Greetings everyone,
I'll try to explain the way the forums used to be and how they are now, in regards to the work involved. I will also give some easy tips on how to buy stuff without waiting for your post to appear.
Marketplace Before
You have the ability to post anything, anytime and everything you'd like, even if you didn't read the rules or adhere to them. Most were correct, some were borderline and some threads/replies got out of hand. Lud and myself would edit the marketplace when we had a chance. I would read and edit all of the posts from when I last logged off. At times, this would be very time consuming, having to read every post and every reply to all the old/new threads. I would say I was very busy keeping up with things and editing, deleting and correcting posts/replies.
Marketplace Now
Posts need to be approved before they show up. At times, it may take as little as a few minutes or sometimes many hours may go by before posts are being approved. Not sure about Lud, but I will check new posts before I go to work, when I get home and many times during the evening/early early morning(when 16 mo. old Shelby goes to sleep). Frustrating for some, but this allows me to only have to read the new posts/replies being submitted, rather than having to read every post/reply since I last logged off. This setup works great and some may not approve (no pun intended) of the "micromanagement" of the site. Seems to be working out with no glitches, other than the time delay.
Marketplace tips and tricks
Got to have that set of wheels that seems like the bargain of the century? Quickly post a reply? Yes and no. Sure, post a reply. It does get timed stamped and even if 10 people post after you, you'll be first in line(time stamp wise) if you posted before any of the other replies. When you hit reply, that is the time that shows up, versus when it appears on the thread. And then make contact with the person by either PM or e-mail. You may think that if you are the first to reply, then the item is yours. Maybe yes, maybe no. You reply in the first minute and wait. All the while Billy Bob PM's the person saying he will take it at asking price and makes the deal behind the scenes. Your reply finally shows up and then it says it's been sold. WTH? I replied first!!! Keep in mind the other alternative contact ability we have on Prime.
Why was xyz post deleted or not showing up?
The person who posted it asked for it to be deleted. The person who posted it did not follow the Rules of the Game. The person who posted it has been banned. The part/car had no price. The part/car was not NSX related. The ad was specific with the parts available and you wanted something not listed.
Comments in regards to it being to high of a price or you can get it at xyz.com web site cheaper(do your homework on purchases please) or "I know this guy, it's the best car out there" replies won't be approved. If you have a part like the person selling has, don't hijack their thread, post a new one for your item.
Why don't I get contacted when posts are deleted/changed?
That would be about 40 or so replies per day
I hope this clears some things up and everyone can get a little understanding of what goes one behind the scenes.
Take care,
John
