Discussion: Postings in Gear/Classifieds forum

[pinoiryder]

Enough said..

IMO this forum is not for commercial sales, it is for divers to buy and sell gear amongst each other. If the rules indeed do permit these sort of things, then they need to be reviewed and revised, if not this can get out of hand very quickly if evey dive vendor starts posting ad's like this in this forum.

 

[Underwater Ogre]

I am afraid I have to agree with Ronzo here. How in the world are detail lacking shameless plugs for an online shop a classified ad? Would he consider trading for his gear? doubtful.

IMO this forum is not for commercial sales, it is for divers to buy and sell gear amongst each other. If the rules indeed do permit these sort of things, then they need to be reviewed and revised, if not this can get out of hand very quickly if evey dive vendor starts posting ad's like this in this forum.

I have to agree...Maybe it is time for a change?

 

[diversteve]

sorry but you are WRONG ... respectfully, i see you may be a mod .... but PLEASE justify how this guys original post falls in classifieds?

and how is writing "new items added" an advertisement for anything for sale? and if it is, than why isn't it ok for the others who say stuff like "here is a link to my ebay listing"

whats the difference?
seriously!!!

I am afraid I have to agree with Ronzo here. How in the world are detail lacking shameless plugs for an online shop a classified ad? Would he consider trading for his gear? doubtful.

IMO this forum is not for commercial sales, it is for divers to buy and sell gear amongst each other. If the rules indeed do permit these sort of things, then they need to be reviewed and revised, if not this can get out of hand very quickly if evey dive vendor starts posting ad's like this in this forum.

Enough said..

I have to agree...Maybe it is time for a change?

Ok, I'll attempt to answer all the comments at once.

Please take notice that this post is becoming so far off-topic that I'll likely split it into it's own discussion in a day or so - I don't have time now. As I think it's an area that needs to be addressed also. I will post a follow-up post with a link to the new thread in the Feedback forum in this thread after I've done so. Most of these posts will be moved there also.

For now I'd direct your attention to the description of this forum:

This forum is open to all members for posting scuba related offers and requests.

There's no differentiation. I believe (have to check) that even a commercial entity is allowed to post in the Classifieds - afaik some do.

We discussed this in the backroom prior to this thread and 5 of 5 mods decided that this was the appropriate existing forum for george w to post in. Since he is not a sponsor or a commercial entity. At this time george w is following guidelines sent to him by another mod.

So please end all negative comments directed at him or they will be removed. As will the earlier related comments in this thread once I've created the new thread for discussion of this topic.

Where else would you all suggest he post? He can't post in Hot Deals as he's not an Advertiser/Supporting Sponsor and it doesn't seem to fit with Special Announcements.

and how is writing "new items added" an advertisement for anything for sale?

You'll have to ask George. I won't comment on the effectiveness of his marketing strategy. Although as I've personally seen in the past, I'm sure we would get an equal number of complaints if George made long posts linked to every item he has on sale/special.

Would he consider trading for his gear? doubtful.

Just because the word trade is in the description doesn't mean that it's a requirement for posting in the forum.

than why isn't it ok for the others who say stuff like "here is a link to my ebay listing"

Ronzo, I'll get back to you on the eBay links thing after I get a definitive answer from the person who wrote the special rules. It's something I enforce but have wondered about also.

IMO this forum is not for commercial sales, it is for divers to buy and sell gear amongst each other. If the rules indeed do permit these sort of things, then they need to be reviewed and revised, if not this can get out of hand very quickly if evey dive vendor starts posting ad's like this in this forum.

I can't say that I disagree but short of creating a: possible commercial entity - non-manufacturer non-store retailer who also has a start-up website forum - where would you suggest that a member be allowed to post? I can't believe that the low volume of posts from george w - and several others currently doing the same - would be enough of an impact to justify creation of a new forum. We advise all members with websites to promote them in their signature line.

One other point I'd make is that the ignore function exists for those that seem to have a difference of opinion about the appropriateness of george w's posts. I may start manufacturing a one-off line of video housings soon, at least initially I would be posting in the Videography Classifieds until such time as my business was viable to become a commercial sponsor. So where should I post? As a member, it's my right to do so.

Is it fair to george w to drag his name/reputation into this also? Let's cut him a little slack since he's currently violating no Scubaboard rules as they were explained to him weeks prior to the start of this thread.

 

[MRTZ]

If i may add one last thing sir, seems to me all he is doing is getting a free bump where nothing has changed

 

[Narcd_dvr]

Not to be rude, but as someone who checks these forums numerous times each day, your repeated posts that basically have no content are actually pushing me away as a customer, not enticing me to spend my money on the items you are selling. Try being more descriptive in your posts and less pushy. This is starting to feel like a used car lot. If you are selling quality gear at a good price, and with good customer service, that will speak for itself.

Mike

Where's the thanks button when you need it.

 

[Gilligan8]

Maybe the should have to have a PREFIX on their posting so we know it's a vendor.

I guess my problem is that I come in here looking to find a good deal on used gear and it's somewhat misleading to just say "great deals!" and post a link to a business.

 

[RonzoTheGreat]

and for the record .... the posts that you are saying are "negative" are NOT .... they are true and possibly an opinion at times but true all the same .... seems like you are defending something you yourself do not believe in which is why you theoretically can't win ....

i ask AGAIN ... WHAT IS THIS POST SELLING????? that is deemed suitable for a classifieds section?

"new items added"

mods have slapped my wrists for less

 

[MWGemini]

Well, the moderators have spoken, and George W is well within his rights to continue posting threads like this to this forum. That is his right as a seller and a member of this board.

Similarly, we as consumers have the right to take our business elsewhere if we do not like his product or his sales tactics. I for one do not like his sales tactics (links: 1, 2, 3, 4), they remind me of those used by used car salesmen in the way that he seems to enjoy shouting from the rooftops, but not really saying anything. Furthermore, some of his posts have made me question his diving knowledge, which also makes me question his knowledge of equipment in general.

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to bash George W in any way. I understand it is a small and new business and he and his wife are just trying to make a living. With the economy the way it is right now, I certainly can't blame him. I, however, do not intend to give him my business. Stop the spam and flames, folks. Vote with your dollars.

Mike

 

[george w]

I am posting this to say I am sorry for bothering anybody. My intent was never to do this. I may have done it poorly buy I was trying to give what I thought was good products at good pricing. This thread in my opinion is gotten out of hand. To then start to bash me on my knowledge and skill in diving was uncalled for. I followered the rules on posting that I was told. So again sorry. I will continue to post so if it bothers people dont open the thread. Thank you

 

[bbianchi]

Well as a (to be former) SB supporter (not sporting the badge after this nor renewing) I still feel that just saying 'New items added' etc. and having no content in the thread isn't what this forum is for.