View Full Version : why can't i make a thread in the for sale forum?
i get this page:
dddave, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:
1. Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
2. If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.
Google, this page is about bicycles, bikes, cycling, road bikes, mountain bikes and other types of bicycles.
wtf
Luwin1026
09-29-07, 12:48 PM
I might be wrong, but I think you need to have a red star (monetary contributor?) in order to post a thread in the for sale forum -
seriously? that's lame. i need to sell some stuff.
Yes, that's the way this forum's classifieds section works. However, you are allowed to post ads without prices in your signature line. You may ask people to PM you or link to an external ad. Let me know if you have any questions.
StrangeWill
09-29-07, 01:23 PM
seriously? that's lame. i need to sell some stuff.
E-bay.
I never check this forum to buy crap, it's down too often. ;)
cjbruin
09-29-07, 05:41 PM
Why not just join and get your red star. You seem to get enough enjoyment out of the forums to warrant throwing a few bucks to the owners.
seriously? that's lame. i need to sell some stuff.
Hey man, can I come over to your house and make a few phone calls? While I'm at it, mind if I take a shower? How about making me dinner? I could go for a few beers, too.
When's a good time for you?
;)
StrangeWill
09-29-07, 11:02 PM
Why not just join and get your red star. You seem to get enough enjoyment out of the forums to warrant throwing a few bucks to the owners.
If they got rid of a few someones.... maybe. ;)
You pay less for SomethingAweful, and it has a lot better forum features. ;)
Hey man, can I come over to your house and make a few phone calls? While I'm at it, mind if I take a shower? How about making me dinner? I could go for a few beers, too.
When's a good time for you?
what? that was stupid.
Why not just join and get your red star. You seem to get enough enjoyment out of the forums to warrant throwing a few bucks to the owners.
i'd rather just keep posting for free. and didn't bikeforums just get bought by some big company?
ggallin
09-30-07, 01:58 PM
paying to post on a messageboard is absurd.
urbanknight
09-30-07, 05:02 PM
I'm alway amazed at how many people think that someone else on this planet should invest their time and money so they can have something for free, and then complain at the lack of service.
As posted before, when can we come over and have some beers, meals, and a shower on your dime? If you don't want to let us, well then "that's lame" and "absurd"
BikeWNC
09-30-07, 05:17 PM
Advertisers pay BF for their ads for the opportunity to reach the members here. So without our participation there is no BF. We shouldn't have to pay a fee just to post a for sale add or use a larger avatar. Just my two cents.
i never complained about it, i just wondered why i couldn't post in it. i mean, if i can post in any other forum, why should i have to donate money to be able to sell stuff? i really don't care either way, i'll just put it on ebay or craigslist.
As posted before, when can we come over and have some beers, meals, and a shower on your dime? If you don't want to let us, well then "that's lame" and "absurd"
this would only apply if i told you you could and let you come over and open my beers and prepare the food, but then said you had to pay to drink and eat them. you are an idiot.
donnamb
09-30-07, 05:31 PM
Advertisers pay BF for their ads for the opportunity to reach the members here. So without our participation there is no BF. We shouldn't have to pay a fee just to post a for sale add or use a larger avatar. Just my two cents.
I agree, that would really suck. The $25 you pay one time also takes away the ads so they can no longer reach you.
maximan1
09-30-07, 05:45 PM
seriously? that's lame. i need to sell some stuff.
I'll sell it for you.
But I get 50% of the earnings
JK
But I will post it for you
urbanknight
09-30-07, 05:48 PM
this would only apply if i told you you could and let you come over and open my beers and prepare the food, but then said you had to pay to drink and eat them. you are an idiot.
Calling me names is hardly appropriate, especially when you lack cited support. Haven't you ever heard of different tiers of service? There are companies offering free internet service, but you have to pay if you want it to be faster. My TV cable company offers thousands of channels, but I'd have to pay more to get them all. What it comes down to is this: Bike Forums is a privately owned company and they can set their own rules. Anyone who does not agree with them does not have to give them their patronage.
