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[Buzz]

We are seeking members' views in relation to the amount of public and private selling on the forum at the moment.

Would members prefer to see more of a restriction in selling, for example by asking members to become premium members (for a fee) if they wish to sell items, or are you happy where we are? We are seeking to improve the conversation on the forum, not to be a swap shop or free eBay.

The challenge the admin team have is policing the amount of selling there is as well as (being totally honest) looking out for the sponsors who fund the forum. Without their support there is no forum.

We have a number of members who use the forum as a free eBay, which we as an admin team are not keen on, and we have other members who seek to use the forum for personal gain in other ways.

We have tried to introduce the batmakers shed to promote start up bat makers, with the support of the sponsors.

The admin team remain uncomfortable at the level of selling via the PM system as it increases the risk of a dispute as well as people pm'ing other members offering products and services which they should be a forum sponsor to do in reality.

I hope that all makes sense, please can members (including sponsors) give their views, in a considered way, below...

just to confirm a ban on selling is not on the cards.

[piethepker]

You could limit the amount of item wanted threads/sale threads

EG. 2 fee sale/item wanted threads a month and you have to pay a fee for more?

[joeljonno]

If you set a premium member fee, you would have to hide the for sale/wanted sections for non-premium members otherwise you would still be able to PM offers, etc.

I presume the main issue is the selling for profit.  People are buying cheap and selling here without fees etc.

Could you set a limit of the number of sale threads/items per month per member?  For instance, no more than 3 items per thread and no more than 3 threads open a a time?
Is there way to set a count of unlocked threads in the for sale section?
Can locked threads be hidden once complete?

[Number4]

Have to admit I do get sick of seeing sale thread after sale thread after sale thread.. I don't mind the buying and selling idea it's just that it seems to take over the forum at times

[Manormanic]

I've sold a couple of things on here, but don't see it as a marketplace.  Too often I get the impression that some people do think of it that way - and there are definitely some names who I only ever see when attached to a "For Sale" thread, which seems to imply that the "race to 50 posts" remains a genuine issue.

Perhaps the criteria to sell should be changed.  Why not make it membership for x months/a year PLUS 50 decent posts in the last 3 months  to ensure that people are, whatever they might be doing as regards their selling activities, the people concerned are also being productive members of the wider community.

[tim2000s]

How about restricting the number of Items Wanted and Sales posts per member per time period?

[RoCo Da Pixie]

I think there should be a quota per person. So rather than selling one item at a time and at a regular frequency. People build up numerous items and make a sale thread worth while.

I think if you introduce fee's that will be unfair on those who actually sell now and again to clear things out rather than those trying to make a quick buck.

[smokem]

Agree with maximum number of items per month type arrangement. And having to pay a fee if you go above that.

[Six Sixes Cricket]

I don't see an issue with the amount of selling going on. If you want people to pay a membership that entitles them to be able to sell then fine I'm happy to do that as i did before. Many many people have asked for the premium membership to be re installed yet we've heard nothing.

Yes the forum needs sponsors, but it also needs members as well. As for keeping the forum sponsors happy? Which ones aren't happy? There is probably a handful that actually contribute to the forum, a couple that just sell and a majority you never hear from.

Above all This is a great friendly informative forum, lets try and keep it that way.

[joeylough]

The thing that attracted me to the forum 18months ago was the chance to gain knowledge on cricket. I don't think that this bit has left the forum.

Yes there is a sale section, I have used it 4-5times to sell and purchased a couple of times. But making it a fee paying system would stop the sale section all together as people may as well use ebay. So it would in effect wipe out the sale section. Good or bad thing im not too sure. I think I could sell things at a higher price on ebay, but i'd rather someone get the chance on hear first. If they want it of course.

But all in all it would be what is best for the forum, there is a large community on here, with a select few who make large contributions and for this I will always be on the forum sale section or not.

[MD2812]

Limit each members monthly items for sale?

No more than 3 items per month. no more than 2 items on sale at one time, no more than 1 post in the for sale thread.


If its for more business with the sponsors what about let the sponsors offer alternative products in the for sale threads. It's welcome in other areas of the forum?

[praguetaz]

This is a tough one on many different levels so can only speak for myself.

In my time on the forum I have enjoyed the opportunity to discuss/debate issues related to matches (those we play in and Internationals), coaching/training/fitness (as a PE teacher), recovery/injuries (recovering from a lower back injury myself) and equipment (I LOVE bats but also softs/protection etc as an opening batsman) mainly because Cricket has been my preferred social outlet since coming to Prague as well as a love of a game which I've returned to after 25 years or so (was a semi-pro footballer) and which my father loved who is no longer with us but passed onto me.

The forum is an extension of my social outlet and the means so I'm on here everyday unless I don't have my laptop with me etc.

I've mainly bought on the forum i.e. bats/softs but have traded bats with other members with cash going one way or the other which I also enjoy too.

In terms of forum sponsors I've had a bat repaired by Vulcan but am yet to buy a new one (however did buy my beloved H4L 666, Laver & Wood Special Reserve (I'm about to trade) and used gloves from forumites) or have a custom one made specifically for me as well as softs/protection which has always been an intention e.g. my current Stretton Fox dilemma. I've bought from Uzi Sports directly off the internet on a number of occasions.

So the question is do I use the forum in the way it was intended to be used.

My team mates have bought bats and softs off me here in Prague so am spreading the word of different sponsors when the opportunity arises but most only buy when they need something.

I actually agree there's a lot of sales on here especially at the moment and some of the prices do seem on the higher side hence I feel the PMs to negotiate a lower price/better deal. The descriptions of items and their condition should always be completely accurate and honest so there is no chance of returns/refunds. I'm sure we've all been duped on e-bay before but it shouldn't happen here....

I've also paid paypal charges as have always 'gifted' which is a pain and prefer bank transfer as do still have a UK account but it depends on the seller.   

I would be happy to support an upfront fee on those who want to sell on here if it goes to support the forum and doesn't deter sponsors as well as a monthly limit to the number of items. I also like the traded number and would encourage an honest appraisal of the trade/sale which may highlight 'scammers' if they exist on this forum. Shame on them...

[trypewriter]

I don't find the selling intrusive. All adds to a lively site.

[Number4]

I think you will find a lot of the for sale threads are from relatively new members... The long termers don't seem to be here to just sell

[lukemannionzimbabwe]

A quota, would be good, and as well as moderating people that take it overboard.