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Posted By: Elliot

Pete, thanks for your comments in this thread, and more importantly thanks for your informative posts in other threads. Perhaps, I should have expanded on my rationale in greater detail.
As a background, on this subject, as on many others there is a wide divergence of opinion from the contributors on this board as to the correct path. I view my "job" as moderator to balance these concerns, and find a middle road. It may surprise you to hear how many people are totally against any buy/sell posts at all, including some who have taken advantage both in posting and responding to a post. I wanted to come up with a solution that responded to these concerns, while at the same time not having an outright ban. Having come up with the "Classified Ad" solution, I bounced this idea off of a number of regular contributors, to a mostly, if not totally favorable response. Thus my decision to implement this new policy. As an aside, I personally was never bothered by the ad postings, as I read everything posted on the board anyway.
Now, in response to some of your specific comments. I think the difference between having a classified ad thread, as opposed to a separate thread each time is best summarized as thinking of one as a half-page ad on page 3 in a newspaper versus a classified ad. It's a lot easier to ignore a classified ad in a newspaper as opposed to the ad. Still there are people who read the classified ads religiously. I believe the new policy sets an appropriate middle ground.
Regarding your second paragraph, I tend to agree almost totally with you on both points. Do you have a solution to the "scam" posts? I think a lot of people enjoy reading them, but sometimes I feel that's all we talk about.
Lastly, and for me most importantly, I do not view this board as "my" board. I believe this forum to be everybody's not mine. It's the posts from everybody that makes this board worthwhile, and the exchange of information. I'm embarassed when somebody calls this my board and think it should be referred to as either the N54 board or the VBBCF (Vintage Baseball Card Forum). The name aside, it's not a dictatorship, I'm certainly willing to change any policies if that's what most people think is in the greater good of the board. On numerous occasions I have solicited, both publicly and privately people's opinions and/or suggestions to make this a better place. Unfortunately, I guess, somebody has to take a lead role in making this forum work, and that has fallen to me. That also, I guess, gives me a bit more of a say in the operation of the board, but please keep your comments/suggestions coming in addition to your regular posting.

regards
Elliot