Proposal: Locking Car FS Threads after posting.

[KillerPM]

The state of our Cars FS section is ridiculous.

You have some poor guy who posts a car for sale and the thread ends up being shat on by a bunch of quarterback car salesmen who know what it should "really" be worth.

What I propose is that once a FS add has been posted, the thread automatically locks for everyone but the poster of the add. They can edit their post and bump their post (after a week) but that's it (we do this already on another phpBB driven form that I frequently visit and it works really well).

Having people comment on how the value is bad or what things are wrong is a matter between a buyer and a seller. It doesn't need to turn into a peanut gallery full of BS.

The way things are now are obviously turning some potential sellers off of using this place to sell their E28. I think its good to have a crack at the cars before they go to eBay or some other sales method, but the peanut gallery isn't helpful for sellers and has obviously frustrated potential sellers to the point of not even listing a car.

What do you think?

[Tammer in Philly]

The state of our Cars FS section is ridiculous.

You have some poor guy who posts a car for sale and the thread ends up being shat on by a bunch of quarterback car salesmen who know what it should "really" be worth.

What I propose is that once a FS add has been posted, the thread automatically locks for everyone but the poster of the add. They can edit their post and bump their post (after a week) but that's it (we do this already on another phpBB driven form that I frequently visit and it works really well).

Having people comment on how the value is bad or what things are wrong is a matter between a buyer and a seller. It doesn't need to turn into a peanut gallery full of BS.

The way things are now are obviously turning some potential sellers off of using this place to sell their E28. I think its good to have a crack at the cars before they go to eBay or some other sales method, but the peanut gallery isn't helpful for sellers and has obviously frustrated potential sellers to the point of not even listing a car.

What do you think?

When cars people know to be misrepresented do show up, that peanut gallery is very helpful. Particularly Kohler's knowledge of every E28 that has ever been on CL.

Also, many follow-up questions are helpful to multiple prospective buyers.

[Mark in Toronto]

The state of our Cars FS section is ridiculous.

You have some poor guy who posts a car for sale and the thread ends up being shat on by a bunch of quarterback car salesmen who know what it should "really" be worth.

What I propose is that once a FS add has been posted, the thread automatically locks for everyone but the poster of the add. They can edit their post and bump their post (after a week) but that's it (we do this already on another phpBB driven form that I frequently visit and it works really well).

Having people comment on how the value is bad or what things are wrong is a matter between a buyer and a seller. It doesn't need to turn into a peanut gallery full of BS.

The way things are now are obviously turning some potential sellers off of using this place to sell their E28. I think its good to have a crack at the cars before they go to eBay or some other sales method, but the peanut gallery isn't helpful for sellers and has obviously frustrated potential sellers to the point of not even listing a car.

What do you think?

When cars people know to be misrepresented do show up, that peanut gallery is very helpful. Particularly Kohler's knowledge of every E28 that has ever been on CL.

Also, many follow-up questions are helpful to multiple prospective buyers.

Both points can easily be dealt with via PM. As for the second point, cut and paste PM responses can be sent to multiple buyers.

The other option is give the seller the option to lock the thread. This is a common practice in other forums.

[KillerPM]

The state of our Cars FS section is ridiculous.

You have some poor guy who posts a car for sale and the thread ends up being shat on by a bunch of quarterback car salesmen who know what it should "really" be worth.

What I propose is that once a FS add has been posted, the thread automatically locks for everyone but the poster of the add. They can edit their post and bump their post (after a week) but that's it (we do this already on another phpBB driven form that I frequently visit and it works really well).

Having people comment on how the value is bad or what things are wrong is a matter between a buyer and a seller. It doesn't need to turn into a peanut gallery full of BS.

The way things are now are obviously turning some potential sellers off of using this place to sell their E28. I think its good to have a crack at the cars before they go to eBay or some other sales method, but the peanut gallery isn't helpful for sellers and has obviously frustrated potential sellers to the point of not even listing a car.

