The reason why I suggested requests be moved instead of shops because shops hold more numbers. I think it would make sense to move the smaller number.
One thing wrong with the graphics marketplace is that it's created to be a sellers market when it's basically freelance work and the entire market for that is usually based on someone
requesting something. Take a look at any popular websites. Someone usually asks for something they need specifically and they get offers or multiple artists attempt to complete the work. This is how I've obtained most the work I needed from the graphics marketplace, and it's how I received the best service and best end product.
Let's take a look at the top 2 threads in the section right now. Works out pretty well for my example since one is for buying, one is for selling.
Graphics shop - 18 replies - 198 views - Posted 6-28-2014
Avatars, signature, thread layout, mostly bumps.
Request thread - 14 replies - 126 views - Posted July 4, 2014
For one avatar, multiple submissions.
What does this prove?
- There's obviously more supply than demand
- Even if there's more selling threads, it doesn't mean they're more active
- Most of the people looking for something specific will post a thread
With shops, only a few end up being popular to where people go to them. So of course, it's important for people to be able to establish themselves and make selling threads, however, it would be better if requests was the main section and shops underneath it, in my opinion, if they were to be split up. And if the graphics market is going to remain in the "Graphics" section, I think it would also be beneficial to put
free shops in the same section as well. They shouldn't get any less recognition or be treated differently because they're free.
However, with all that being said I don't see a problem with it just staying together anyway.