Feedback: Create an auction section

I've been with girs a number of years, though my membership lapsed, it's still been awhile.
Over time I've seen people come and go, but the sales threads have always been around because it's a great place other than ebay, craigslist, facebook, etc.. To sell items or discount them greatly for our fellow local reefers/hobbyists.

I created a thread for an auction, but evidently someone had a problem with it, so the rules of trades were adjusted just to snuff out auctions. :|

I could very well just leave, which I'm sure some might say "bye!" as there's not much that's sacred on the net anymore..

But it really does bother me, that this type of sale isn't allowed. One person said "this isn't ebay!!" to which I have to say, 'That's why I'm here!'. I consider sales here, more than a sale, or getting some money back from the investment. I consider it a way to give local people here in Iowa, one heck of a deal on some equipement/corals/fish, and not even go very far for it or have to succumb to the negatives of shipping.

I've given away a lot of things to my fellow reefers over time on this site, and the very first time I make an auction the rules are changed to prevent the auction.

I'm not sure what happened or what was said behind the scenes, but since I only want to sell certain items at bottom-dollar prices, yet of course get a decent amount for it, an auction is the only way. There's some uncertainties yes, but this is the case with ALL sales to people on the internet.

I'm also afraid overall, unless GIRS adapts to the growing tide of auctions vs jacked-up sales, or the continual lower-price adjusted posts, the exposure of sales will go down because some will just merely leave.

I'm a bit conflicted about, but one of the major reasons I think auctions are great, is because you can start the price pretty low, and it's "valid" for more time, thus allowing more hobbyists to see it.
I really do believe it would be a smart move, and in the best interest of GIRS, to allow auctions, and even create a new subsection for auctions only.

Thanks for the opportunity.
/soapbox

 

GIRS is a club and a community of members. Not a trading post for reef tank goodies.
This^ breaks my heart.. We all know how much gear is needed at times for certain setups. What's the first suggestion usually when starting out in aquariums? "Get ahold of a local club and check out the used gear"
We shouldn't be afraid of the number of sales, that shows activity. If the club got rid of the sales section, I guarantee people would find another way albeit CL, fb, etc, to meet up locally and trade/sell gear.. And then on top of it, they probably wouldn't come to the site just for advice or stories of experience, the site doesn't allow sales, so how much can you really learn from those who don't address a very real aspect of the hobby? (the passing of gear/specimens is just as worthy as a story of advice or experience; they go hand in hand)


I guess I can't understand why more buying/selling would be a bad thing. Inevitably fb/reddit/instagram will overpower traditional forums, that's a given. But I bring this up because in my own interests, I know supply and demand gears sales. If I'm looking to unload some corals I think it's about time I frag or old hardware, I really hate putting a price tag on it to local members, who I consider more buddies than random people on the internet. Also, auctions will help because it adheres better to the supply/demand ideals, and more people will be able to sell(as long as starting prices are not too high) and more people will be able to afford things in the hobby, vs not being able to buy it because someone asks for almost retail price.

Another aspect that bothered me, again it's just an observation, is someone mentioned a tax by GIRS on the auctions. To which I have to say again, fb/reddit/instagram will drive this place into the ground if the club starts taxing.. lol (I think it's a given)

As more time goes by, local clubs (I've seen plenty of non-aquarium clubs) go the way of the Dodo.. More and more pipelines exist on the internet to provide social/service/advertising/entertainment scenarios, but without adapting a website goes under. I feel that's pretty much how supply and demand has influenced the LFS's vs ordering off the net. There's no incentives anymore to buy locally when you can get something cheaper off the net, and pay 5-20$ to see it tomorrow, when it would have been 30-40$ more locally. (my gripe with amazon vs the lfs selling pumps etc with a 60$ profit markup lol)

I do find myself missing the old days when the net first came about and the widespread-general public, corporations, and advertising were not on it yet. But again, as seen with many aspects in the world, things evolve against our preference. While you're thinking about that, I'm going to check my myspace page! (totally joking lol)

It might be good if someone hopped on facebook and created a GIRS group to help promote the club/site. There's a few clubs around the country that have done it and they see more members and discussions everyday.