Rich, miklorsmith, about audio blue book - all I can do (contactually) is provide an interface on my site to query UsedPrice database and show the results back on my site again. I tested their system and it has loads of info, I even tried with some small brands and they seems to be present. Keep in mind, not everything is there though. The way they show results is exactly as you described. High, Average and Low. Although, It's been a while... I'll test again and update here if any different. If I remember correctly, the results were in the ballpark, just like you said.
I cannot truly judge the value of this service so I'll listen for some feedback from you guys once it's in place and been running for a while. Considering that it won't cost anything, my thinking is folks will use it and draw from it what they can.
Feedback - I'd like to give you a bit of a background on this one if I may. Original script's (site) philosophy was to have full feedback management but only on auctions side of the site. The reason behind it is very simple (again, philosophically speaking and as far as code is concerned) - the site tracks auction transactions from start to end, it knows who the buyer is (winning bidder) and at the end, it makes both parties "eligible" to leave feedback for one another. You see, the script needed an actual transaction to take place in order to allow for feedback to be left.
Makes sense, right?
Transactions on the classifieds side are only originated on the site and the rest of whatever develops takes place outside. No meaningful way to even attempt to track it. So, the only thing we had for classifieds was the voting system which referred to listings, not sellers.
Another thing that was influencing my decision for a while was experience with Agon. I had serious issues with arbitrary feedback as one can increase his own positive rating completely without merit and post negative for competitors.This is how it was some time ago on their site, today...well I won't even comment.
Then I got flooded with requests. I understood full well the value and this is what I'm in the middle of doing as we speak:
I will carry over the existing feedback management from auction side to classifieds. No transaction to track but so be it.
The interface will be very similar to what you guys are used to already. No worries there. If I don't make it better, it will not be any worse..
No arbitration on my part, none whatsoever. So, the feedback left, the feedback posted. If there is a problem and it's brought to my attention, then the "board" will review and make the final decision. This board will be no one else but members, maybe 5 good folks willing to pitch in a little and help. I started a thread about this over at AC couple of days ago, asking people's opinion. Please, fire away if you guys have any thoughts.
Sorry for being so longwinded... Just wanted to explain where we are right now.
Oh, another thing, in addition to what I just described, there will be a blank field titled "external feedback" (or something like that) for members with feedback elsewhere to link to it from my site as they post ads.
I'm editing again 'cause I forgot about the "brain cookie" to encourage feedback posting, there may be a way to "remind" members upon login. Not sure but will definitely look into it.