MODS: The marketplace "rule" is counter productive

[desmotesta]

As a new member I would just like to point out that the Marketplace rule (restricting new member access to the marketplace) although understandable and a good starting point, is actually completely counter productive.

The rule itself makes sense, but the length of restriction is simply too long.

I have recently bought myself a 17" MBP and am looking for several accessories, Apps etc etc.

Instead of being able to buy from fellow MBP owners and fans, I am expected to either WAIT for 6 months, or make 250 posts (which isn't easy if you have a life outside of MR). All the while, my 2nd option is to "trust" Ebay scammers IF I want to buy preowned items.

Pay sites like Paypal offer very good fraud protection.

It is my humble opinion that members (old and new) would benefit more from the market place if new members were allowed to shop MUCH earlier than 6 months or 250 posts. I DO agree with a LONG restriction on Selling by new members but buying FROM old members should not be restricted.

Mods: I hope my rant made SOME sense and I hope you guys reconsider.

[SandboxGeneral]

Originally Posted by desmotesta

As a new member I would just like to point out that the Marketplace rule (restricting new member access to the marketplace) although understandable and a good starting point, is actually completely counter productive.

The rule itself makes sense, but the length of restriction is simply too long.

I have recently bought myself a 17" MBP and am looking for several accessories, Apps etc etc.

Instead of being able to buy from fellow MBP owners and fans, I am expected to either WAIT for 6 months, or make 250 posts (which isn't easy if you have a life outside of MR). All the while, my 2nd option is to "trust" Ebay scammers IF I want to buy preowned items.

Pay sites like Paypal offer very good fraud protection.

It is my humble opinion that members (old and new) would benefit more from the market place if new members were allowed to shop MUCH earlier than 6 months or 250 posts. I DO agree with a LONG restriction on Selling by new members but buying FROM old members should not be restricted.

Mods: I hope my rant made SOME sense and I hope you guys reconsider.

You may want to read through this thread of ours as it will address your concerns.

Announcement: Major changes for the Marketplace forum

[desmotesta]

Originally Posted by SandboxGeneral

You may want to read through this thread of ours as it will address your concerns.

Announcement: Major changes for the Marketplace forum

I read the thread (although not every post) and I understand the concerns.

That said, allowing new/untrusted members to BUY in the market place would be a good idea. No risk to older/trusted members as every pay-site offers Fraud protection etc and it wil alow new members to benefit from hand me downs of the older members.

Just my 2 cents

[SandboxGeneral]

Originally Posted by desmotesta

I read the thread (although not every post) and I understand the concerns.

That said, allowing new/untrusted members to BUY in the market place would be a good idea. No risk to older/trusted members as every pay-site offers Fraud protection etc and it wil alow new members to benefit from hand me downs of the older members.

Just my 2 cents

There is always risk involved no matter if one is the buyer or seller and we don't have a fraud protection system, but rely on the honor system.

The site admins and moderators put a lot of work into the Marketplace rules in the update from 2008 and it's not going to change as far as I can see.

[desmotesta]

Originally Posted by SandboxGeneral

There is always risk involved no matter if one is the buyer or seller and we don't have a fraud protection system, but rely on the honor system.

The site admins and moderators put a lot of work into the Marketplace rules in the update from 2008 and it's not going to change as far as I can see.

understood. Figured I should at least ask.

Guess I will just have to wait 6 months.

[SandboxGeneral]

Originally Posted by desmotesta

understood. Figured I should at least ask.

Guess I will just have to wait 6 months.

No harm in asking at all.

Just participate with good conversation in the various forums and you'll hit the post count in no time and six months will go by before you know it.

[ChrisMan287]

I agree. I wasn't even aware that there was a marketplace until a member mentioned it.

Not that I'm in a rush but it would be nice if it was accessible a little "earlier". 250 posts isn't impossible for me but I feel bad for those who have to wait out the six months.

[r.j.s]

There were problems in the past so the current requirements were made to protect all members.

The marketplace is not a primary function of MacRumors, rather a useful bonus for established members.

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by atthecross

isn't it BOTH 250 post AND 6 months?

Yes. Both are needed.

[ChrisMan287]

Originally Posted by atthecross

isn't it BOTH 250 post AND 6 months?

Originally Posted by SandboxGeneral

Yes.

Originally Posted by r.j.s

Yes. Both are needed.

Well **** me sideways.

