Should this be a tightly controlled "Rated Local Services" type forum?

[Admin]

Prompted by a suggestion in another thread, I am thinking of making this Local Services forum more tightly controlled, to improve its usefulness and make it easier to navigate.

Everyone would still be able to reply to posts as normal, as in any other sub-forum, but the only person that could start a new thread (i.e. a new business/service listing) would be little ol' me. If someone would like to be listed, they simply contact me with as much detail as possible (which I would make as easy as possible), then I create the thread, which means I can ensure that every one has exactly the same format, layout, ability to add a rating, etc.

Members would then be free to reply to the thread in the usual fashion, discussing the services offered, experience received, give feedback, etc.

What does everyone think?

 

[wmrcomputers]

Sounds like it might be a better way forward to me - if of course it's not too time consuming for you to do it that way.

 

[Admin]

Sounds like it might be a better way forward to me - if of course it's not too time consuming for you to do it that way.

It would be time-consuming, but as always my main goal with Stafford Forum is to make it as useful and enjoyable to use as possible, so if this would help everyone then I am happy to do it. Or attempt it, at least!

 

[tek-monkey]

Sounds fine to me, as long as you don't mind moderating it!

 

[Admin]

Sounds fine to me, as long as you don't mind moderating it!

In what sense? My intention was for it to remain the same as all the other sub-forums, so people can comment on and discuss business/threads in the normal fashion; the only change would be that I make the initial post, so that they are laid out nicely, have all the contact details, set up as a poll so that people can rate them, etc.

If someone has a bad experience, for example, they would be welcome to post it, the same way they do now for the existing business/service threads. Is that not a wise move? Can you foresee problems that would necessitate further moderating?

All input welcome!

Thanks.

 

[tek-monkey]

Well, I meant you having to set up all the posts. I'd expect at least initially you'll be getting lots of PMs asking for stuff, I guess moderating was the wrong word.

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

I think it sounds good, you lay everything out so beautifully and I like the idea of a clear rating system!

 

[Moby Dick]

I think it is a good idea and will be easier to navigate. If specific trades business types were sub divided would be easier to navigate. As there are so many areas of local business would make total sense to organise it and promote local services effectively. Cheers for offering to do it....