What do you think?

When cars people know to be misrepresented do show up, that peanut gallery is very helpful. Particularly Kohler's knowledge of every E28 that has ever been on CL.

Also, many follow-up questions are helpful to multiple prospective buyers.

Might be a good case of actually having a car inspected by a 3rd party before purchase.... I wouldn't trust a car on any message board from any seller, even if Kohler says its a good car. I would still have it inspected.

[KillerPM]

Another point, if a seller is getting hammered with PMs asking for more Pics, maybe he should edit his posts with additional photos.

People will figure this out pretty quick...

[unt0uchable]

Not all car FS threads end up that way, but I think it is safe to say that the ones that do probably did or didn't do something in the original post to represent the car entirely.

I'll raise you this:

How about there be a format specifically for Car FS threads that is pre manufactured as sort of a "Fill in the blank" type of thing? This would lend a hand to those who aren't good at writing stories or maybe aren't very articulate. The reason a lot of the peanut gallery gets started is because some one posts a car for sale for a significant amount and it's basically a one-liner post with no real details about the car.

Location:
Year:
Make:
Model:
Color:
Mileage:
Price:
Options:
Aftermarket:
History:
Details:
Photos:

Something to that effect....I don't know. I could be way off as well. But I feel that more often than not, the comments are there because of the original poster, and mainly, lack thereof text in the original post. Most of the time they are helpful to us, although maybe it is driving people away, this may be good to create a less bitchy environment. Maybe there will be less threads talking about how pissed off one person is because of how lackadaisical so and so was in there FS thread.

I has 2 imports for sell. Wun has sometin wrong with the running, one has parts to ficks it. Will take offers. Will not part or separate. WILL NOT SHIT. DO NOT TEXT ME. Thanks.

[Mark in Toronto]

Not all car FS threads end up that way, but I think it is safe to say that the ones that do probably did or didn't do something in the original post to represent the car entirely.

I'll raise you this:

How about there be a format specifically for Car FS threads that is pre manufactured as sort of a "Fill in the blank" type of thing? This would lend a hand to those who aren't good at writing stories or maybe aren't very articulate. The reason a lot of the peanut gallery gets started is because some one posts a car for sale for a significant amount and it's basically a one-liner post with no real details about the car.

Location:
Year:
Make:
Model:
Color:
Mileage:
Price:
Options:
Aftermarket:
History:
Details:
Photos:

A standardized format is not a bad idea. I would still give the seller the option to lock the thread.

[B7Turbo]

I couldn't agree more Peter, great idea deserve implementation. You have my vote!

[unt0uchable]

I vote standardized format, give them an option to lock it. Some people like the feedback. I, for one, would HATE communicating via PM only when posting a car for sale. I like transparency.

[mooseheadm5]

We are brutal, but we've definitely dug up some dirt on some cars that were misrepresented here. Like the "first M5."

[KillerPM]

Not all car FS threads end up that way, but I think it is safe to say that the ones that do probably did or didn't do something in the original post to represent the car entirely.

I'll raise you this:

How about there be a format specifically for Car FS threads that is pre manufactured as sort of a "Fill in the blank" type of thing? This would lend a hand to those who aren't good at writing stories or maybe aren't very articulate. The reason a lot of the peanut gallery gets started is because some one posts a car for sale for a significant amount and it's basically a one-liner post with no real details about the car.

Location:
Year:
Make:
Model:
Color:
Mileage:
Price:
Options:
Aftermarket:
History:
Details:
Photos:

Something to that effect....I don't know. I could be way off as well. But I feel that more often than not, the comments are there because of the original poster, and mainly, lack thereof text in the original post. Most of the time they are helpful to us, although maybe it is driving people away, this may be good to create a less bitchy environment. Maybe there will be less threads talking about how pissed off one person is because of how lackadaisical so and so was in there FS thread.

