Unfortunately, we are seeing several new members making their first post (or very near first posts) in the Market Section offering items for sale. We've also noted that some members with dozens of posts are predominantly using TexasCHLforum as a place to sell. We are seeing more and more Market Section posts linking to ebay or other auction websites. This is going to stop. TexasCHLforum's Market Section is here solely as a courtesy and convenience for our participating members. The Market Section almost didn't get set up for fear of people turning it into little more than a commercial section for selling their goods without paying a fee. However, we decided to give it a try, because it would be convenient for our members. Until relatively recently, it has worked out well.Former Forum Rule 13 wrote:13. Posting items for sale/trade in the Market Section. Except for the FFL subsection, the Market is intended solely for contributing members (posts, not money) of TexasCHLforum.com. It was created as a courtesy to, and for the convenience of, our members, not as an open forum for marketing. We do not require a minimum number of posts in order to offer an item for sale, but members posting solely or predominantly "for sale" posts will be banned. All purchasers are strongly encouraged to get the full name, address and telephone number of a seller before purchasing an item and to verify that information. Refusal to provide that information to a purchaser will result in the seller being banned.
Starting today, only members with "Member" status can post items for sale in the Market Section. The software defaults the threshold for automatically changing from "Junior Member" to "Member" at 45 posts. Further, no links to auction websites or other websites are to be included in a "for sale" post. Any post violating these new rules will be deleted and we will stop sending PMs advising members why their post was deleted or moved to the Moderator Forum. We just don't have the time. No existing posts will be deleted, but all new posts violating these rules will be deleted.
There is nothing magical about 45 posts, but the Moderator workload related to Market Section violations is ridiculous. Every time they see a post from a member who recently joined and who has only a few posts, they have to check the member's profile and review all of their posts to see if they are posting solely or primarily in the Market Section. Then the Moderators discuss this person in the Moderator Forum before deciding what to do, if anything. We simply don't have the time to continue this process, so we are forced to establish a bright-line rule.
Some people will probably note that a member could just post a bunch of "me too" posts to get the count to 45. We recognize this possibility and we discussed it thoroughly. If we see that happening, then we will deal with it. The next step will be to either shut down the Market Section, or set up a donation procedure for people wanting to post items for sale. I don't like either of the latter two options, but this problem is going to be resolved.
To those members who have followed Rule 13 but do not yet have 45 posts, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by some members' rule violations.
Chas.
I have realized that sharing knowledge is the purpose of being here.
