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I feel like having the trading post available to the public on a read-only basis was a great draw to our site.
I know it brought me back time and again. I'd be googling for an item in Colorado, and would stumble back. Most of my friends that are on here were initially brought here by the trading post, as well.
As it stands today, the post can't even be discerned to exist if you aren't registered and logged in.
Is this on the table?
Not going to happen.
What we repeatedly try to get across to folks is that this is first and foremost a DISCUSSION forum with the added benefit of having a Trading Post for our members. I'd have no issues with anyone coming here just to use the Trading Post and not participate in the discussions around the site to never return. They provide no value here.
So no, the Trading Post won't be available to non-members, even just for viewing.
ETA: Back when the site was young and discussion posts were slim, using the TP as a means of attracting new members was brilliant. Once the site began accumulating lots of discussion thread posts and a solid membership base, attracting new members solely for the TP began to become a problem. Since then we've only continued to add to our membership rolls and post/thread count. We really don't want the headache of dealing with people who come here just to hock their wares then disappear into the ether again, often leaving behind a mess for the staff to clean up and dissatisfied buyers in their wake.
This site gets its value not from the sales and trades, but by the exchange of information, education, wisdom, anecdotes and outright humor of it's members who freely share in the many forums and threads around the site.
Eh, personally I have no use for non members or non participating members being drawn to the forum because of the trading post. I stumbled across this forum because I wanted to learn more about my newly acquired Bushmaster AR, little did I know, this place was much more than just AR's, and I've made some very good friends here (I consider most of you my friends, rather we've met or not).
Man, there's a lot of stuff that can be on the table for members or potential members here.
Many registered members have quit posting over the years, and a great many that sign up every day do not post hardly at all.
Do you want to open this box?
I agree, Hurley.
I would even like to see some discussions hidden until a certain post count.
Yeah... no thanks. If I want to deal with flakey people I know absolutely nothing about I'll just use Armslist.
This.Quote:
Originally Posted by ray1970
We have a great community here. If your primary reason for searching for a forum is buy/sell/trade, use armslist. I have met many friends via this board, and we have made several transactions, but I did not join here hunting a sale post.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ray1970
https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Y...=0&w=300&h=300
Please no. I think of this place as a social club with a gun problem.
Not really for it. I already have enough times of trying to convince myself not to buy stuff (like Doc45's sweet AR pistol). I don't need more temptation + disappointment in folks. Everyone who participates here is solid. I don't see a reason to muddy those waters with folks who don't want to even talk crap (in a friendly way) or assist others.
If the post count is low I won't consider buying from them...they may or may not be good people....but I rely on their participation and feedback here as a gauge
I started out here just going to the TP. My join date is sometime in 2007, when the hammer dropped on TP access. Not much of a joiner but the TP has always been a good source.
We have discussion forums? lol. Honestly though, My usage of this site is probably 50% browsing the trading post, 45% going to the funny pictures thread 5% typing out a long-winded reply only to delete it instead of posting it. I tend to rub people the wrong way so I just keep my mouth shut.
Thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by theGinsue
There's a Trading Post ?
Nope, same school of thought. Join the site, discuss, learn... if you want to trade/buy something, that's just a perk but it's not the main focus of the mission here. However, I do love having hte trading post! When I can actually afford something, it comes in handy knowing local-ish people with the same mindset an not having to go to Amazon or something.
The things that have extra meaning in Colorado...[Coffee]Quote:
Originally Posted by buffalobo
You can't fool us. I remember the belly boat post.Quote:
Originally Posted by StagLefty
If I want to deal with strangers, there's Armslist and Gunbroker ... as others have said, seems to me the purpose of COAR is community.
[Beer][Beer]Quote:
Originally Posted by ray1970
And yet you didn't buy it from a debilitated senior citizen who had no future unless he sold it !!![Beer]
Just Say No.
Just as new perspective... I already miss the reliable nature of the COAR TP (not Toilet Paper)... although I have not yet tested any TX alternatives, i look at the TP and think "damn, when I used to say 'if you were closer'... if only"
I do say the ads that have "Mags can't be included" sometimes makes me tempted to make an offer- since they could be shipped to me legally!
I'm afraid to ask a local FFL if they'll receive out of state shipments for me (I'm sure the answer would be yes)... so I can use that as an excuse...
the LGS here (non-big-box store) is where I did my LTC (License To Carry) training, and they are really straight-up... but so far I've spent less than $50 on ammo, and have purchase no firearms since moving here.
despite the fact that having an LTC IS my BGC here... just have been focused on other stuff...
But one factor is I don't have a place here where I can go to reliably for FTF sales (yet)
I like having a membership and minimum post requirement. I feel more comfortable with any business with that person.
+1 for minimum posts
Yup.....nope
There a consensus yet?
Tough one, may need to set up a poll for more accurate results.Quote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
I guess the feats of strength are coming next.
Wait....the lumber jack off?
ha ha ha
Having the TP public was a nightmare so that probably wont ever be repeated. After all the events get the last couple years and the general view point on firearms we don't need the added hassle or negative publicity from the liberal media just to gain a few members or TP Trolls.
About the min post requirements it was worthless and it just ended up with a bunch of BS TP Trolls Brining up 4 year old bs threads with great insight like "I agreed or "Yep",and I for one really don't want to go back to that. Unfortunately the 30 day probate period is the best we can do unless we want to make it 90 or 180 days.
The TP is a benefit of being a member here not a sole reason even though we do have people here just for that (I.E the titles). We are a family friendly firearms community first not armslist.
Just my humble opinion
Yeah....
Like.
+1
There will be no changes to the TP until I get my "like" button.
-1
Like.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gman
[Awesom]
I like the 90 day idea.
Thread done.