Should I change the way this web site works so all posts to the "Classified Ads" forum get tossed after X number of days? If so, then what number for X?

Or should I just leave it the way it is -- which basically kind of requires the original poster to put SOLD or NO LONGER FOR SALE or something at the end of the thread to indicate the status.

Feedback appreciated.

I think you should keep them for 4 months and trash the rest. It's just like deleting old emails out of your inbox if you don't need them anymore. Usually if it is sold within a couple weeks, there isn't any reason to keep it.

I think 10 days would be enough. It's not a great hardship to repost it if it expires and it doesn't make sense to have years old ads that are no longer valid.

Short duration and a no-bumps rule.

Looking threw the old adds are great but how long do watermelons last? A full week should be enough.. or 10 days... relist is it that hard or updating your listing..bump..bump... I agree with it all... for what ever my 1 cent is worth. CLEAN IT UP...

10 days does sound very reasonable. I say go for it. They can always repost if the items didn't sell.

I would say 30 days. That way you could search for something you were looking for that was posted in the 30 days

I agree. 30 days seems better than only 10.

Good old Craig give ya 45 days on his list, then you're off like dirty socks..

I agree with the 10 days. It doesn't hurt to repost if it hasn't sold!

I agree with the 30 days. There have been times I was looking for an ad that was older than 10 days, to see if an item was still for sale. And, I also like the 3 bump rule that is already supposed to be used.

[This message has been edited by K. D. (edited 9/28/2008).]

I would say 30 days would be good, after which a 30 day "In-Between" period should be in effect before posting the same ad again.

Larry,

I'll make a few suggestions:

1. Consider making a link to http://montana.craigslist.org/ and broadening the audience of buyers and sellers. I know it's nice to have a "local" outlet for buying and selling goods, but it's only somewhat effective.

2. If you're going to keep the classified ads they need more page space or a link and their own page. An upload option for pictures would be great.

3. 10 days should be good, then re-post. It controls the clutter and keeps the items fresh.

If you wanted to be really nice you could have it send them an email letting them know that their ad was deleted and include the text of the ad so they can just cut and paste if they want to repost it.

Or be Super Nice and just buy everything that's left!

Cheers!
FH

I personally find it entertaining to see who bumps their ads every 12 hours.

Buy the way, how come no one has bought my river boat yet????

>>Buy the way, how come no one has bought my river boat yet????

are you offering free delivery?

Ooh, tough one. Can you get me a 'ranchers' permit for a moose or caribou? We might be able to work something out...

I can load you down with salmon jerky, but that about it . . . it's tasty though.

Why not change it so that, once an item is sold or whatnot, the person who listed it can delete the ad instead of posting "sold" or something? Then, if they've not been marked, they get deleted after 30 days.

I would like to know what the "rules" are for classified ads, mine seem to disappear a bit. Is there a rule I should be following?

Classified ads "disappear" (expire) after 30 days. I don't see any indication that your ads are disappearing sooner, Diane.

I say 1 to 2 years is enough. here is why because if a ten days you will have to post 3 times a months if it is 30 days it is better and you need to do it 12 times a year. I believe if it sold then it should stay there for 10 to 30 days. I have a idea put a sold picture in the emoticon legend and for sale as will. keep the bump or have the option the bump to the top. but keep the most important information like if it past 1 to 2 years. if some are sold take out the sold post then keep the others.

I was unaware of the 30 day thing, will pay more attention now Thank you for letting me know.