I has 2 imports for sell. Wun has sometin wrong with the running, one has parts to ficks it. Will take offers. Will not part or separate. WILL NOT SHIT. DO NOT TEXT ME. Thanks.

This would be a good start.

Its comments like this that are really unnecessary:

Go away.

That one was right after a well written add...

Why I'm not in US!
I'm looking for such car!!
But I guess shipping will kill me!!

Yah.. Really.. Why do people really feel the need to comment?

That looks like a well-kept car.

If I'm reading the last paragraph right, you have an E39 M5 available too?

What does the sellers E39 have to do with the for sale thread?

it's worth 500.

I guess this guy is an expert on value...

I love the interior, GLWS!

While this one is positive, it really adds ZERO value to the thread...

I could go on and on...

[KillerPM]

I vote standardized format, give them an option to lock it. Some people like the feedback. I, for one, would HATE communicating via PM only when posting a car for sale. I like transparency.

This might be an even better idea... If the seller wants the comments, great.. If not, well lock er up...

[Mark in Toronto]

^^^Yes.

And how about Quote

"If only this car was for sale before I lost my job."

Or

"If only this car was for sale before my cat died."

.....etc., absolutely no value to the seller.

[ahab]

Who would this thread locking be designed to serve? Why is it different from a Craigslist ad which is "locked".

[mooseheadm5]

That looks like a well-kept car.

If I'm reading the last paragraph right, you have an E39 M5 available too?

What does the sellers E39 have to do with the for sale thread?

I guess you didn't read the context on this one.

Given that we allow anyone to come here and post any car for sale with no membership fees, no sponsors to censor content, and no other hoops to jump through, I think it's fine that we reserve the right to comment on the ad. If you don't want comments, post it to Craigslist.

[KillerPM]

That looks like a well-kept car.

If I'm reading the last paragraph right, you have an E39 M5 available too?

What does the sellers E39 have to do with the for sale thread?

I guess you didn't read the context on this one.

Given that we allow anyone to come here and post any car for sale with no membership fees, no sponsors to censor content, and no other hoops to jump through, I think it's fine that we reserve the right to comment on the ad. If you don't want comments, post it to Craigslist.

Context aside, spinning the thread into a discussion about a different car... I just dont see the point... Maybe I will read the Ad (because honestly, I dont read beyond the first post) to see if it really added any value...

[KillerPM]

Who would this thread locking be designed to serve? Why is it different from a Craigslist ad which is "locked".

No different than a Craigslist ad, except targeted to the E28 community.

It serves to make the sellers experience an easier one (they now don't have to explain why they changed something on the car to a bunch of people who are not interested in the car anyway) and it will help out buyers by allowing cars which may not have been posted here (a certain Alpina and a few M5s come to mind) due to the CF in which these adds turn into.

[Mark in Toronto]

We are brutal...

That's an understatement. It's hardly a stretch to say that unsolicited peanut gallery comments is a leading reason why some sellers have chosen not to post their cars for sale on this forum.

And that's a shame.

As I stated before, the option for the seller to lock the thread is common practice on other forums.

[rmiddendorf]

If you list honestly with integrity, this shouldn't be a problem. I haven't evaluated it lately, however I feel that this takes away part of our checks and balances.

Of course the last time I sold a car here the buyer said it was 'probably better than described' so its not a problem I possess.

[ahab]

So if I as a seller post my car with my contact info, do I care if there's a shitstorm? Is a peanut gallery really going to dissuade an intelligent, interested buyer from seeking out more information? It's never stopped me (the jury is still out on my intelligence). We haven't heard from the guy selling the $17k show winner yet. What if he never checked back, or, what if he figures we're all dicks and really doesn't care? I'm ok with giving the seller the option to lock the thread if they choose, and the formatted style seems like the best way to me, but will the ensuing discussions show up in GC, or TP? Aren't we all engaging in this stuff because we like the discussion? Personally, I don't care if someone posts all the BS listed above, if I hadn't lost my job, I love the color, that car looked better with a hoodscoop, whatever. Maybe that's why I've never bothered to "flag a comment as unconstructive" over on BaT when someone gets out of hand. Most of those get yanked for personal attacks however and not because of comments on the car in question. I'm not that concerned with other people's negative opinions for the most part. I think that's my problem with the premise.

