We're not ignoring the feedback and calls for the return of comments. We know that removing them risked the loss of an element of community and it's something we're still acutely aware of. Like most things there are many sides to the story and here we have to balance the needs of multiple parties, and as far as possible, offer for solutions to the challenges that each experience. Comments undoubtedly helped in some instances, for example in identifying scammers or pointing out a specification issue. But with the good came some bad and what was helpful in some instances was damaging in others, either through outright abuse of the comment facility or, more commonly, through misuse and misunderstanding. Here is some insight into the key factors behind removal of comments on ads. Too many communication channels We'd had feedback from many sellers that communication with interested parties on Bike Hub was cumbersome and created confusion.... too many channels between comments, PM, email, phone, etc. Private conversations in public Upon reviewing the content of comments on ads we found that more than 50% of them would have been more appropriate via PM e.g. "Will you accept RX", "I'm interested, please contact me via...." Problematic ads received comments, but weren't reported Often ads which should have been removed outright and the user banned (e.g. scammers, fake items) went unreported remaining online. Damaging comments Opinions on pricing, value and everything else can be subjective and in this way comments were open to abuse. There were cases were such comments or simply the risk of them occurring drove away legitimate sellers. This is not to say that the outright removal of comments is the only way forward. It was a decision taken by us having considered many factors. It was also one taken knowing that it wasn't the perfect solution, but was one we believed to be the better of the two options and by all objective measures (core metrics & analytics) it has been successful. But of course we can't only look at the data... the Bike Hub experience is key. From the feedback here and elsewhere it seems comments on ads were deemed useful in these areas: Advising sellers (and warning other buyers) of spec issues Advising sellers (and warning other buyers) of over pricing Clarifying missing or incomplete specifications (Q&A) Identifying fake goods or scammers Wishing sellers well Entertaining banterThat isn't an exhaustive list so please add anything I've missed. #1 and #3 are useful, we won't argue this. Both could be addressed via a PM or report to us, but there is merit in the immediacy of a comment.#2 is subjective. Willing buyer, willing seller. Our feeling is that the market will decide on what's reasonable, overpriced items will sit for longer... and even without comments they do. #4 is important, but ultimately such ads should be removed altogether. Rather than comments we'd prefer to look at a Classifieds moderation layer which empowers appointed, trustworthy users to remove such items.#5 is nice for community spirit but for a time pressed seller might be considered as "noise"#6 - classifieds is not the place for this.I welcome your thoughts, ideas and any further feedback around comments.
