It's quite possible that within the software that created this forum, it already contains the ability to have a classified section. But Spirit Halloween chose not to use it. I have a website (not related to Halloween) and used a software called Handshakes which has the capabilities to do all this plus the classified. It would appear as part of the top toolbar. I didn't need it so I left it off the site. Spirit is a company selling Halloween merchandise, so they may not want to encourage us to do that. But I think that anything that helps the community creates brand loyalty. Considering the longevity of this forum, I don't think us HFers are going anywhere.
DAWNSKI it sounds like you saying this forum is officially run by Spirit Halloween? Do you know this to be true? I know Spirit Halloween is one of and probably a major sponsor dollarwise to this forum compared to our other sponsors, but I am not under the impression what you stated or are implying is true.
I know we have the Group buy section to this forum where some people post items to sell. I'm wondering if there was a way to make this a bit more local. Would it be possible to create a forum section called HF marketplace? Then create a thread for each state (eg. CA Wanted/Selling, IL Wanted/Selling, MO Wanted/Selling). If anyone had items they'd like to sell or are looking for, people could post that info there. Then locally there's a better chance that us haunt fans could help each other out.
Just throwing it out there. Any thoughts?
The Group Buy section is for Group Buys, not Wanted or For Sale items. As someone already pointed out there is a section for individuals to sell or seek items and it seems like those that want only local buyers will mention their area in the title already.
Here's my two cents on the Buy/Sell board area. I have bought a few items, maybe 4 or 5, from listings here on the forum. I know sellers are required to list prices, and if not already doing so, should indicate if they do not ship. People who don't ship items out generally will list that in their post because they don't want to get involved in packing and shipping and tracking items. Personally I'm not seeing this issue as a big problem.
It's my feeling that people list here because they would like to help out a fellow HF member. I wouldn't want to see the forum being used as some quickie Want Ads for halloween items. I think that could bring alot of individuals to this forum who would just look for halloween items to buy and then resell on e bay.