. This should ad a little bit of redundancy that should make things much easier and more manageable.

My intent here is to make this system as flexible as possible that will cater to everyone's needs, while still maintaining the site solvent. The maker of the script is working hard on adding more functionality...I'm working with him pretty much on daily basis and I'm dumping a lot of ideas that will make the system more customized to GU...hopefully in a few weeks we will work out all the bugs.

Jon, I don't want to break the "Geckos For Sale" into sub-categories for individual species. If it grows beyond being manageable, we will deal with it then, but for now I think it's OK.

Other functionality that hopefully will be implemented soon, will be ability for users to sort the views by:
price
time ending
and by distance from you (will require you to enter your zip code)

wheels are spinning on my side at all times to make this place better and more functional...at the same time, I welcome all suggestions about any part of the GU system. My aim is to make this the absolute best site it can be. The best information suppository for geckos and the friendliest forum on the web, free of nonsense and BS.

WildEyeReptiles · #7 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty

For Sale ads and 'want to trade' cost 1 credit ($1), wanted ads are free.

Wait a minute, so we have to PAY to post classifieds now?

**Marty** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 09:02 PM

It's not expensive and all the proceeds go towards running this site. Either that or asking you to donate every month.

all ads are free to forum supporters

**Riverside Reptiles** · #9 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildEyeReptiles

Wait a minute, so we have to PAY to post classifieds now?

Classifieds have been on a pay system since Jan 1st (and the plan was announced in Nov. of last year). If you become a "Forum Supporter", you get unlimited classifieds. But if you just want to post the occasional classified, as Marty says, the rates are VERY cheap. Especially considering you're advertising to a market of almost 6,000 people that are here specifically for gecko related info. This forum has to support itself somehow.

Hazpat · #10 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 04:01 AM

Ehh... it seemed to be fine last year without all the adds and payments. I posted an add earlier this year for some snakes and the add disappeared the next day. this site looks ugly and sucks now.