Info Your Input Requested - HAM Community Classifieds Questions

[Dogowski]

I’ve read complaints about the classifieds on HAM and AGN and I’ve posted my gripes and opinions about both. However, Mr. Archer has put a considerable amount of effort to facilitate a classifieds forum on HAM and it doesn’t appear to be used much at all. What’s going on? Are people hoarding HAM points or what? Before anyone asks, “well why don’t you use the classifieds?” I have and I didn’t get into this hobby to buy and sell. I’m in it primarily to shoot and hunt. Also I’ve used some of my HAM points to purchase new items. I almost forgot to use my points, but Mr. Archer and the vendor accommodated my request so that I received a discount.

Enough about me. What’s going on with you guys? Several of you use the AGN classifieds with several complaints about how they’re run. Why aren’t HAM members using a classifieds section that they have had input on since it was in the planning phase? This is not the first time I’ve asked a similar question. I find this very peculiar and I genuinely do not understand what’s going on here.

I've purchased a few things from members and it's working fine. I just keep things more than i sell them.

 

[Ezana4CE]

My .02
The classifieds are here and they work. Does it really matter if there’s 4 ads or 400?

The way I see it the classifieds are a “privilege” for serious members that make a contribution to our community, The HAM Community.

Full disclosure I am 100% HAMster and not a member of any other Airgun forum(s) nor do I care to be. I can’t make any comment or comparison as to what “others” have or do, because they do not matter to me.

FL22

@FL22 Is this a real question?

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

I peruse the Classifides regularly, watching for say, a Weihrauch in nearly new condition, selling a reasonable price, or something else that I can't do without. Early in our HAM journey, but before the official Classifides, one of our proment members agreed to sell me his TX200, only to pull the deal at the last minute to sell to someone else. Our Formal Classifides are designed to prevent this from happening. Orv.

 

[FL22]

@FL22 Is this a real question?

@Ezana4CE It was meant to provoke thought, if it has done so for you then by all means answer.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Ezana4CE It was meant to provoke thought, if it has done so for you then by all means answer.

Yes, I think that it matters very much to many seeking to sell airguns and related items. Several air gunners have expressed that they sell items to help fund other purchases related to the hobby (e.g. buying and trying other air guns). If for no other reason, because the assumption would be that more items for sale attracts more traffic. With more traffic the probability of drawing more eyes to the items, thus increasing the likelihood of selling an item.

Regardless of the reason people want to sell something, they have the desire to sell in common. The ability to attract buyers matters, the more the better. So if there are 4 items for sale in a classified forum, I think that’s discouraging unless there are a plethora of similar items that recently sold in the archives. Or perhaps a number of WTB ad in the classifieds forum relative to what a seller is looking to sell.

 

[FL22]

Yes, I think that it matters very much to many seeking to sell airguns and related items. Several air gunners have expressed that they sell items to help fund other purchases related to the hobby (e.g. buying and trying other air guns). If for no other reason, because the assumption would be that more items for sale attracts more traffic. With more traffic the probability of drawing more eyes to the items, thus increasing the likelihood of selling an item.

Regardless of the reason people want to sell something, they have the desire to sell in common. The ability to attract buyers matters, the more the better. So if there are 4 items for sale in a classified forum, I think that’s discouraging unless there are a plethora of similar items that recently sold in the archives. Or perhaps a number of WTB ad in the classifieds forum relative to what a seller is looking to sell.

@Ezana4CE I do not disagree with you. However I would like you to consider the point of view from the staff of HAM.

I do not believe in any way that they want some overwhelming classified section to deal with here and imo for good reasons.

The focus of HAM and its Community has always been about Airguns. The rules regarding the Classifieds ensure that continued focus.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Ezana4CE I do not disagree with you. However I would like you to consider the point of view from the staff of HAM.

I do not believe in any way that they want some overwhelming classified section to deal with here and imo for good reasons.

The focus of HAM and its Community has always been about Airguns. The rules regarding the Classifieds ensure that continued focus.

@FL22 This has a lot to do with why I am a bit confused and continue to question members of the community. I am genuinely baffled by the lack of participation after participating in discussions where Mr. Archer listened to and took our opinions and desires into consideration before rolling out the classified forum.

