What's up with that?

I agree with Mitch2. Just charge a flat fee for listing. Lose the percent fee. Problem solved.

I miss being able to contact members outside the forums, but I'm not willing to pay an annual fee to do so.

Looks like the conversation has been stopped.

For what it's worth, I'm in favor of Mitch2's suggestion to charge a flat fee rather than a percent of the sale. It would simplify things for Audiogon and allow us to talk freely. Problem solved.

As much as I miss being able to chat with some of you outside the forums, I won't pay an annual fee to do so.

Million dollar question, when or will it get changed?

Mitch2, this isn't just about contacting people about ads......90% of my contacting members was for discussion threads, not sales ads.....That's the part I miss, when reading the forums I used to be able to just click on a members name and send them an note offline.

Jmcgrogan2, I agree with you. The best discussions were simply sharing ideas and experiences and had nothing to do with buying and selling. The only reason I can think of for them not to share the e-mail addresses is that they believe folks might try and trade outside the system to bypass the percentage fee. By charging their fee up-front they would remove that threat. Can anyone else think of another reason A'gon doesn't want us communicating off-line?

Audiogon, if you are listening, thank you for letting this thread go on, and please feel welcome to jump in and help us understand your thoughts on this topic.

It is a real problem for Audiogon. I do think the reason is financial, and they must have some evidence that sales are made outside of their system.

The issue with charging more up front is for people like myself who try to run at least one ad at any one time, in a year like 2011 when I had no sales, I would have lost a great deal of money, and need to stop advertising. I support Audiogon in their attempt to keep the cost of placing an ad down and affordable, I do not support losing the ability to enjoy other members without a moderator.

Perhaps if they did not censor as much as they do, then the need to converse directly would lessen, but then you get the "cables don't matter" guys interrupting what might be a real conversation, so that is a dumb idea on my part.

It's a tough spot for Audiogon, and unfortunately they took the wrong route and ended what was an important part of this community.

Here's a bizarre idea, how about Audiogon trust people and have them not feel the need to cheat the system if that is indeed happening, which I doubt is the problem they have made it into...

JD