Trading Forum Idea

I thought up an idea to streamline and improve the trading forum. I'm not a web designer, so I don't know if this is possible.

Before I get into the idea, I'd like to point out some great things about the large database that BA has. We have so much data about 90,569 different beers. We have style, ABV, rating, brewery, Wants, and Gots info. I would like to see this info put to use in the trading forum.

Here's my idea... What if I could select my beers FOR TRADE and my beers ISO from a drop down list? For example, if I was looking to trade Bud Light for Heady Topper, I could select these beers from a menu that is tied into the BA database. This would help avoid any confusion with abbreviations or misspellings. When I search for a beer FT or ISO in the trade forums I run the risk of missing a lot of postings due to these circumstances. If I'm looking for Heady Topper, some have it listed as HT, Headdy Topper, VT Juice, etc.

If this idea is considered and implemented, it would allow us to standardize the trade forum and make for a much more pleasant experience. It would also allow it to be expanded into the Wants and Gots function of the website. This might even lead the way to receiving alerts when a bottle you are ISO shows up with beers you have FT or vice versa. And with location support, IP trades could be specified, too.

I'd love to be able to narrow down my searches, too. If I have no interest in trading for Pliny, I could hide all posts containing Pliny FT or ISO.

I hope you see the potential of this.

 

So the Gots function could be overhauled or BeerAdvocate could embrace the established software like CellarHQ. However, even CellarHQ has standardization issues. I think keeping it simple and in-house would be the best route.

 

Every time I have mentioned vintage distinctions to the Bros, I get the same answer of "do you want to go through and organize all the past reviews?" Two points to this idea:

1. Pre-existing reviews can stay the same. Just from now on, let's give the option to the user. It's obvious that BA users want this feature; it seems to come up every few weeks. It could just be another drop down menu like we currently have for serving type (i.e. on-tap, bottle, growler, can, cask, etc.). That way, there is no need to create a separate listing.
2. Just because it might take some effort now, doesn't mean it shouldn't be done. This site must continue to go through changes if it wants to remain relevant. If any company stops innovating, they will become obsolete and out of touch with the market.

I have obviously thought this out. I'm just waiting for someone to contact me for the rest of the details

 

I was aware of this. I have heard from the Bros that an overhaul is in the works. That's why I originally posted this thread back in July to get their attention. I know Todd has seen it because he just moved it from the Feedback section to this section.