Reopen Trading Post to Nonmembers?

[CS1983]

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.

[wyome]

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

[Ah Pook]

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.

[lead_magnet]

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.

[roberth]

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.

Thank you.

[StagLefty]

There's a Trading Post ?

[BigBear]

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.

[68Charger]

(not trading pot trolls).

The things that have extra meaning in Colorado...

[ray1970]

There's a Trading Post ?

You can't fool us. I remember the belly boat post.

[Zundfolge]

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.