As you can probably see, we continuously scan our classifieds websites for ads we don’t like. These ads come in many shapes and sizes, but they usually have one thing in common…they are junk. Unfortunately, the internet is full of them. Good thing we have people who keep our sites clean.
As I sat down to write this post, I thought that I would start typing one of those “Official Classifieds Guidelines” type of things. Then, as I began browsing other site’s guidelines, I discovered that there isn’t a one size fits all solution.
Since we actively manage our websites and are constantly deleting ads we find inappropriate, I figured that perhaps a work in progress is in order. As we come across an ad that we delete, we’ll remove it and then post a “rule” here.
Okay, here we go. The following is our set of “suggestions” for placing classifieds ads on our websites. By “suggestions” we mean, if you don’t follow them, you will have your ad(s) removed and account suspended.
- DO NOT place international (or otherwise bogus) work at home ads.
- DO NOT place get rich quick schemes.
- DO NOT place ads for prescription drugs, medical devices, controlled substances, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia (includes non-prescription drugs with misleading claims).
- DO NOT place fraudulent ads.
- DO NOT place ads for counterfeit items.
- DO NOT spam our classifieds websites. Spamming is placing virtually the same ads over and over.
- PLACE ads in their correct category.
- DO NOT use trademarked terms that you don’t have permission to use.
- DO NOT copy and paste someone else’s ad text to use as your own. Be creative and be unique.
- DO NOT place ads offering loans to people and businesses.
- DO NOT place ads for alcohol or tobacco.
- DO NOT place ads for illegal animals or insects.
- DO NOT place ads for blood, bodily fluids or body parts.
- DO NOT place ads for embargoed goods.
- DO NOT place ads for items that may be used for crimes. Items such as burglary tools, false identification and items used to manufacture illegal explosives or controlled substances.
- DO NOT place ads that contain material that is obscene or is harmful to minors.
- DO NOT place ads for services or merchandise that promote hatred and violence against anything.
- DO NOT place ads for stocks or securities.
- DO NOT place ads for stolen or illegal products.
- DO NOT place ads for weapons or weapon parts.
- DO NOT place ads for fireworks.
- DO NOT place ads for items containing hazardous substances or pesticides.
- DO NOT place ads that might violate any law or statute.
…to be continued.
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