I hereby put forward the motion that we remove the ability to post replies in the Junk Pile.

I've seen this idea in action over at the PCF forum and it seems to work well: no thread-crapping, no off-topic posts, just private negotiations via PM. Keeps people from interfering with a sale and resolves any issues with 'I had first dibs,' 'I said I maybe/definitely want it,' etc.

If we also enforce the minimum post limit too (what's happening with that?) then it might encourage newbies to post a bit before attempting to PM someone regarding a sale; it also means that there's more chance of a buyer being an established member i.e. safer sale.

What say the people?

THta sounds like a good idea Rusty!

It would remove all of the random spam crap that the junk pile seems to get filled with

Good idea, just let the author be able to edit the post if he wants to add info

Normal edits should still be enabled as I think we can do it without locking the post: we just remove the ability to post replies.

I voted nay. I see no problem with the way it currently works. If it becomes a problem later it could always be changed.

there is no way to control who had first dibs on what... as it becomes a private matter, there's a lot of people being shafted but it happens in the background

Hmm..

I think that things should be posted for sale ONCE edited as many times as need be (cost, stock etc.) and then the owner replies once again to that post to say that it has been sold etc.

Then it gets locked

Kapeesh

I think that will clear up the issues with the Junk Pile

But then how does that stop anyone else from replying?

I think the seller should update the status of the post and all negotiations take place via PM; once the deal is finalised the thread can be locked.

make it a rule!

If they break it they get warned etc.

I agree, not on the Min post limit though

So all questions about the merchandise would also have to be asked by PM, and then the seller would have to update the post?

Indeed. It seems to work well in practice, and should avoid the occasional debates.