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Learning Objectives:
1. Summarize how to create a classified ad forum.
2. Describe how to post a new classified ad.
3. Explain how to approve classified ads.
Video Script
Welcome to the Classified Ads: Creating Forums & Ads overview. In this video we will demonstrate how to add classified forums, create classified ads, and approve classified ads.
To get started, select Setup from the welcome menu. Then, select Discussion Forum & Classified from the main menu followed by the Classified Ads tab. This will open the classified ads setup page where you can configure classified forums for your building.
To create a new classified forum, select Add New. Then, enter a title for the classified forum. Next, enter a description of the classified forum. This will appear as a tool tip beside the forum name.
After entering a description, determine if the classified forum requires moderation, and if applicable, pick the appropriate user group. The user group will then be required to approve the classified ads. If the appropriate user group is not listed on the drop-down menu, check the group permissions.
Next, determine if you want to mask names on the classified forum. If selected, you will only see user’s initials as opposed to full names. Then, select the user groups you want to have access to the classified forum. Once completed, click Add. You will now see the new classified forum on the forum list.
After creating your classified forums, add terms and conditions for using the classified forums. Click the Edit icon in the designated section and enter the terms and conditions. Users will be asked to agree to these terms and conditions each time they create a classified ad. Once completed, click Save. You will now see the new terms and conditions.
Next, add introductory text to the classified forums. Click the Edit icon in the designated section and enter the introductory text. Users will see this text when creating a new classified ad. Once completed, click Save. You will now see the new introductory text.
To create or approve classified ads, return to the homepage by selecting Exit Setup. Then, select Classified Ads from the main menu. This will open the classified forum list where you can review, approve, and create classified ads.
Ads that require your approval will be listed at the top of the page. To approve an ad, click the green checkmark, to decline an ad, click the red x and provide an explanation for the resident. Once completed, click Submit.
You can conduct an all-text keyword search of the classified forum list using the search bar at the top of the page. You can also sort the classified forum list by forum name, number of threads, number of replies, number of views, or date last updated.
Click on a classified forum name to see the associated classified ads. By default, the most recent classified ad will appear at the top of the list. You can change your view from active ads to expired ads using the drop-down menu. To receive updates on the classified forum, select Follow. To see a list of the users following the forum, select View Followers. Only building administrators can view forum followers.
To create a new classified ad, select New Classified. Then, enter a name for the classified ad. Next, enter the message for the classified ad. After entering your message, determine the price for your classified. If there is no set price, leave the field blank. The price will then be labelled as negotiable.
Next, set the expiration date and time for the classified ad. If applicable, upload any images you want included with your ad. The first image will be used for the classified ad preview. Once completed, agree to the terms and conditions, and click Create.
You will now see the new ad in the classified forum. If the forum requires moderator approval, and you are not the forum moderator, you will see a message that your post has been submitted for moderator approval.
Users can respond to your ad by selecting Contact the Seller. This will open a draft email with your email address pre-populated. The email address will be the one associated with your Condo Control account.
To revise your classified ad, select Edit this Post. To expire your classified ad before the expiration date, perhaps because the item was sold, select Mark This Post as Expired. To remove your classified ad from the system, select Delete This Post. And to prevent your ad from appearing on the lobby display, select Hide on TV Display. This will only be applicable if your building has enabled a lobby display. Forum moderators can also expire, delete, or hide classified ads, regardless of who created the ad.
This concludes the Classified Ads: Creating Forums & Ads. overview. For more information on the classified ads feature, please refer to our user guide.