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Classified Ads

· ·
milesgillham - February 11, 2007 - 22:27

This module creates a simple textual classified ad node type with no need to use CCK or Views (although the module does have Views integration). Ads may belong to one or more categories depending on taxonomy terms you set up.

Use this module if you want to enable specified site users (you can set permissions against user category) to post simple classified advertisements (eg For Sale, Wanted to Buy) that last for a fixed, but renewable, period of time.

ed_classified provides a very simple and easy to configure classified ads system. No, it's not going to let you recreate Craigslist (well, not just yet). Photo ads or paid ads currently requires additional modules, tech savvy, and patience. And if you want to run (or allow your users to run) banner advertising campaigns then check out Ad Module. But if you want to set up a free ads system, this is a good and simple way to go.

Overview

The module provides the following features:

  • cron-based automatic expiration (on expiration, the classified ad node is moved to unpublished state, but is not yet deleted/purged so it can be 'renewed').
  • Expired ad renewal: Users with proper permissions may 'renew' their expired but not yet purged ads during the 'grace period' by checking the 'renew ad' checkbox in the edit form.
  • Simple taxonomy-based browsing similar to that provided by image.module galleries. (I lifted some of the code from image.module, and modified it for use here.)
  • Several useful blocks (latest ads, most popular ads, and stats including total number of unexpired ads and number of new ads in last 24 hours).
  • Per-user classified ads lists (under each user's profile, visible to all users with 'access user profiles' permissions).
  • Administration list of all classified ads, sortable by expiration date, with direct edit link to the ad.
  • Length-limited body text with live, javascript-based counter showing characters used and remaining while user enters the body text - no need to hit submit and wait for an error message.
  • Exposes data to Views module.
  • Version 5.x-1.5 and 4.7.x-1.5 - Ad expiration varies by taxonomy term. Now you can control ad duration depending on category selection

Drupal 6 Port Update

30 June 2009 All known 6.x critical bugs have been fixed. The 6.x ALPHA3 release is available. There may yet be an ALPHA4 release, or it may just go straight to BETA depending upon urgency.
1 July 2009 Now planning the 6.x BETA1 release for later this month. Intending to wrap in all outstanding bugs at lower severity levels. The following feature enhancements are flagged for inclusion:

Roadmap

I've put some thoughts down on the future state in this forum topic: Classified Ads Module Vision. Feel free to comment on it.

Wishlist

The following is parked in no particular order and reflects the forward path for the 6.x branch. Once there is a stable 6.x alpha release these will be progressed. I presently do not plan active development of the 5.x branch. Raise a project issue if that is an issue in itself!

  • Auto Expire - review the expiry mechanism to see if how Auto Expire may be a good alternate solution
  • Moderation - capability either directly or through a companion module such as Modr8. Add 'report violations/fraud/inappropriate' link into moderation workflow (in conjunction with moderation workflow). Write a handbook entry.
  • Comparison with the Ad Module in terms of differences, complimentary features, and future direction of ed_classified. Put the results of this on a documentation comparison page of all advertising-related modules.
  • Seeker/provider matching - some way that those seeking and those offering a specific product/service might be able to find each other. Likely through taxonomy tags.
  • Better picture integration - one picture in the teaser and other pictures in the body of the ad with a carousel (or equivalent) effect. Either through enhancing this module or providing handbook guidance on how to achieve it. Check out imagecache and Jcarousel See #404616: Photo Ads. And write a handbook entry.
  • Optional email receipt of submitted ad
  • Searchable (by category/taxonomy hierarchy)
  • Sortable columns
  • Pivot on selected taxonomies such that adds matching that taxonomy show up on pages based upon that taxonomy. eg a book on topics would have relevant ads show up on matching book pages with same taxonomy as an add. Refer to Book NAT Module for book<->taxonomy alignment.
  • Contact mechanism for anonymous users or registered users who prefer not to make their details public, add checkbox on ad creation to allow people to contact via personal contact form, or inline contact info in form. Check out AuthorContact Module, this link, and of course privatmsg). See #332697: email contact for anynymous users
  • Locations/geotargeting - positioning with Zipads, Zipcode the zip code approach is nice, and of course Location Module. If location api/module available and the user has a location defined, populate the location field from the user record. Write a handbook entry.
  • Non-leaf taxonomy term, optionally disallow per taxonomy (in form validate)
  • Use radio buttons or checkboxes for taxonomy selection (show grid?)
  • Add "more..." link in recent/popular block
  • Add a block at bottom of any ad or category: "create an ad for this category" or somesuch
  • internal - change column names to classified_xxx (prefix with classified_ to prevent collisions with other node data on INNER JOINs)
  • Notification emails: configurable to periodically send email to ad 'owner' (creator) with list of all current ads, by expiration date, with links to each ad (and link to delete, or renew.) + usage statistics. Also see #410718: Some additional features
  • Mark favourite categories and have watchlists of ad types/categories. Also see #410718: Some additional features
  • Need way to automatically extend or renew batches of ads (all, some, expired, etc.)
  • Bulk upload/management of advertisements.
  • Allow configuration option to make some advertisemetns or types 'sticky' in that they do not expire.
  • Check that ed_classified plays nicely with Taxonomy Image and write a handbook entry
  • Check that ed_classified works with Hierarchical Select and write a handbook entry
  • Payments - check out integration with LM Paypal, e-commerce, and Ubercart
  • Other modules that might be worth checking for compatibility/features: Tell A Friend, Corner, Shopping Ads, Born Free, Ad GeoIP, IP 2 Country, Balance Tracker, Ad Views
  • Views integration - views boilerplates/predefined
  • Ability to disable automatic expired ad purging
  • Quota option to limit users (or categories of users) to limit of simultaneous ads (either as a total, or a rate over time)

Releases

Official releasesDateSizeLinksStatus
6.x-2.0-alpha32009-Jun-3034.77 KBDownload · Release notesRecommended for 6.xThis is currently the recommended release for 6.x.
5.x-1.5-82007-Aug-0627.41 KBDownload · Release notesRecommended for 5.xThis is currently the recommended release for 5.x.
Development snapshotsDateSizeLinksStatus
6.x-2.x-dev2009-Jul-0234.51 KBDownload · Release notesDevelopment snapshotDevelopment snapshots are automatically regenerated and their contents can frequently change, so they are not recommended for production use.


 
 

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