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rec.games.board.marketplace (r.g.b.m.) web auction posting FAQ -------------------------------------------------------------- version 1.0
INTRODUCTION =======================================================================
This FAQ was designed to help users of online auction services (eBay, yahoo, etc.) craft unobtrusive and effective posts to advertise their auctions in rec.games.board.marketplace. The guidelines in this FAQ are primarily designed to assist those posters who may be unfamiliar with the format and conventions of usenet newsgroups.
Please understand that these guidelines are just that. There are no mandatory rules for posting to unmoderated newsgroups and typically users are free to post in whatever style they wish. However, following these guidelines should ensure that your auction posts are complete, professional, and well received (though there is no way to guarantee that anyone will be interested in what you are selling!)
Please submit any questions or comments regarding this FAQ to Joe Scoleri at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks!
GUIDELINES FOR POSTING WEB AUCTION ADVERTISEMENTS TO R.G.B.M. =======================================================================
1. Please make sure your item belongs in the
r.g.b.m. newsgroup.This is a group for board games, not computer games or video games. Although role playing games have their own marketplace group located at rec.games.frp.marketplace, some cross-over RPG/boardgame items are posted to r.g.b.m.
TIP: Taking a look at the items currently posted in r.g.b.m. can help you decide whether or not your item is appropriate.
2. Please include the name of the web auction site in the subject line of your post.
Your subject line should start with the name of the auction service you are using. For example, an eBay post could start with something like "eBay:", "[ebay]", or "(EBAY)" for identification purposes.
TIP: Do not use the abbreviations "FS" (for sale) or "FA" (for auction) in the subject line when your item is not being sold or auctioned directly through the newsgroup.
The body of your web auction announcement should include as much of the following information as possible: - game name - publisher - year of publication or copyright (use latest) - condition of box/components - whether counters are punched/unpunched - whether game is known to be complete - current/minimum bid - reserve price - whether pictures are posted on the auction page - a link to the auction page.
The minimum suggested description could be satisfied by something as simple as this:
Additional information you might want to include in your post: detailed condition description, copyright/publication date, edition number, auction ending date, and any special features of the game you are selling.
TIP: Some auction sites e-mail you status updates for your pending auctions. These can make a good "template" for your newsgroup post as they save you the trouble of typing in game names and links. You can cut and paste your descriptions from the auction site and have a polished and informative post in no time at all.
Generally speaking, you will not want to post an ad for a single item more than once or twice. Newsgroup posts remain readable for days or weeks. Just because you no longer see a message on your newsgroup server, it does not mean that it is not still out there for prospective bidders to see.
TIP: The preferred technique seems to be to post an initial "auction started" announcement, sometimes followed by an "auction ending" announcement posted towards the end of the auction.
Generally speaking, if you have more than a half-dozen items, you should either combine them into a single post or not post them all to the newsgroup on one day. Traditionally, large newsgroup sales or auctions occurred in a single post and floods of single item posts were frowned on.
6. Do not post updates for the "last hour" or "last few minutes" of a web auction.
Unlike auction web sites, which are updated "immediately" for anyone trying to view them, the method used to distribute newsgroup messages can take hours or days. If you want to post a "last chance" announcement, it is generally a good idea to make it a "last day" announcement and post it at least 24 hours in advance of the auction's ending time.
While some web browsers can be used to read newsgroups, and some news readers support HTML, this format is not an accepted means of posting to r.g.b.m. Please post all newsgroup messages in plain text format and...
8. Do not post attachments or binaries (i.e. graphic images) to the newsgroup.
Binary files and other attachments (such as word processing files or web sites) should not be posted to r.g.b.m. Feel free to include direct links to any pictures of the game you have posted online, but do not attach these images to your newsgroup post.
TIPS: You can tell that r.g.b.m. is not a binary newsgroup because it does not have the word "binary" in its title.
9. Please include a valid e-mail reply address in your post.
This allows newsgroup users to follow up with any questions about your item.
If you make a "mistake", generally a regular user of the newsgroup will contact you by e-mail to explain what you have done wrong and what corrective action you should take. Some mistakes may result in you being "flamed" or criticized in the newsgroup. Your best course of action is to correct the error and move on. These guidelines have been crafted to help you avoid such a situation, but nobody is perfect!
TIP: Don't be afraid to ask questions! Everyone was "new" to the newsgroup at one time or another. If you are unsure about an item or about posting to the newsgroup, you can always post a request for help. Most any such inquiry will receive at least a few responses to the newsgroup and/or by e-mail.
FAQ MAINTAINER CONTACT INFORMATION =======================================================================
Please submit any questions or comments regarding this FAQ to Joe Scoleri at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks!
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