Why are adverts not allowed without pictures.

Some things like 'fork springs, Speedmaster seat, standard indicator lens etc' don't really need pictures to show what they are.

also not everyone has a camera or the skills to paste picture gleamed from the net into their adverts.

OK they help with some items but I can't see why it's compulsory.

So I've set up a poll.

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Having been edited on this subject...
I don't understand the point of deleting ads without pics -
You'd save bandwidth if you let people put up ads with "pics on email by request" or something like that...
and like the OP said... "fork springs" or "stock seat for bonneville" doesn't really need a pic.

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2006 Bonneville Black - Lots O' Black
best mod - Hedge's 8-ball choke...email him if you want one!

Clear pictures are important to verify the item's description and condition. I'm glad to have 'em.

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http://youtube.com/user/ncyonder

Although TriumphRat.Net has no responsibility toward the accuracy of the Classified Ads, fraud and disputes have diminished significantly since the rule was put into place.

Before the policy was put into place, we had ads being posted for items that really didn't exist. In other words, a user would register and post a fraudulent ad. Then another Rat.Net user would make the purchase without investigating anything, like how many posts the seller has made - or when the seller registered.

A picture of the respective item for sale provides some assurance that it actually exists. Server space or bandwidth is not an issue.

Another rule I'm considering is a minimum number of posts before a user can post an ad. This will curb those who register here only to place a classified ad. It is within my ability to implement now, just haven't done it yet.

The Rat.Net Classifieds are free, I won't ever charge for the feature. When disputes arise, I'll always try to assist but prefer not to be involved. So I attempt to provide an environment that encourages a reasonable level of communication between buyer and seller.

If you don't have a digital camera, now is just as good a time as any to learn how to use one.

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well any 'scammer' could just as easily get a picture from the net and use that, There is no proof that the picture in the advert is of the actual goods is there ?

we all know how the [img] code works to link to off site pictures, or even save the image and re upload it.

I have a set of Thruxton progressive springs for sale. I could just use the picture from the makers site to show what they are. Doesn't mean I actually have the goods.




See

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good idea on the minimum posts, Shawn. We have done that on some other forums and it cuts the scamming and spamming quite a bit.

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2006 Bonneville Black - Lots O' Black
best mod - Hedge's 8-ball choke...email him if you want one!

That I see as a useful tool against scammer and spammers.

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I have seen other forums introduce a reputation system, where buyers can leave feedback against a seller and the experience of working with them. It's not foolproof but every little bit helps to discourage scamming.

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http://youtube.com/user/ncyonder

You're right, a picture isn't a guarantee that the respective product exists or is in the condition the seller states. However, it has reduced the problems.

The reputation idea was bantered around on one of my other sites, but folks didn't like it. On Rat.Net, we're a bit too quick to judge. The moment someone has a bad experience, the "victim mode" comes on and the personal attacks start flying. For those of us who have been around for years, getting a bad rap from another user in 2003 wouldn't make a difference today.

However, I am testing Reputation on another project I'm working on --- so things may change.

Regarding the "minimum post" idea, we used to have a minimum of 10 posts on the previous Rat.Net before some features were allowed. Does that still sound fair?

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Originally Posted by Shawn

Regarding the "minimum post" idea, we used to have a minimum of 10 posts on the previous Rat.Net before some features were allowed. Does that still sound fair?

I think this is a better idea than the mandatory picture of a bike rule (as stated it could be anyone's bike)

I've seen the minimum post rule on many sites Shawn at LEAST 10 would be good IMOP.