That is an idea to really think about. To have the thread locked to prevent those messages posted. But then if you sold the site, or ended the sale, you would have to create a new thread pointing back to the original thread, and so forth. So, now that I have thought about it, bit useless to close the thread until the sale is over.
Check this thread of a site I just put up for sale. http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=149412#post1484607 See the first line of my post? Now see the last two posters and their request! That is what I mean, people do NOT read.
Well if you posted the URL first then it wouldn't be locked. That was my point. It's just to prevent the people who bump, try to raise post counts, or the "shady" people who don't want to reveal their URL's. I see. Out of curiousity, why can't you post the URL in the thread? Is there a DP rule against that? If so, then this thread is a waste, lol... if not then I'm just curious what the reason is for people to say "PM me for URL"
Perfect example of what a waste of time such threads are: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=147273&page=4#post1477856 After two pages of "PM me the url" posts ... Post #37 - the OP posts the URL (with spaces, so won't be picked up by SEs). #38 - PM me the url post #40-42 - PM me the url posts #43 - OP again states what the URL is. #45 - PM me the url post #47 - PM me the url post #50-55 - PM the the url posts #58 - PM me the url post #59 - Buyer posts "SOLD FOR BIN" #60 - OP states "pending sale" #64 - PM me the url post #65 - OP states "SITE SOLD" #66 - PM me the url post #67 - OP states "Site is sold, mods please close this thread" #68-70 - PM me the url posts (#70 by the same poster, NYSPORTSWORLD, who asked for it in post #66) This is a site I was interested in, but the thread was absolutely ridiculous. No one reads every post because they are all the same.
Nonetheless, privacy is something that must be respected. If I were to sell a forum site for example I wouldn't want a Google search to show up a thread here. It's bad for business. The practice may be annoying, but it does have legitimacy. Also for those selling their sites this way, the best approach to stop the "PM the URL please" wave would be to simply edit the first post. Just my 2c. Best regards, George
So it's not just site for sale threads where people don't read the OP, it's also happening in this thread! Don't worry, geegel, you're aren't the first and likely won't be the last