I realize that all members that have joined HAM were not members during that time. I also recognize that not all members participated in the dialog. However, considering the amount of participation and enthusiasm, I had anticipated more participation. My expectation is in part to blame, but I am still curious as to what individuals think about why they opt to sell elsewhere and not on HAM when it’s not uncommon for people to post ads for a single item in multiple platforms. To that point, @Franklink was very direct and I understood his thought process. How about others?

I appreciate the candor of members that respond with their thoughts on what gives them pause on selling on HAM. I also like how the HAM staff listens to its members. The fact that staff encourages input, responds, and considers what members think is an appealing aspect of a community as far as I’m concerned. After witnessing the a facilitation of a classifieds forum that several members discussed and acted as if they couldn’t wait to have access to and seeing little participation is some what disappointing to me. What was it all for? I notice that people complain about rules (more so when they want the rules to be shaped, bent, or broken in their favor), but when they have input on the rules, they say little of sometimes things like this happen. To me that is odd.

 

[hameditor]

@FL22 This has a lot to do with why I am a bit confused and continue to question members of the community. I am genuinely baffled by the lack of participation after participating in discussions where Mr. Archer listened to and took our opinions and desires into consideration before rolling out the classified forum.

I realize that all members that have joined HAM were not members during that time. I also recognize that not all members participated in the dialog. However, considering the amount of participation and enthusiasm, I had anticipated more participation. My expectation is in part to blame, but I am still curious as to what individuals think about why they opt to sell elsewhere and not on HAM when it’s not uncommon for people to post ads for a single item in multiple platforms. To that point, @Franklink was very direct and I understood his thought process. How about others?

I appreciate the candor of members that respond with their thoughts on what gives them pause on selling on HAM. I also like how the HAM staff listens to its members. The fact that staff encourages input, responds, and considers what members think is an appealing aspect of a community as far as I’m concerned. After witnessing the a facilitation of a classifieds forum that several members discussed and acted as if they couldn’t wait to have access to and seeing little participation is some what disappointing to me. What was it all for? I notice that people complain about rules (more so when they want the rules to be shaped, bent, or broken in their favor), but when they have input on the rules, they say little of sometimes things like this happen. To me that is odd.

@Ezana4CE Thanks for your thoughtful and insightful comments. I agree with every word you have written!

 

[pan60]

@FL22 This has a lot to do with why I am a bit confused and continue to question members of the community. I am genuinely baffled by the lack of participation after participating in discussions where Mr. Archer listened to and took our opinions and desires into consideration before rolling out the classified forum.

I realize that all members that have joined HAM were not members during that time. I also recognize that not all members participated in the dialog. However, considering the amount of participation and enthusiasm, I had anticipated more participation. My expectation is in part to blame, but I am still curious as to what individuals think about why they opt to sell elsewhere and not on HAM when it’s not uncommon for people to post ads for a single item in multiple platforms. To that point, @Franklink was very direct and I understood his thought process. How about others?

I appreciate the candor of members that respond with their thoughts on what gives them pause on selling on HAM. I also like how the HAM staff listens to its members. The fact that staff encourages input, responds, and considers what members think is an appealing aspect of a community as far as I’m concerned. After witnessing the a facilitation of a classifieds forum that several members discussed and acted as if they couldn’t wait to have access to and seeing little participation is some what disappointing to me. What was it all for? I notice that people complain about rules (more so when they want the rules to be shaped, bent, or broken in their favor), but when they have input on the rules, they say little of sometimes things like this happen. To me that is odd.

I as well have been suprized to see member that contributed and for the most part got what they ask for just to turn to another forums classifieds.
persanally I kinda felt like it was more to do with the preceived traffic possably maybe ? no clue but thats what I have written it off to.
I think since we are still a growing forum and very young folks might feel they have a better chance of selling there items elsewhere?
I have bought off out classifieds and got my wife little atomic before it made it to the classified ( thanks you my friend ) so I think its working but I would like to see more participation

 

[mike56]

I am going to say One month and 200 points.
Mike

 

[Jaabaa]

Classifieds should be free in my opinion, no points needed.
I had to read this a few times? Does it cost points/ or anything if value on any other sites?
Facebook is free and it has worked every single time for me, at least the selling.

