One big problem I can foresee is that no matter the outcome, this cannot become a thread that is really only suitable for being in the BOI, which would necessitate it's being removed. Which, quite honestly, I don't see how it could avoid doing so. Once either party posts that the trade went well, indicating that the other is a "Good Guy", then this thread becomes suitable only for the BOI. Since it can't be moved there, then there is little choice left but to delete it. So I'm having trouble seeing a good reason to allow it to progress here.
And yes, we did try something like that before, which had little participation, and the guy who asked to do it and volunteered to manage that forum soon abandoned it. So it was simply removed.
I'm sure there will be one or two "at-ta-boy" posts once this thread runs its course (if things go smoothly). But, that already happens in many classified ads. Once the deal is finalized people will occasionally post sentiments in accordance with how it transpired...i.e. "the animals came in and he/she is a top notch seller!" One or two of these posts generally don't derail a thread. If, however, the commentary gets more involved than that, they would then be asked to continue that discussion in the BOI. My point is that although this thread is more prone to having BOI-type posts, at this point it seems to be appropriate for the biz forum.
What if both parties focus strictly on addressing the transaction and not necessarily their praises/critiques of their individual actions during the course of said transaction? Would this then be allowed to continue?
I think this thread is inherently a hybrid BOI/Biz topic, but it doesn't necessarily seem to be BOI specific. True, names are being mentioned and details of this transaction will be provided (all this is BOI relevant). But, if they simply post a series of steps as opposed to their thoughts on how they conducted themselves during those steps...then this thread is a breakdown of a trade in progress which is a biz discussion. Depending on how this trade turns out...the actions of the two parties involved might birth applicable biz techniques/protocols which others can implement and benefit from.
Basically (and I'm obviously oversimplifying this) the BOI caters to resolving/complimenting peoples actions after a transaction. In this case, however, the transaction is happening before our eyes. It has been/will be itemized into a to-do list (of sorts). It will then be updated as each step is taken. Their actions wont be debated, they will only be listed (I'm assuming that's their plan for this thread). This seems to be one of those "what
should I do" threads (threads which are encouraged in this biz forum). The only difference here is that this is a "this is what
I will do/
am doing" thread. Even though names are mentioned, its still the same animal (IMO). Although such threads are sometimes prequels to a BOI thread, they aren't a problem until/if that happens (however, I can definitely understand why you'd want to take preventative measures by closing it now).
If someone were to state their plans on how to construct a proper classifieds ad...they would come to this particular forum as opposed to the classifieds. IF at any point they offer the animal for sale (non-hypothetically), THEN it belongs in the classifieds. The same goes for this thread (IMO)...as is, it seems appropriate for the biz forum because its only narrating a transaction. That narration wont be good or bad (as it would be in the BOI)...instead it'll be indifferent. It'll be a matter-of-fact transcript of what actions have been/will be taken during a biz deal.
Anyway, not sure if I'm making sense...but I believe there might be a difference
. The BOI is where an individuals decorum during said transaction is debated, and the Biz forum is where biz "game plans" are defined. However, again, I can see why closing this now is a good idea (there is a big chance that this thread will turn into a BOI spin-off). Having said all that, sorry for the off-topic post...I should have posted this in the feedback forum
.
Perhaps you should let this thread run its course? At that point (based on what transpires here) you can use it as a reference regarding what actions to take on future like-threads?
OR, you can entertain Sensei's (David's) offer and start up a section for him
. Then this thread would have a definite place. Sensei would
kick some serious butt and he's no quitter (hell, the guy is still hounding me for my IC3 report
).
.