poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

We will always have a classifieds here on the site. However, the current format uses a special classifieds script. The old format simply used the forum and people would post threads.

Which is/was better?

The classifieds script is somewhat lacking and the flow is akward to use it, if you've ever used it you will know what I mean.
However the script has an advantage because now people can upload pics to their ad directly and also feature them in the footer of the site and also newest ads appear as well as random ads. That will have to go should we ditch the script and return to the forum format. Another drawback is the classifieds has its own feedback system that the developer who helped me with it was supposed to make an import script to merge the two and I never got it. So when we get rid of it, I will back up those feedback ratings and do the import by hand. No worries there.

So please participate in the poll. There are four options because I really want to see what the different groups of members think about it. (There are those that have used it either as a buyer, seller, or bidder, and those that have not ever used it but have just "seen it around".)

I have used the classifieds script as a buyer or seller, and I want to keep it the way it is.
I have not used the classifieds script as a buyer or seller and I want to keep it the way it is.
I have not used the classifieds as a buyer or seller and I want to see the classifieds threads return to the forum.
I have used the classifieds as a buyer or seller and I want to see the classifieds threads return to the forum.

The results of the poll will help me decide but not necessarily will guarantee I will do what the results say. We will be doing a rather large board upgrade soon to bring many new features anyway, and the redesign of the classifieds may or may not be a part of that upgrade that day you notice it.

Anyway, on to the poll, please click and cast your vote in the poll above. If you post in the thread, make sure you also click to vote in the poll so we can watch the tally be accurate there.

Thanks for your feedback!

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

In hindsight, the current script does not meet typical usage scenarios and it is a clumsy implementation. I would ditch it for now and consider other designs for the future.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

I like keeping want ad threads out of the main banana discussions. On the other hand, one must remember to go check them. If there was a subscription capability with want ads it would be a welcomed addition.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

I have NOT used the classifieds so it really does NOT matter too me which way it goes!

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

I liked just posting something for sale the way it used to be. I can always add pictures to my posts.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

Thanks Mitchel, that's valuable feedback. Did you cast your vote in the attached poll?

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

I like keeping the classifieds out of the main forums so they can easily be deleted when the item is no longer for sale .. or re-listed whichever may be the case. It's nice to have everything that people have for sale in one 'at a glance' spot and also provides the same format for people that are looking for something to buy.

Deb

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

No I didn't but I will.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

Is there a way you can dexclude it from the "Unanswered Posts" thread?

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

I have never purchased or sold in the classifieds.. though I do enjoy browsing the classifieds now and then..

I do have to agree with Scot about the unanswered posts..

I'll go back to lurking now... :lurk:

Gina *BabyBlue*

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

Scot, Gina - that wouldn't be helpful if you were the one selling the item! It does perhaps clutter things in your view but think of the flip side...
Anyway, we wont be making any changes like that till we decide the fate of it anyway. To do what you suggest may not be a good idea and it is also going to require some custom coding that might just not be worth it at this point. I appreciate the discussion and value the feedback, please don't get me wrong! :)

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

I agree with Scot about not wanting classified ads in the Banana forum, but an "ad" forum makes sense to me.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

Agree...I think.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

We used to have a special section that was "for sale or trade" It was easy enough to use, did not require banana bucks, and you could add any size picture.

Maybe two sections would be nice. One for bananas, the other for anything else including tools, compost bins, things like that.

Btw, I always have the adds at the bottom of the page turned off to speed up page load times and make less clutter, but I'm not in the market to buy anything at the moment.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

Mitch - Don't we still have this? I looked and found, "Bananas for sale or trade" and, "Other plants for sale or trade". I went back, and found some of my ads from summer and fall of 2007, in each of these categories. I liked the way it worked then, and that's what I'd like to see now.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

I'm not sure actualy. The last time I tried to post something for sale it was not as straight forward as it used to be and required banabucks.

Can we still post stuff for sale without all the red tape? Anyone?

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

Ok i just went and tried and it's a pain in the butt in my opinion. You have to choose some things, then it tells me I don't have enough credits...whatever. This is exactly why I stopped selling stuff here. If I want to jump through hoops I'll sell on Ebay.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

I'm not sure the difference between the new way and the old way, So I'll withhold my vote for now. Just didn't want you ( Jared) to think I didn't want to vote, I'm just not sure.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

i'm not that profishent on computer so I ten to leave it as is.

Re: poll - keep or ditch the classifieds script?
 

As a buyer and seller I could not agree with this more.