I'd venture to say that a person who does not understand commercialism is more likely to be an idiot.
urbanknight
09-30-07, 05:51 PM
Advertisers pay BF for their ads for the opportunity to reach the members here. So without our participation there is no BF. We shouldn't have to pay a fee just to post a for sale add or use a larger avatar. Just my two cents.
You are allowed your opinion, but they can do business how they like. If you disagree, you have the power as a consumer to not be their customer. There are plenty of places where advertisement pays for some but not all of a company's product offerings. It's just one of the many business practice options, ethical or not.
Indolent58
09-30-07, 05:52 PM
Who is to say that there should be large avatars, and ad-free option or a "For Sale" forum at all? Why would any of us necessarily be entitled to them without paying anything? These are all just business decisions on the part of the site owners. We are all free to take our eyeballs elsewhere if we don't like what's offered.
You can always use Craigslist, but it's not entirely free either. It charges for jobs and rental listings in certain cities but not others. Wow, that seems pretty arbitrary and unfair. They suck too.
urbanknight
09-30-07, 05:56 PM
btw dddave, you really should read forum guidelines before you get yourself kicked off the board. Being a member is a privilege, not a right.
http://www.bikeforums.net/faq.php?faq=basic_guidelines#faq_harrassment
Harassment occurs when a member insults, attacks, and denigrates another member at any time. We have zero tolerance for taking an argument about a any topic to a personal level. For instance, the use of terms such as "idiot, moron, stupid" and other derogatory terms constitutes harassment. The idea is to make this a pleasant environment to discuss cycling, not a schoolyard, or name-calling and rock-throwing festival. Repeated critical and sharply negative posts toward a forum member can also constitute harassment.
cjbruin
09-30-07, 06:29 PM
and didn't bikeforums just get bought by some big company?
I think you're right but what's your point?
Do big companies get free servers? Are they exempt from paying for T1 lines?
cjbruin
09-30-07, 06:30 PM
paying to post on a messageboard is absurd.
So are many of your posts :rolleyes:
ggallin
09-30-07, 07:00 PM
u mad.
TrevorInSoCal
09-30-07, 07:51 PM
Advertisers pay BF for their ads for the opportunity to reach the members here. So without our participation there is no BF. We shouldn't have to pay a fee just to post a for sale add or use a larger avatar. Just my two cents.
Actually, if you pay to join you can turn the ads off.
I joined for that reason. I get inundated with enough advertising as it is (and I don't even own a television), the one-time $20 (or whatever it was) is more then worth it for me to view bikeforums sans ads.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDW_Hj2K0wo
Though I do wish they'd get he the frickin' database server/lag problems figure out...
i never complained about it, i just wondered why i couldn't post in it. i mean, if i can post in any other forum, why should i have to donate money to be able to sell stuff? i really don't care either way, i'll just put it on ebay or craigslist.
As posted before, when can we come over and have some beers, meals, and a shower on your dime? If you don't want to let us, well then "that's lame" and "absurd"
this would only apply if i told you you could and let you come over and open my beers and prepare the food, but then said you had to pay to drink and eat them. you are an idiot.
I don't know if you've ever sold on Ebay, but it is very expensive.
1) Listing fee
2) extra fee for large or more photos
3) Final sale price fee
4) PayPal fee ( if you want your money that way)
It cost me somwhere around $60-70 in fees for something I sold on Ebay for $700
$25 fee on here seems to be a deal, if it's actually sold.
StrangeWill
09-30-07, 09:30 PM
paying to post on a messageboard is absurd.
That post would be so much better if your name had a star next to it. ;)
I'm alway amazed at how many people think that someone else on this planet should invest their time and money so they can have something for free, and then complain at the lack of service.