 

[FL22]

Classifieds should be free in my opinion, no points needed.
I had to read this a few times? Does it cost points/ or anything if value on any other sites?
Facebook is free and it has worked every single time for me, at least the selling.

Although this may come off argumentative, I don’t mean it to be we’re just discussing it here.

Does any other forum give you points?

Fb is not free, certainly not to those who care about their privacy or being censored.

I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is so to speak if @hameditor would go along with it I’d be glad to cover the cost for the next month up to 10 individuals who have the points, pay for an ad for them.

 

[hameditor]

@FL22 - I appreciate your support. However that will not be necessary.

The purpose of requiring a number of HAM Airgun Points to be used for a Classified Ad is to help ensure that classified offers are being made by positive contributors to the HAM Community, not by potential scammers who register and then try to sell immediately. Most other fora have similar systems, using membership duration or some other method. The intention is to help create a safe selling environment. Sadly, not everyone is 100% trustworthy - we've all read Classifieds horror stories elsewhere

HAM Airgun Points are awarded for contributions to our Community. It's one way that we recognize engagement. As HAM Points cost nothing they can be regarded as "free". They have no monetary value but can be redeemed in two ways:
1. Placing Classified ads.
2. With HAM Community advertisers who choose to allow them to be used as a form of discount code against a purchase.

 

[Dwildemn]

Yes, I know it has taken a long time - entirely my fault! - but we are making progress on setting-up HAM Community Classifieds.

As always, we're trying to do things better and a little different than other airgun fora. Also - inevitably - there are technical limitations which we have to work within.

So I would appreciate input from as many HAM Community members as possible on these two questions before we go live with the HAM Community Classifieds.
____________

QUESTION 1: How long should a Classified ad run?

The reason for this question is that our implementation will not allow Classified ads to be "renewed" after a fixed period. So, we need to set a time period for the ad to be "live". If the ad is to be repeated, the advertiser will need to "buy" another ad with their HAM Points. As communication with the advertiser will be by PM only, it will not be possible to "bump" an ad higher by commenting on it.

So should the "live" period of the ad be 1 week, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months? Or something else?

____________

QUESTION 2: How many HAM Airgun Points should be redeemed for a Classified ad?

The plan is that HAM Members "pay" for their Classifieds ad by redeeming HAM Airgun Points. This ensures that ads are placed by members only. I feel that the "price" in HAM Points should be low enough to make it attainable for many members, but high enough so that only "genuine, reliable, participating" members can place an ad.

So should you be required to redeem 100, 200, 500 or 1,000 HAM Airgun Points to place a Classified ad. Or some other number?

Please let me know your thoughts!

Thanks in advance,
Steve

100 points and 1 month

 

[pan60]

for me its also worth mentioning I dont care to buy from just a member thats been here for me I will only buy from contributing member we get to know each other online and those online acquaintances are the folks I will deal with and that applies to any forum as far as market place or ebay they off money back warrants the the forum cant offer
I think spend some time of the forum and biuld some point seems like a very minimal level of entry. if your only here to sell something them gone I see no value in a membership as such?
thats just me and my thoughts

 

[Jaabaa]

@FL22 - I appreciate your support. However that will not be necessary.

The purpose of requiring a number of HAM Airgun Points to be used for a Classified Ad is to help ensure that classified offers are being made by positive contributors to the HAM Community, not by potential scammers who register and then try to sell immediately. Most other fora have similar systems, using membership duration or some other method. The intention is to help create a safe selling environment. Sadly, not everyone is 100% trustworthy - we've all read Classifieds horror stories elsewhere

HAM Airgun Points are awarded for contributions to our Community. It's one way that we recognize engagement. As HAM Points cost nothing they can be regarded as "free". They have no monetary value but can be redeemed in two ways:
1. Placing Classified ads.
2. With HAM Community advertisers who choose to allow them to be used as a form of discount code against a purchase.

Well that certainly makes sense for the community aspect.