adverts

Why do I have to post threads to access adverts

I would guess to prevent people who just want to sell stuff using it as a selling site. I think the Classifieds section is an extra for Forum members and users, Just guessing of course.

It's a simplistic way of separating genuine people from ne'er-do-wells. The latter class includes smart arses capable of writing a bot, that is an automated process capable of scanning a website, finding security loopholes, and using the website to host something undesirable. A bot has to be quite clever to get round the need to make a number of posts, or to identify which of several pictures contains a cat. A successful intrusion could be mild, like getting free advertising space, or downright criminal. If a convincing bargain advertised on this site asked you to enter your bank account details and pin number, would you fall for it? People do, especially if the con appears to be part of a respectable website.

Dave

Perhaps a bit of a side-step, but what do members consider they should do re. enquiries for items advertised - reply or ignore? I ask 'cos I have emailed 3 different members on different occasions about items advertised and had no response. Personally, I would always reply, even if just to advise that the item had been sold. Any thoughts?

rgds

Bill

Bill I would and have gone your route that is to reply even if it's to say sorry it's sold

Common courtesy says you should reply even if it is to say it is sold 😳

Not the only thing that has to be "quite clever".

Does the (maybe) tip of a tail count as "a cat"?

I agree that it is nothing more than common courtesy to reply saying that the item has been sold. Unfortunately, this, to my surprise, does not seem to apply in other situations, eg my daughter on applying for various jobs has not even had the courtesy of a reply saying that she has failed.

To my mind, this does not show these organisations in a good light. Maybe this is symptomatic of the increasing rudeness one finds.

Regards,

Peter G. Shaw

Correct, the website is primarily a forum and the adverts are a small add-on for the benefit of forum members. They're not intended for selfish people who simply want to buy or sell, but have no intention of contributing to the forum.

Andrew

You are quite right Peter,how many times have you phoned somewhere only to be told "All our lines are busy right now,your call is important to us. Please leave your number and we will call you back soon"

Question------How soon is soon? One hour,next day,next week ,ever ?

Been there,done that !!.

I have used the email link on this website several times and then confirmed with the intended recipient, that they have not received the initial communication. So maybe it isn't always the deliberate lack of response but a genuine lack of the need to respond?

Ian Skeldon - your point is well made and is part of the basis for my query. However, given the number of adverts and the number of responses, it would seem that courtesy is of little interest to forum members.

rgds

Bill

There is also the problem that some people replying to an advert delete the text that is automatically added to the e-mail. This just so happens to contain the senders personal e-mail address so even in the advertiser got the e-mail they would not be able to reply even if they wanted too.

Another point is that when sold its only fair that you remove the advert.

I have sold and purchased on the forum and find it to be a useful service, no fees and you are from my experience dealing with good people who give an honest opinion of what you are buying.

John