mikesknives said:
Does this still stand or is it closed so it can be forgotten about?
Patience is a virtue
Although of course you can think what you like.
Anyway, on with the subject.
Ive had lots of PMs and emails about this, some of them helpful and some of them ranting and not so helpful. Theres always going to be differences of opinion on these things such as in this case. Im torn between what I think would be a perfect world and the practicalities of loads of people with different opinions all interacting together on this forum, sometimes theyre a world apart.
I dont think this issue comes up very often but even so my inclination is to say no comments at all on the prices of items for sale, Ive always been of a mind that if you dont like the prices, dont buy, if no one buys they soon drop the prices or ask why their stuff hasnt sold. This for me and the others would be the easiest to moderate, it would be very straight forward and work, even if some didnt agree with it, hey, theres lots people that complain no matter what.
Thus, I have to say that when I read the thread I agreed with Martyn and his moderation. I also think that Martyn was badgered for moderating and that shouldnt have happened, I have asked him to moderate and where theres no guidelines he is to make decisions and hes good at it. For as many PMs I received having a whine I got the same saying he was right (as always theres different opinions) Nothing in the thread wound me up but that did. The original comment by a moderator was not over moderation, it was a simple statement, it got drawn out after the fact. If theres issues in the future bring them up separately, or by PM but pack in the sniping.
Due to the plethora of comments Ive received Im thinking that Id like to try and implement guidelines that arent - yes you can comment or no you cant, which to be honest would be the easiest route. Well try this, if it doesnt work well revert to the no comments about pricing rule.
1. Seller posts up the price they want for an item.
2. Seller posts up that it includes fees and postage or not.
3. Buyers accept the price or not.
4. If the buyers think the prices are a bit high they can comment politely in the thread or via PM to the seller.
5. Do not all jump into the thread and say the prices are high, or you can get it here or there cheaper. Leave it alone if someone has already politely pointed it out.
6. The Seller can then comment as they see fit, change prices etc as they want to.
7. Do not keep jumping in saying the same thing as the posts will be removed and warnings given.
8. Always be polite and considerate.
9. Buyers end up buying or not
10. Seller ends up selling or not
Theres responsibility both ways, the seller should consider the prices hes putting things up at, obviously if its a one off item made of precious materials he they can ask what they like for it as its got a value based on what people are willing to pay. If its a standard product then it needs to be pitched at a price that will sell, if its not it wont.
If buyers think the prices are steep then politely say so, once. If someone has already said the prices are a bit high then theres not need to say it again and again, drop the seller a polite PM saying that youd buy from him but the item(s) are a bit much. Make sure youve got a good basis for it though and that its not just your whim that you want it cheaper.
If youre a seller its in your interest to put up a good price so that your items sell, if someone comments about the prices consider the comment and act as you will. Keep the prices, change them or whatever, up to you.
I dont think that people post comment to be nasty, the say what theyre thinking and sometime it can seem very blunt, just be a bit considerate and all should go smoothly. The problem with what Ive written above is that it can still be manipulated, if someone wants to they can say but it doesnt say that in the rules, you cant tell me I cant do that Im leaving this as a compromise and I hope that it works out. I know from past experience that youre all a good bunch and that you recognise the part you play in helping things run smoothly, theres a big onus on you the members to make this work. If it doesnt work Ill change to the blanket rule of no comments about prices on sales threads.
If for any reason a moderator does step in take on board whats said and abide by it, they do what Ive asked of them. If theres an issue let me know or bring it up with the mod in question via PM, if its a good subject for general discussion it can be discussed. Do not turn the thread into a debate.
One thing I have noticed though is that some expect things to be resolved in their time, if for instance Im busy (or in Hospital as was the case this time) it will wait, snide comments just muddy the water and create bad feeling.
I hope this issue is closed now, you know the score.
Thanks for all the well structured comments that came my way and for those that were posted in the thread. :You_Rock_