As posted before, when can we come over and have some beers, meals, and a shower on your dime? If you don't want to let us, well then "that's lame" and "absurd"
As a webmaster myself, I can say that the "have something for free" argument is kind of dumb when the site is plastered with ads. It isn't out of the kindness of the admin's heart, they know they can make money off visitors, thats why this site continues to be worked on.
Wikipedia is a site that you can say is a free service. It's like not being able to complain about a problem with Google because you don't pay the Google $5 fee (that doesn't really exist, but just as a point).
Building a large community, and profiting off of ads (especially such well targeted ads) is nothing new, and has been quite a good business for a while.
Trust me, if something catastrophic happened to bikeforums, I'd be kicking up another duplicated community layout in hours (though TBH: I'd spend a couple extra weeks specializing forum software for bike-centered stuff, using a vanilla setup isn't really creative and shows little dedication). It's easy money once you get a well established community that continues to grow.
And don't get me started on merchandise for said website.
urbanknight
09-30-07, 11:07 PM
Strange Will, I agree with you. I never said this site was ran out of the goodness of anybody's heart. It's a business and it's here for one purpose: to make money. Yes, it becomes a cash cow after you get everything set up. However, you know as well as anyone that you need computer and business skills (or a team that has them) to make that happen. I've seen plenty of forums rise and fall because they lacked either of those.
If someone puts out the effort and investment in the beginning, (s)he deserves the spoils later. I'm no computer whiz, so I understand why I pay someone else to set these things up. In the same light, I am currently working on musical arrangements in which I hope to get a profit on after I copyright them. A profit that will hopefully continue year after year. That is a benefit only for those of us who understand the meaning of delayed gratification.
StrangeWill
09-30-07, 11:22 PM
Strange Will, I agree with you. I never said this site was ran out of the goodness of anybody's heart. It's a business and it's here for one purpose: to make money. Yes, it becomes a cash cow after you get everything set up. However, you know as well as anyone that you need computer and business skills (or a team that has them) to make that happen. I've seen plenty of forums rise and fall because they lacked either of those.
If someone puts out the effort and investment in the beginning, (s)he deserves the spoils later. I'm no computer whiz, so I understand why I pay someone else to set these things up. In the same light, I am currently working on musical arrangements in which I hope to get a profit on after I copyright them. A profit that will hopefully continue year after year. That is a benefit only for those of us who understand the meaning of delayed gratification.
IMHO: You need neither, you just need a popular idea and a good domain name. The rest is already set up in convenient packages you basically just slam together.
Even sites like MySpace show the least amount of dedication to actually producing quality work, showing that it's mainly about getting your foot in the door, not spending time making a quality website.
It mainly takes balls to shell out the $200 to personally run through the scripted installers and such for a website setup like this (you can do it cheaper with other software).
donnamb
09-30-07, 11:36 PM
I don't know if it offers you perspective in any way, but there's a reason why red stars are the only ones who can post for sale ads. It happened long before I became a member, but it was actually because of suggestions on the part of forum members. People wanted a way to somewhat ensure that the people using the For Sale forum were otherwise invested in the community at large, that they weren't creating a user ID just to sell stuff then take off. That also reduces the chances of getting screwed over by someone who doesn't care about what other people think about him/her on this forum.
You may still disagree with this policy, but I just wanted to clarify that the money is not the primary issue here.
seriously? that's lame. i need to sell some stuff.
"Why should I have to WORK for everything?! It's like saying I don't deserve it!"
~ Calvin
http://www.crhc.uiuc.edu/~vdhar2/calvin-hobbes.jpg
urbanknight
09-30-07, 11:56 PM
I don't know if it offers you perspective in any way, but there's a reason why red stars are the only ones who can post for sale ads. It happened long before I became a member, but it was actually because of suggestions on the part of forum members. People wanted a way to somewhat ensure that the people using the For Sale forum were otherwise invested in the community at large, that they weren't creating a user ID just to sell stuff then take off. That also reduces the chances of getting screwed over by someone who doesn't care about what other people think about him/her on this forum.
