Snagging Inspections

We seem to be inundated on our forum at times with new members only wanting to rent out or sell their properties. You only ever see them advertising, they never, or certainly, rarely "contribute" in helping with members problems by offering advice,  support etc.

In another of my forums they have a policy whereby new members cannot post links or their email addresses or use the PM facility until they've placed six helpful posts & generally shown they want to contribute.

Personally, I think this will prevent the spamming.

Justin, remember I was telling you some time ago about this & you thought it was an excellent feature. Perhaps EOS could have same.

Hi Acapulco

I think I gave you the wrong idea. Sorry  I could maybe have worded my post a little better. When I say "contributing" I mean just posting general questions etc.  

If new members want to post any messages asking for help of anyone we're all ears. We just prefer those who "use" our general forum & never post,  other than try to sell us something, to not do so.

Thanks Mervy.

                            Surprised at so little interest.

I'm not sure that this forum should be so exclusive. Those people who'se first post might be about selling their property, or renting it, may have only just found EOS and could, in the fullness of time, become great contributors to the forums as their experiences grow.

There are enough 'eyes' watching to make sure people don't abuse the forums and I'm sure anyone using it for commercial purposes are likely to get caught out pretty quickly.

Having looked at some other forums that have little activity in the course of a month and compare it with EOS's activity in a day, I think EOS must be getting it right, so thank you and carry on the good work!!!

Irene

But Justin charges 79€ for people to sell their property on EOS, see here, Irene.. http://www.eyeonspain.com/Secure/Sell_Property.aspx

Members shouldn't use the general forum for free. I would hazzard a guess that they know it will be seen quickly so they'll get results.

Justin doesn't charge for advertising your property for rent but does want members to advertise it in here ..

http://www.eyeonspain.com/Secure/rentals/rentals-long-term.aspx

or in here .. http://www.eyeonspain.com/Secure/rentals/rentals-holiday.aspx

You presumably haven't seen the many posts that appear after midnight advertising Nokia phones, "medicines" etc.

It's all these which could be stopped too if new members had to post a few posts such as ..

"Hi, we're thinking of buying in xyz, any comments ?" & " Can someone recommend a good lawyer, please ?"

It works well on the forum I mentioned.

On the other hand, not all new members have little or no experience. Some members like myself just happen to come across these forums well after they have pruchased property and moved to Spain. I for one would not have joined if I was only allowed to ask for advice.

But I understand what you mean about the ads.

Hi Morerosado

I haven't ever logged in after midnight, so I haven't seen the Nokia or medicinal ads and I accept what you say about putting things in the right place, but I still think that setting rules for new forum members as suggested would be a bit harsh.

I still think that dealing with the 'offenders' is the way to go. I may be naive but it may be that not all the offenders are trying to pull a fast one.

Irene

Hi Russ, hi Irene.

Balanced views are always good to hear. Thanks for comments.