I've made a couple of changes to the For Sale and Service Directory section:
1) I've added a Bikes Wanted section
2) I've stopped the ability for anyone other than the advertiser to post a reply to a post in that section. The reason for doing this is because that section is only meant for ads, many of the replies don't help and even hinder people selling stuff which goes against the purpose of that section.
All communications to a seller can be done via the posted contact details, if there are any, or through private message (PM). People who've posted ads can still delete them or post a reply to their own ad for follow up info.
Cheers, KC
If people stuck to questions about the stuff for sale there generally wouldn't be a problem. But the problem is that there are too many non-relevant and negative comments being made in that area about stuff that's been advertised. This goes against the purpose for that section which is simply a notice board for selling stuff.
Other problem is that old stuff and stuff that's been sold is not dropping off because people are starting discussion threads in there. Both these problems work against the purpose for that section which is simply to allow people to sell stuff quickly and easily. Any relevant communications can still easily be made via the contact details or PM.