I would say 25 would be better, you could easily post 10

'hello I'm so and so'

posts and some other trivial rubbish to bump up your count.

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It's settled then, I've created a new usergroup that all Registered Users will auto-promote to when they have made a certain number of posts. I'll do a bit of testing tonight before running the automated routine.

On the previous Rat.Net, there were some users who would make 10 worthless posts. It did make things frustrating. I may increase that to 15 posts.

Today, If a new user comes along and does 15 worthless posts it is easier for the Moderators to deal with. I've given them the power to execute a routine that will wipes a new user's history, PM's, posts, other data - and Bans them - in one click. I implemented it after the stereo/tv spammers started posting here.

When the change is done, newly Registered users will be able to see the ads and post responses/questions to them, but won't be able to create classified ads of their own until they "meet the criteria" for a Contributing Rat.Net Member.

This will not change the picture rule. When the Classifieds System is upgraded, I will implement a function that requires the picture before the ad is posted. I would have done it already, but there is going to be a lot of changes Classifieds supporting platform. It wouldn't have made sense for me to code something that couldn't migrate.

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OK, seems to me you have implemented an idea that was put forward and an 'alternative' to needing pictures in the adverts and not answered the original concern.

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A minimum number of posts is a nice supplement, but would not be a real alternative to pictures. Sure, photos can be swiped off the Internet, but many of those will either have a watermark from the original site (as often seen on e-bay) or be obvious studio shots. Seeing pictures like those in a supposedly personal classified raises all kinds of red flags.

Digital photos are just not that hard to take and post. If you don't have or want any kind of digital camera yourself, you probably live next to neighbors who have several...unless perhaps you reside in the heart of Amish country or on a desert island. They're frequently as cheap as $10 on closeout specials these days. Or, if you can operate a point-and-click disposable film camera, you can get those shots processed onto a digital photo CD rather than prints, and upload from that. It's a simple thing to do to publicize what you're offering.

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John