If someone will list a car here because they value an antiseptic ad where no one will post their opinion, then I guess that's a win. I don't think you're going to block discussion by locking a thread. And now the seller will have no chance to defend himself, should he choose to, without searching all over to see if anyone is discussing his car on a discussion forum. Hold on, maybe that's the beauty of this proposition. As far as the seller knows, there is no peanut gallery discussing his car, and as importantly, no one's feelings are hurt. His interests are served; and being a discussion forum, so are ours. Hopefully the discussion will not stop. That's why I joined this forum.

[cibie]

Don't lock. We're community based. I bought both my E28s from board members here & the banter / scrutiny / opinions on each thread helped make a better assessment. And you have to admit, sometimes there's a fair amount of entertainment value with some of the BS posts.

[adrian in florida]

I like the idea of a standardized format and the ability of the seller to lock or leave the thread open. But clearly that would require some programming time from the beamters.

I also dont think you can eliminate discussion about a vehicle. It will just show up somewhere else. Perhaps that would not be so bad. At least an unsuspecting first time seller or poster would not see his/her thread shit on. At the same time comments from the well informed gallery do add a value equation to the forum. Perhaps just being a little more respectful to the unsuspecting would be a good course of action for all of us to consider. Except me , Im nice to everyone.

[pldlnr]

Bad idea. This forum is frequented by some of the most knowledgeable BMW enthusiasts out there. I want their knowledge and information shared. If I ever do decide to list a car for sale, I will present my car knowing that I will be subject to the same scrutiny.

[Mark in Toronto]

Based on responses so far, the community is open my suggestion to provide the seller with the option to lock the thread.

[Tammer in Philly]

That looks like a well-kept car.

If I'm reading the last paragraph right, you have an E39 M5 available too?

What does the sellers E39 have to do with the for sale thread?

Well, as that was my comment, I'll respond.
1) The seller's mention of his M5 and a package deal was very unclear, and I wanted clarity.
2) I or someone I know may be interested in the M5, and with the clarity of whether or not it was for sale, I wanted to follow up on that.
3) I wanted to compliment the car offered for sale (you didn't ask about the first sentence, but I'll address it anyway).

[Leo F.]

You Canadians are thick as thieves. One post, you all post. I don't post a lot, but I have noticed that when one of you posts the rest show up. Either you guys are all friends, or all Canadians think alike?

[B7Turbo]

You Canadians are thick as thieves. One post, you all post. I don't post a lot, but I have noticed that when one of you posts the rest show up. Either you guys are all friends, or all Canadians think alike?

We are well informed!

[Tammer in Philly]

Who would this thread locking be designed to serve? Why is it different from a Craigslist ad which is "locked".

No different than a Craigslist ad, except targeted to the E28 community.

It serves to make the sellers experience an easier one (they now don't have to explain why they changed something on the car to a bunch of people who are not interested in the car anyway) and it will help out buyers by allowing cars which may not have been posted here (a certain Alpina and a few M5s come to mind) due to the CF in which these adds turn into.

Should we be serving the seller or the community at large?

[ldsbeaker]

Standard format, locked at user's discussion. But we'll just have GC posts about those cars anyway.

I bought my awesome car from the bmw cca website.

I shudder to think of selling a car here. Face to face, thanks.

[Mark in Toronto]

Standard format, locked at user's discussion. But we'll just have GC posts about those cars anyway.

I bought my awesome car from the bmw cca website.

I shudder to think of selling a car here. Face to face, thanks.

^^^Well put Adam! And, if at the sellers discretion, the thread is locked which may result in a GC post about the car, at least the sellers thread does not get trashed.