Classified Ads
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- Cron-based automatic warning notifications and expiration (on expiration, the classified ad node is moved to unpublished state, but is not yet deleted/purged so it can be 'renewed').
- Views2 support.
- Moderation compatible (tested with Modr8 module and documented in Classified Ads Moderation documentation.) TODO - test with Moderate Module.
- 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 with admin selectable display of title/body.
- 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.
- Ad expiration varies by taxonomy term. Now you can control ad duration depending on category selection
Development Updates
9 September 2009 The conversion of 5.x, 6.x, and 7.x branches to a single code base is nearly complete. This will be particularly good news for 5.x users as all the new 6.x bug fixes and features will be automatically included.
Next release
Planned for alpha7 release:
- #547258: Use ed_classifieds display but show ads for another taxonomy such as a city.
- #547214: Disable "My Classified Ads list" menu tab when users who can't create ads view own profile (This appears to still be broken, needs to be re-revisited).
- #373657: Adding fields-creating new users
- #531736: User selectable expiry date Review the overall expiry mechanism to see if Auto Expire, Node Expire, Scheduler may fit.
- #531738: Admin never expire override As per previous.
- #505914: How to list a given taxonomy's terms on single page with ads.
A number of these are now planned for subsequent release:
- #410718: Some additional features
- #332697: email contact for anonymous users 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 forum link, and of course privatmsg).
- #404616: Photo Ads
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 I presently do not plan active development of the 5.x branch. Raise a project issue if that is an issue in itself!
- 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.
- 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.
- Locations/geotargeting - positioning with Zipsads, 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)
- 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
- 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)
