So, lets talk about classifieds. I'm about ready to release the "new" classifieds system. Essentially its a modification of the same system that is running garages. What will be nice about this system, is as people create new items for sale it will have the information needed so you can filter quickly to what type of part you are looking for. Similar to ebay, Amazon etc where you have the option to "refine by" you search. For example, you can filter by year, model, chassis etc. Here is a partial pic of the "refine" by available on the test site. You would just click on the information you are looking for so you can refine your search (or use the search function). This raises the question... since we can use that to refine the search. Also, when a new item is created, it will be posted directly into the classified forum (if you prefer to view that way). Based on how its setup, the best way to do this "technically" would be to create: 1) Cars for Sale forum 2) Parts for sale forum 3) Other Collectibles, Tools & Related Items Does anyone have any concerns with this? Also if you like I can create a little video to show how it works. Would like your feedback... classifieds is one of the area's I really want to get write. Based on the past few years of start/stop on changes, the activity there is really low. I'm hoping that with a well developed system this will help promote more "action".
Agreed - on the test site, I was just putting in some of the sponsors. That does bring up a good question. I was only planning on putting in site sponsors. Should there be a list of “common” vendors also (not just site sponsors?)
I think the list of public vendors should site sponsors. Like...we sponsor those who sponsor us. The more I think of it, the more I think that there shouldn't be a "common" vendors list. If there was, you could get in trouble by having to take any vendor that asked. Courts are very 'touchy' these days, it seems.
Agreed - I think it should only be site sponsors. Do you agree with collapsing the different “threads/forums” for classifieds in the forums section? Basically what this means is anytime someone creates a new classified listing it would flow into one of 3 forums: 1) Cars for sale 2) Parts for Sale 3) Other collectibles, tools & related items. The only reason that is “important” is if someone prefers to view them in the forum format compared to in the actual classifieds section. This is a screen shot of how classifieds section will look. You will see a snippet of the refine by etc.
Yea - I’m hoping I can get the sponsors section up this weekend along with the first run at the updated classifieds section (specifically for cars for sale). Speaking on that, for parts for sale, are there specific categories you would like to see to filter on. For example: 1) Suspension 2) Wheels 3) Tires 4) Exhaust 5) Engine 6) Supercharger 7) Turbo 8) Interior 9) Electronics Thoughts?
Thanks - I was also thinking about doing something similar for “prefix” right now in the technical Q&A the prefix are pretty generic.. but that was what was needed for the migration. I think I’ve figured out a way to clean those up and break them out be Generation. That would make them WAY more useful IMO. I’m hoping to run some test on the test site..
Agreed - you will be able to filter on them in the Main area. If you prefer the forum style it would have prefix to filter on. Plus you can “watch” that specific prefix. At least that is the concept. I’ll grt the car one up first so everyone can get a feel for it and provide feedback before I do the parts one as it’s a bit more complex to setup.
To remove completely or to be able to mark as sold which would allow them to be filter out/not show up unless your specifically looking for older items?
A while back I was looking for an R112 wheel and whilst perusing thru the classifieds last week noticed my post was still up.
I’m sure it was. I wouldn’t get deleted. Many times people will look through the “archives” to see what stuff is selling for. However ideally it would say sold/etc. That is something I’m working on for the new ones. I think I have figured out a way for members to go back and adjust this.
So working on the classifieds section. First section that will go up will be the "Cars For Sale".. should have that up a little later today. That said you may see me update some "old" items during the testing.. more FYI than anything else.
OK- I've moved a few cars up to the cars for sale section. https://www.motoringalliance.com/showcase/category/classic-mini-mini-and-other-cars-for-sale.14/ Currently, its somewhat hidden.. i.e. use the link above. Once we have this finalized I will be adding it to the menu system. A few things to notice: 1) If you are on a PC you can refine by using the "refine" by column on the right. 2) If you are on a mobile device, you will probably want to use the refine by that is right above the items for sale. I'll upload some pictures. Looking for feedback.. I'll start working on the Parts for sale section.
Here are some additional details regarding how to use the “refine” by. When you are on a bigger screen there are two ways to narrow your selection: 1) Using the column on the right with the header “Refine By” 2) Clicking on the “Refine By” plus sign right above the classifieds On Mobile or small screens the column on the right ends up at the very bottom of the page, which would require a lot of scrolling. Instead just use the one at the top. When you click on that it will look like this: Once you click those filters, it will auto filter on Cars that have those characteristics. That said, I’ve only moved a few cars there so there won’t be a bunch yet. Test it out and let me know your thoughts.