No posting forsale until you magically get the classifieds section unlocked? Ok
First off, I get it, you don't want every Tom, Dick and Harry posting their add on a whim for a desperate quick sale. This is NOT cars.com. However, for a normal dude with a legit car, this makes little sense. There is a classified section on a Grand Prix forum. If anything should be unlocked immediately to increase exposure to YOUR members why wouldn't this be the FIRST place to be unlocked? The people who are "members" should be able to ascertain whether or not the deal, car and individual are representing. If not, you.....dont reply...smell a rat...you dont exchange information....let it scroll to the next page...turn off his/her abilities (all can be controlled by site admin).
You can justify this however you want, in the end you limiting the possibility of YOUR members being exposed to possible great deals. Are you going to have a scammer or 2? Probably, but you are also locking out people who are smart enough to go to the enthusiast site, create an account, look around and put the very cars the members devote their lives to...right in front of a dedicated site.
Planet Nautique, Snowest, Dootalk, Diesel stop etc etc do none of this. This site is informative, has lots of knowledgeable people but seriously. Its been a week or so and still cant post a classified? There are watchdogs everywhere, if you got bad post/member abusing, misrepresenting you simply switch off privileges.
After searching "trade" in FAQ and spending a few minutes looking there was nothing indicating this was rule breaking. Looked here and there but come on, how deep are you supposed to dig to find out what's kosher on an internet site for cars. I apologize for trying to fish for a trade in general discussion. Where is it to go? I am not desperate. I am not trying dup or sucker anyone.
Furthermore, I plan to possibly sell the family car, I am not interested in low-ball idiots that can come with cars.com/craigslist. My thought process was exactly this: I wont have to explain the engine/options/ because people will have at least a base knowledge. I am not interested in modding, fixing or whatever no offense. I have 3 little kids so my time is not spent on pleasure reading at this point in my life. I dont see in the rules where you have to post x amount to be a member, drink the kool aid before you can post a classified, background check must be passed. But is does say "one day" it will just appear and voila you can post.
I live and work in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia). Many things are 3rd world and backwards here...laughable, frustrating and make NO sense. In order to get your license you have get your blood drawn (need your type in case of accident?), you need a lawyer (if you want to get anywhere), sometimes you have to take a written test, some times you have to take an eye test and some times if you are really unlucky you might actually have to take a road test (maybe in the small parking lot or out in traffic with 10 million other males). This past year I only had to submit paperwork and take an eye test. The gentleman could not have been happier and more disinterested in his job and with big smile and thick Arab accent says "Sar (sir) pick a numbar (number)." I look into the DMV style scope and see the typical rows of letters going from small to the absolutely obnoxious giant E. So of course I look up not trying to be a smart a$$ and I am like, "I don't know, E?" With out missing a beat "wookay, you pass!" All smiling he signed my paperwork and on I went. I just can't help to think this "rule" is makes about as much sense.
I dont know what the standard is to which we set the rules here, I love a clean, well-managed site as much as anyone but this seems pretty JV IMHO.