You may still disagree with this policy, but I just wanted to clarify that the money is not the primary issue here.
Very true. I currently moderate for a site that had that problem a few years ago. I would get PMs from members that got scammed, asking what I could do for them (which was nothing). After many discussions, we had to implement a minimum membership time and post count before you can post something for sale.
Advertisers pay BF for their ads for the opportunity to reach the members here. So without our participation there is no BF. We shouldn't have to pay a fee just to post a for sale add or use a larger avatar. Just my two cents.
I agree
StrangeWill
10-01-07, 01:24 AM
I don't know if it offers you perspective in any way, but there's a reason why red stars are the only ones who can post for sale ads. It happened long before I became a member, but it was actually because of suggestions on the part of forum members. People wanted a way to somewhat ensure that the people using the For Sale forum were otherwise invested in the community at large, that they weren't creating a user ID just to sell stuff then take off. That also reduces the chances of getting screwed over by someone who doesn't care about what other people think about him/her on this forum.
You may still disagree with this policy, but I just wanted to clarify that the money is not the primary issue here.
That is a great point, but I would see $25 as an investment if I was going to rip people off. :p
Calling me names is hardly appropriate, especially when you lack cited support. Haven't you ever heard of different tiers of service? There are companies offering free internet service, but you have to pay if you want it to be faster. My TV cable company offers thousands of channels, but I'd have to pay more to get them all. What it comes down to is this: Bike Forums is a privately owned company and they can set their own rules. Anyone who does not agree with them does not have to give them their patronage.
I'd venture to say that a person who does not understand commercialism is more likely to be an idiot.
i completely understand commercialism. i understand that i can watch basic cable for free. i also understand that bikeforums make their own rules and if i want to post something for sale i have to pay, but i choose not to. if i had to pay to post here i wouldn't post here. the reason i do is because it's free. i just think it's odd that that is one thing they decide to charge you for.
also, adblock is a wonderful program. you should all download it.
please, gestapo mods, don't ban me!
http://picturebook.chattablogs.com/archives/images/06_02_11.jpg
edit: i see donna's point and it's a good one, but like will just said, i could easily spend $25 to rip somebody off for a few hundred.
StrangeWill
10-01-07, 02:36 AM
also, adblock is a wonderful program. you should all download it.
I don't block ads because I visit some sites I really support, however sites like bikeforums is seeming to try to become where they'll take down the website so they can put more ads that start to interfere with content I wouldn't so much feel to hurt about.
That and the elitist attitude of "I paid, I'm a better community member" makes me want to withdraw my support.
I don't block ads because I visit some sites I really support, however sites like bikeforums is seeming to try to become where they'll take down the website so they can put more ads that start to interfere with content I wouldn't so much feel to hurt about.
That and the elitist attitude of "I paid, I'm a better community member" makes me want to withdraw my support.
That's not true,
I paid, and I'm no better than I was before...:rolleyes:
I would probably do it but I'm poor as hell, I can barely afford school :( :(
urbanknight
10-01-07, 08:48 AM
That's not true,
I paid, and I'm no better than I was before...:rolleyes:
Same here.
dddave, I do agree that the seller protection is not a good excuse to charge $25, but it's one of their sales pitches so you have to either live by it or don't use the service, as I see you are doing. I suppose you have every right to complain, too, but in the end the company chooses its policies. That's why I don't shop at the Home Depot anymore.
Mo'Phat
10-01-07, 09:11 AM
I think Donna's point is extremely valid, and is being somewhat overlooked. Establishing a forum relationship or investing a small dollar amount is a simple way to weed out the scam artists. Obviously if someone wants to scam, he can...but a red star is a way to dissuade the quick-hitters from coming here...opting for an easier mark somewhere else.
You see, however, that I have no red star, yet I've posted here for a while now. I have sold things via Jschen's method of putting it in my signature. I don't mind the ads...some of the companies are bookmarked now.