Isn't that a bit much?

[SandboxGeneral]

Originally Posted by ChrisMan287

Isn't that a bit much?

No, see this thread for a detailed explanation.

Announcement: Major changes for the Marketplace forum

[atthecross]

thought so, as i've been a member since '07 and just got my 250th post this month.

@desmotesta get involved and btw posting in the political thread doesn't count towards your post count

[peeaanuut]

i didnt read the whole rules, but does paying for demi status open it up right away?

[SandboxGeneral]

Originally Posted by peeaanuut

i didnt read the whole rules, but does paying for demi status open it up right away?

No it does not.

[dukebound85]

Originally Posted by peeaanuut

i didnt read the whole rules, but does paying for demi status open it up right away?

nope

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by ChrisMan287

Well **** me sideways.

Isn't that a bit much?

No, it's quite reasonable for something that isn't the intent of the site - this isn't a Craigslist for Apple products.

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by atthecross

thought so, as i've been a member since '07 and just got my 250th post this month.

@desmotesta get involved and btw posting in the political thread doesn't count towards your post count

There are several forums that don't count and posting only to raise post count will result in deleted posts.

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by peeaanuut

i didnt read the whole rules, but does paying for demi status open it up right away?

No. It doesn't.

It'd be a good idea to read all the rules.

[peeaanuut]

I read through the posts linked and the rules and I feel that the OP is correct. The restrictions are a quite over the top solution to a minor problem. I think the guidelines should be reduced.

[jessica.]

FWIW, there have been problems in the MP since the restriction was added. I'd be interested to see if there is any data on the number of issues before and after the restriction was put in place.

[Carlanga]

Originally Posted by ChrisMan287

Well **** me sideways.

Isn't that a bit much?

No, I feel is a little too little.

Originally Posted by peeaanuut

I read through the posts linked and the rules and I feel that the OP is correct. The restrictions are a quite over the top solution to a minor problem. I think the guidelines should be reduced.

I disagree. Unless you are a frequent visitor to the marketplace you wouldn't understand the reasoning behind the post and time count.


The marketplace is a place that is a bonus place where tech fans that have dedicated some good time to this site can buy/sell/trade goods. This restrictions removes most of the bad seeds, some always remain, but overall I believe the marketplace behaves pretty good thanks to them. If you can't wait the 6 months then I might be wary of buying or selling anything w/ you. How do I know you are not a scammer looking to make some quick money and leave. Most scammers won't wait the required period and will go to other forums. Also, you can't control who sells and who buys in the marketplace, this is not eBay, it just a subforum that has entrance limits so what the TS wants cannot be accomplished w/ the way the marketplace is set up.

[peeaanuut]

i dont understand that logic of yours. I frequent the marketplace quite a bit and it gets quite stale in there. There are plenty of new members that could contribute but they are being locked out. I believe the restrictions are too tough. If they get any tougher, why have a marketplace at all?

[maflynn]

Originally Posted by peeaanuut

I believe the restrictions are too tough. If they get any tougher, why have a marketplace at all?

6 months of service with 250 posts is not really asking a lot. We're talking about an average of 1.4 posts a day for the 6 months.

Within that time frame members will gain a level of familiarity and also help exclude scammers who do not wish to put this amount of time and effort and also spammers.

Pulled straight from the Marketplace rules, which I think effectively explains the reasoning behind this

There are other websites more specifically devoted to buying, selling, and trading computer equipment, and to tracking buyer/seller reputations. The reason we have our own Marketplace is that it provides more focus on Apple products and is convenient for members who have had opportunities to learn to know each other.

If you or the OP is really wanting to sell stuff, there are better more focused sites to facilitate the sale.

[184550]

Originally Posted by peeaanuut

i dont understand that logic of yours. I frequent the marketplace quite a bit and it gets quite stale in there. There are plenty of new members that could contribute but they are being locked out. I believe the restrictions are too tough. If they get any tougher, why have a marketplace at all?

There are multiple new posts everyday of last month (November).

I'm not sure what you mean by 'stale'.

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by jessica.

FWIW, there have been problems in the MP since the restriction was added. I'd be interested to see if there is any data on the number of issues before and after the restriction was put in place.

Of course nothing will guarantee 100% problem free transactions, but you're right. Maybe Doctor Q or another admin has the data.

But there are members out there calling for the restrictions to be narrowed even further.