appropriateness of non-buyer responses to classified ads

[70SWT]

I am THIS close to swearing off of internet forums entirely.

See post #3 to my recent WTB ad:

WTB: 951 nose panel; 931 nose panel/section; can be rough

This non-buyer's unncessary response serves what purpose? To drive up the price of this part? (which I paid $30 for the last set of, not incidentally)... To potentially dissuade potential sellers from removing a body panel that is welded on, and is only worth removing if in really good shape? To help him corner the 931 part market? Or just to show "look how smart I am"?

I've been working on 924s/944s since they came out, 911s to a more recent degree, and early on, the internet was a blessed resource that helped the process. But I think that the unfiltered nature of online input (versus the more civil discourse used in in-person conversation) has become such a turn-off that it threatens the utility of the whole thing...the arrogant assumption many posters make that they know more than the originator is perhaps the most off-putting aspect.

OK, off the soap box...but would be interested in hearing others' experiences. Wayne needs a rule to prevent non-buyer posts in want ads. I think there used to be one, can't remember; maybe that was Rennlist/Porschelist way back when.

[URY914]

Because of this reason many forums don't allow you to respond to FS threads. PM only questions to the poster.

[70SWT]

Originally Posted by URY914

Because of this reason many forums don't allow you to respond to FS threads. PM only questions to the poster.

Exactly. IMHO, it is completely inappropriate to interject your opinion into someone's for sale or WTB thread.

Kind of like walking up and making snide comments if a potential buyer was looking over a car for sale in someone's front yard.

[dentist90]

I've recently experienced similar in trying to sell a boat, but with looky-loos. Low balling without even having seen the object for sale is rude, shallow and almost a dead giveaway that you're not sincerely interested.
Usually I just respond that I am not open to reduced offers until you have at least seen the craft. Yesterday I got a good one in when a "buyer" asked if I would accept $5000 ($7000 asking) and does it leak. I responded: "No and no. Or maybe it's yes and yes. Best you come around to see it before making an offer!"

[sc_rufctr]

Some people don't know when to shut up. I wouldn't take it personally.

[Zeke]

Constructive comments should only be offered and they can be helpful if there is misinformation or a lack of information. However, that would be a moderator's nightmare. So, all comments should be not allowed. Then again, the item's sale becomes blind and no one knows where they stand AFA as timing and offer. The seller can be a lot more picky about the buyer in confidence that we won't see the transactions.

I've been beaten out of a sale before for reasons never stated. No feedback opens the FS section to abuse beyond what there is now.

It's a tough question.

[70SWT]

I think the only answer is what was stated above--no responses to classified ads, PMs only. That would also save the website considerable bandwidth while taking a lot of BS out of the process.

[70SWT]

Wayne, looks like we posted simultaneously. You have a great resource here, and thanks again for what you do.

Not sure who the "everyone" is, though. I can't think of a single good reason people need to throw commentary into someone's buyer or seller ad when you are gracious enough to provide PM and email options.

[Joe Bob]

As a couple of posters in my threads have noted, it IS a public forum. Some posters feel that they can post their opinions on any subject.

Recently I asked for some photoshop 'help'.....not opinions, but help.....got the opinions anyways. It's the cost of a free resource.

The ability to zap a response if you are the thread starter would be neat....

[URY914]

It is not a public-forum. It is private.

Selling an item should be private also. I don't see CL allowing feedback and comments on items FS.

[Joe Bob]

Not my opinion....others have told me that and I don't argue the point. I'm wrong either way.

But like you, if I start a thread, I would like to control it's direction.

Also my comments are for the BBS in general. Comments are not allowed on the vehicles for sale section.....

[Racerbvd]

Well, I haven't responded to your ad because I'm not sure, were my DAMAGED 931 panel is located, but I don't have any vents. Believe me, I feel your pain, and when I post rare or early parts, I really feel your pain when someone doesn't know what the value (and you did say damaged, not Pristine for the parts you want to cut) or thinks they know everything. If someone post something crazy priced, I'll PM them, with links to show why, as they are selling, but in their thread is not the place to educate them, as I am only trying to help them, while others never seem to miss a chance to slam someone posting something for sale.

[RWebb]

appropriate to respond if you saw an obvious fraud? stolen car? ad from MM?


hard and fast rules don't work

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

As a couple of posters in my threads have noted, it IS a public forum. Some posters feel that they can post their opinions on any subject.

Recently I asked for some photoshop 'help'.....not opinions, but help.....got the opinions anyways. It's the cost of a free resource.

The ability to zap a response if you are the thread starter would be neat....

For example, I think you could offer this: The title of the thread was "Anyone help me ID this exhaust?"

Originally Posted by baloo

Have this 2-in/2-out muffler that hooks up directly to the aftermarket headers on 1987 3.2L engine. However, it lacks a center bolt plate that helps support the weight.

There are a couple strips of red "electrical" tape at the junction of the chrome tips. The pipes are bigger ID than my header pipes. I thought they were ANSA, but an internet search didn't turn up similar pics.

No ID marks on the exhaust. Anyone have any ideas?

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Looks like an 'Ansa'....to me.....nobody else would make anything that ugly.

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Loud and usually come pre-rusted in the box. You will also tend to whack your shins on the tips at least once every six months.

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by Zeke

For example, I think you could offer this: The title of the thread was "Anyone help me ID this exhaust?"

My stuff is funny and it is offered as such.....if some one doesn't like it I pull it....

But yer point is taken.....BTW, you'll notice I haven't posted any of your comments....

[Zeke]

I can live up to my comments and I am the resident curmudgeon. Your "stuff" is funny to you.

Got my big girl panties on too, so let loose on me.

[Joe Bob]

You don't think I'm funny? I'm crushed.....

[MauriceBoh]

I feel your pain, and when I post rare or early parts

[nostatic]

There is a phenomenon on another board (for basses) which I refer to as the "price police." They will find and post what they think are overpriced items on Ebay or CL. And they'll go as far to email the owner (and sometimes urge others to follow suit) to tell him/her what a jerk/ripoff they are being. Now these are not fraudulent ads with misrepresentation, but rather just a higher price than what the price police think the item is worth.

Seems to me something is worth what it sells for and the transaction is between buyer and seller and no one else. The only thing that warrants any input is when the buyer, either accidentally or on purpose, misrepresents an item.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by nostatic

There is a phenomenon on another board (for basses) which I refer to as the "price police." They will find and post what they think are overpriced items on Ebay or CL. And they'll go as far to email the owner (and sometimes urge others to follow suit) to tell him/her what a jerk/ripoff they are being. Now these are not fraudulent ads with misrepresentation, but rather just a higher price than what the price police think the item is worth.

Seems to me something is worth what it sells for and the transaction is between buyer and seller and no one else. The only thing that warrants any input is when the buyer, either accidentally or on purpose, misrepresents an item.

That's ridiculous and goes against all things free enterprise. I don't give a goodgoddamn if someone pays too much for something. I've done it and pros have done it. People routinely pay too much at Barrett Jackson. Think you ought to send the price police there and stop the auction when the bidding goes over the estimate? I mean I think multi-million dollar Ferraris are insane, but I don't care enough to bother with the process.

It helps to balance the times anyone got a good deal. You think anyone/everyone should give back anything they bought on the cheap?

Only if you screwed some lonely widow out of her next meal.