Basically, what I'm saying to dddave is that them's the rules. They were made for good reasons and shouldn't be changed. There are workarounds and other options for you. Stop calling people idiots, prz.
I think Donna's point is extremely valid, and is being somewhat overlooked. Establishing a forum relationship or investing a small dollar amount is a simple way to weed out the scam artists. Obviously if someone wants to scam, he can...but a red star is a way to dissuade the quick-hitters from coming here...opting for an easier mark somewhere else.
You see, however, that I have no red star, yet I've posted here for a while now. I have sold things via Jschen's method of putting it in my signature. I don't mind the ads...some of the companies are bookmarked now.
Basically, what I'm saying to dddave is that them's the rules. They were made for good reasons and shouldn't be changed. There are workarounds and other options for you. Stop calling people idiots, prz.
but you called me an idiot!!
Mo'Phat
10-01-07, 09:26 AM
Where? Cite your source n00b.
StrangeWill
10-01-07, 01:49 PM
That's not true,
I paid, and I'm no better than I was before...:rolleyes:
This place is a bad example of the piss poor attitudes you get in other sections of the forums. :p
seriously? that's lame. i need to sell some stuff.
When Joe started the forums, he needed to offer some perks to members that helped offset the cost of running the site. One of those perks was the ability to post in the For Sale thread. Today, that $25 is still appreciated, but hardly makes a dent in the server bill. But it does help protect other members from someone creating an account just to rip people off. Sure, they could still pay the $25 and run a scam. But they're going to have to pay by Paypal to get that star, which means that they are trackable, to a certain extent. As far as I know, no one has been ripped off through the For Sale threads to date. And we do expect a new server this month as well.
also, adblock is a wonderful program. you should all download it.
Some people like to see the ads. Of course, if everyone blocked them, the sponsors would pull out, and the forums would go out of business.
paying to post on a messageboard is absurd.
Indeed. That is why we will never ask members for money to participate.
It's also been suggested that we let non-donating members have access to post in the For Sale threads after they have been on for a while, and have proven that they're not scammers. (Or really dedicated scammers. Take your pick) The only issue I have with that is that there will be complaints from those that ponied up $25 to place their ad. But we are considering ways that we can allow all members to advertise, without becoming a place for scammers to ply their craft.
maximan1
10-01-07, 10:38 PM
i completely understand commercialism. i understand that i can watch basic cable for free. i also understand that bikeforums make their own rules and if i want to post something for sale i have to pay, but i choose not to. if i had to pay to post here i wouldn't post here. the reason i do is because it's free. i just think it's odd that that is one thing they decide to charge you for.
also, adblock is a wonderful program. you should all download it.
please, gestapo mods, don't ban me!
http://picturebook.chattablogs.com/archives/images/06_02_11.jpg
edit: i see donna's point and it's a good one, but like will just said, i could easily spend $25 to rip somebody off for a few hundred.
If you post enough, santa clause will pay for you.
How do you think I got my red star?
[QUOTE=dddave;5366119]
http://picturebook.chattablogs.com/archives/images/06_02_11.jpg
QUOTE]
I think you should make that your new avatar.
:beer:
http://www.homevideos.com/freezeframes3/ShawShank38.jpeg
"How can you be so obtuse?"
;)
roadfix
10-02-07, 05:08 PM
Great film...
I cried at the end.
I don't know if it offers you perspective in any way, but there's a reason why red stars are the only ones who can post for sale ads. It happened long before I became a member, but it was actually because of suggestions on the part of forum members. People wanted a way to somewhat ensure that the people using the For Sale forum were otherwise invested in the community at large, that they weren't creating a user ID just to sell stuff then take off. That also reduces the chances of getting screwed over by someone who doesn't care about what other people think about him/her on this forum.
You may still disagree with this policy, but I just wanted to clarify that the money is not the primary issue here.
There are alternatives to charging a fee that still ensure some level of accountability (see urbanknights post). Bikeforums can run the show how they see fit, but to say it's not about the money is disingenuous.
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