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**Rozza** · 07-01-2006, 03:37 AM

So heres the Deal Tpunks, we created the Classified Ads with the intention that Tpunk Members could sell, trade and rent their stuff to other Tpunks.

But recently There has been a lot more incidents of spamming on the boards, which is to be expected as the community grows and remains active, but the modsquad started to think, Are we inviting the spammers here with 'Classifieds Ads'? Is spam still spam if its in a Classified?

The Classifieds Ads forum has now been live for 10 months, with a moderate number of topics, but a low amount of response. This makes it hard for us (as the ModSquad) to gauge how active this forum is, as members place their Ads and then any interested parties PM them rather than placing details on the internet.

So, Its up to you! Decide what you want to do with the Classified Ads Forum, TravelPUNK is here for you, not us, Its your Message Board, not ours.

So please tell us what YOU want, Tell us if you use the Classified Ads, and if you want to keep it.

Also, please give us your imput, if theres any angles we haven't seen, any other options, Please give us your opinions and suggestions.

Get Cracking TPunks, The TravelPUNK.com Message Board NEEDS YOU B)

Rozza

**simply_angelic** · 07-01-2006, 05:24 PM

I dont personally really use the classified ads much but I do think tha it could really be pretty useful for someone selling a backpack etc. Besides, I'm pretty sure spammers are going to spam no matter what at least this way we have a place the put the not-so-spammy ads...

**juliagulia** · 07-01-2006, 10:24 PM

I don't think we SHOULDN'T keep it, just because then it makes it worse to distinguish between Spam spam and "useful" spam that still IS spam none the less, or a genuine classified ad. In order to get rid of the ifs and maybes, it'd probably make more sense to just get rid of the possibility of a "genuine ad."

just curious--i can understand someone USING it (i've seen a few members advertising gear and what not) but has anyone had success with it?

**space virgin** · 07-01-2006, 10:32 PM

Or maybe it could be renamed to something else so it doesn't pop up quite so quick when bots are trolling for hits. *shrug*

**LiveFreeorDie** · 07-02-2006, 09:36 AM

I am not really opposed to it, but to me, at the end of the day there are much better places to sell things on the web than on Travelpunk. Our core competency is travel advice and building a community of people that share a love of travel. I think we should focus all efforts on that and I am not sure a classified section does anything to further those particular goals.

**expatben** · 07-02-2006, 12:15 PM

I'm none too bothered as I have never used it but I think we should keep it, unless we can prove that the classified ads board has lead to more spamming. I think spamers will spam, its in their nature.

Echeverry · 07-03-2006, 04:47 PM

Just a random idea, I don't use it btw the way but. . . just leave it butwhy not add a second password to it which could only be given to members that are known for being active in the forum. :greenguy: Oh yeah something other than Canada.

**juliagulia** · 07-03-2006, 09:42 PM

^so like, if you're a certain rank you can post, or certain amount of posts, or just individuals based on participation?

it's a good idea, but would probably take a lot more work than is needed for a part of TP that gets very little traffic, IMHO.

Echeverry · 07-04-2006, 06:41 PM

No just as in if you have actually posted anything and have been active, just to be sure it's not a bot or a spammer. Make it simple.

**Joker** · 07-04-2006, 06:56 PM

The easiest way:

Yotatech.com's forums have a page that you must click through to get to their classifieds section. Most likely its there only to defeat the bots. If we put a click through page it may help to alleviate the problem.

Echeverry · 07-04-2006, 07:41 PM

yeah that's a good idea, but you can program bots to do the inicial click, so it's all in the setup(not saying it's a bad idea at all, it's an extra wall). I have another idea but it will consume too much you know the safety text to check your "sight"! you know the little polease type 297dhg8 crap!

**juliagulia** · 07-04-2006, 08:16 PM

The question is, is our spam bot spam or concious people spam?

**zylah** · 07-05-2006, 05:09 AM

ok, i will be the first to admit that I haven't been raoming the boards as much as i used to, but i still check every week and I hadn't even noticed that we had classified adds.

what about doing one of those type what u see in the box things to get rid of bots?

**MeTurk** · 07-05-2006, 07:07 AM

Quote:

but i still check every week and I hadn't even noticed that we had classified adds.

That's because it's classified ssshhhh...

I never knew about them ether so I guess I wouldn't miss them too much.

Echeverry · 07-05-2006, 06:31 PM

Well if it's concious people just ban them and solved!

damnrepoman · 07-05-2006, 07:04 PM

hey all! havent been on in days but thought id stop in and comment.(hehe my 2 cents) i know that theres a problem with spamming and another site im on just lets you post in a classified section after 10 regular posts. it seems to work well, and there isnt any complaints. evryone knows that its a must to keep garbage out. the system just notifies you that your too low on posts if your under ten. oh well just a thought.

**Sabrosa** · 07-18-2006, 12:51 PM

If there were a bunch of posts with tpunks crying the blues because we might get rid of the classifieds...I'de say keep it. But....doesn't seem like anyone really cares, or really uses it. I say ditch it!

One less thing to worry about....