8 replies to this topic

[Umpire in Chief]

I first want to apologize for the proliferation of spam in the classifieds section. For the past nearly year there hasn't been much, then the past 2-3 months it's become almost unmanagable.

The anti-spam verification math question is not doing the job, so these are just either really advanced bots or lifeless humans in some third world country.

So temporarily I am going to close down the classifieds section.

But I want your feedback on what to do next. I will be upgrading the site to all new and beter software shortly, and will relaunch the classifieds then with a better product.

Here are my options:
1. Ditch it. -Self explanatory
2. Keep it and let it remain a free product - The problem here is I can add extra measures to reduce spam, but nothing will eliminate it, because often times they are humans, and any counter-measure to humans would make things more difficult to folks with legitimate postings.
3. Keep it and charge a nominal fee for placing an ad. I'm thinking $2-3, but no more than $5. Human spammers will not pay - period.

So please reply and vote in the pole to give me your thoughts on the classifieds section.

Edited by Umpire in Chief, 01 November 2010 - 09:45 AM.

[yawetag]

How about:

4 - Keep it free, but have trusted members act as moderators for the sections.

This way, you've got more people being vigilent on the section. This takes the work off of you, but still gets the job done.

5 - Set up a flagging system

I don't know what software you're going to, but it's possible to find a modification that allows other users to flag inappropriate classifieds. At a certain number of flags (around 2 or 3 would probably suffice), the classified is removed from view and the moderators are notified. The moderator will review the ad, then either remove it or allow it to remain.

6 - Change the way ads are posted

How about changing the verification question, or require a membership on the message boards to post in it? If I remember, placing a classified didn't require a username. If you allow that, have a verification method in the signup process for the forum (captcha or something similar) that will keep the auto-bots away.

7 - Have all classifieds approved before being posted

Again, have a few people act as moderators. When the classified is posted, a moderator has to approve it before it's visible to everyone.

I hate to see it go away, and I think charging for it will only detract people from using it. If we can keep tabs on the spam, it will remain a great service. If I had to vote on the original 3, I would choose "Keep it, but only if free." However, I think there are better ways to handle it.

[Umpire in Chief]

I've found a new tool which just might do the trick. Enabling me to keep it free and reducing spam. I'm seeing it it will work.

[mstaylor]

Some sites require to have a certain number of posts to use the classified section.

[jjb]

Here's my answer, Warren: "you have a classified section?":HS

[JamesC]

I agree with some of yawetag's suggestions. Some moderators, people you trust (if they are willing), would be a good idea to help keep a lot of that down. I know jjb may not think much of the classifieds section, but I personally like to check it out from time to time. There are always people needing things, and people are always upgrading something. I would much rather sale something to you guys on here who I talk with often than some random Joe on ebay and have to pay all the fees and everything after the transaction. I also like to use it because people can post things they are needing. You really can't do that on ebay. Maybe craigslist, but how dangerous is that thing?!

And mstaylor's idea is ok, just make sure the number of posts required is not too high. I know from experience, I read topics on this board for several months before I joined, so someone new to join could have something a lot of people could be interested in, but not be able to post it in the classifieds section due to being a new member.

Just my thoughts, which usually don't lead up to anything other than another opinion.

[mstaylor]

If you need me to monitor that section let me know.

[jjb]

:wave:James, I was being honest: I open the site, and go to right to " new posts" : I truly didn't know it existed. I just looked at it, and, to tell you the truth, I can't see myself using it. (I donate my old gear to new umpires in my League). I don't have any problem with Warren keeping it: (although 21 ads in a year is a little thin). I just think it may be more trouble than it's worth.

I may be in error (yeah, THAT never happens ), but it seems to me that only one item was actually sold.

[mazzamouth]

mstaylor said:

If you need me to monitor that section let me know.

I'm with mstaylor as well.. I can help.