Comments on: EBay's new in-house blogger sounds off http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/ FSB Features Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:30:20 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Jeremy Isaacs, Manchester http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-10757 Jeremy Isaacs, Manchester Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:25:59 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-10757 eBay’s latest acquisitions On the back of an unpredictable stock market, it is only right that shareholders in eBay actually get an insight into how at a time of looking after and wrapping up in cotton wool their eBay money tree, their raping and pillaging tirade on this goose that lays golden eggs, will result in the leaving behind of a rotted carcass. Ebay once again has decided to splash their cash, on a day when they have tried to bury bad news resulting in allegedly making redundant 10% of their workforce. http://ebaystrategies.blogs.com Their recklessness in spending such large amounts of cash at a time when even banks apparently don’t seem to have any is just another sickly announcement and timed to coincide with CEO Donahoe’s recent meetings with President George Bush. http://ebayinkblog.com/2008/09/30/ebay-goes-to-washington/ Oh and by the way eBay have announced today that they are also improving performance by reducing 10% of their staff. Already the World is seeing a return on their hard earned investments. Do banks really know what they are doing and why should we do what they tell us to do! George Bush has just pushed through a package to put billions of pounds into the banks, who will probably also be guaranteeing or even putting the money forward for eBay to push their money into a business that will no doubt as they did with Paypal end up enforcing you to use. This latest little purchase ($820 million cash and $125 million options) will, if paypal is anything to go by, aim to push debt to those left who have successfully avoided it, or possibly push even more further in it! Paypal is not an option, you cannot list an item on eBay otherwise. So what is going to happen and where is the 10% of the staff being lost from, normally we shouldn’t really care, its got nothing to do with us right, well if you have read the above, I believe it has. Shareholders will think this is fantastic, pruning the business in such uncertain times only shows that it is being well managed. Shareholders could not be more wrong and so wide off the mark. The problem is eBay, which is well documented in blogs, forums and within sellers revolts that eBay who have made so many major changes over the last couple of years, have made even more changes in the last 6 months. During this period businesses that were developed on the very basis that eBay was founded have either walked off or even been turned off and the so called account managers who are more than likely to be sacrificed with these cuts, have had no direction and still have no direction as to how to deal with these recent changes, it is far from comforting to see that both as a shareholder and a tax payer, who is going to have to fund the bad management of the banks and governments, whether it is now or in the future, that even as we are writing today with all the uncertainty eBay who quite clearly have not got their ship in order are funding purchases for over a billion dollars! Finally, I am writing this article not because I read the papers, watch the news, but like every body else I am concerned that we will pick up the bill for these fat cats of industry who really do not give a monkeys uncle what happens to you and me. For the record I have my own gripes with eBay and have documented the manner in which eBay has affected us as a seller, hopefully on reading this article you will make your own minds up as to where I am coming from. Rise and fall of E-Jumble on eBay Facts and History 2006 – January E-Jumble born as eBay facilitator from 104a Castle Street, Edgeley Stockport. Unit size 427 sq ft over two floors. 1. E-JumbleUK was set up to facilitate goods on eBay such as furniture, fittings and other used goods such as kitchens, bathrooms, bedroom suites that were too good to be skipped and placed in landfill sites. Selling predominately from customers homes with smaller items held at premises for shipping. 2006 – October 2. E-JumbleUK turnover based predominately on eBay sales had no alternative but to relocate from its original small unit to the 1st floor of a small mill (3,500 sq ft) due to sellers wanting a collection and removal service and we had no place to store. The company purchases a used transit as we recognised that if we could not collect, sellers would sooner skip or tip perfectly good items. We also recognised that we could assist smaller manufacturing/retail businesses who were looking at avenues to close their companies rather than be forced to close in the longer term, our true descriptions allowed these businesses to exit at a price they understood provided them with something, rather than receiving nothing if the businesses were forced to close. The eBay buyers were delighted that they got the opportunity to buy at such prices by buying direct, rather than buying through a trader. 2007 – April 3. Suspended from eBay for a period of 2 weeks, no warning, “MY EBAY” screen goes down with all buyer and sales information, causing unnecessary chaos and we do not understand as to why. Eventually we contact eBay who in a roundabout manner inform us that we are selling something we shouldn’t be, however they apologise to us saying it was a drastic measure on their behalf and they will do whatever they can to get us back on ASAP. We find the problem was caused by a specific can opener produced in the UK to be sold solely in the US which had been unknowingly given to sell. We immediately contacted the MD of the company who made the can opener and explained what had happened, he was genuinely upset for us as he did not intend for such drastic measures to happen. Our account manager assures us that he will make sure such drastic measures do not happen again and even insists that eBay will themselves relist all items back on our eBay selling site to help us. eBay themselves relist everything again INCLUDING the can openers that caused the offence in the first place! In all we were off eBay for a period of 2 weeks, with cash flow affected for up to four weeks. May 2007 to July 2007 4. Demand for our services is coming in as we have recommendations from both sellers and buyers, and we have noticed that we are gaining regular buyers visiting us from all around the UK to pick up their purchases and view what we had running on auction. From a stand still start with no contacts our accounts show a turnover of £275,000 in the first years trade, furthermore we are offered the top floor of the mill and ground floor on a flexible basis to encourage our business to grow. August 2007to June 2008 5. E-Jumble is taking off, turnover has increased dramatically with further interest and business coming in from larger companies looking to dispose of overstocks and idle assets. Our overheads are also going up, however controlled and systems being built to make the business more efficient. However the business has no bank borrowings or overdraft facility and is slowly increasing its profit margins. Furthermore expansion is set in place as the result of successful negotiations E-JumbleUK agree to merge with Wicklow based and established Irish companies Tara General and Dynamic group to develop the profile and set up trading in modern warehousing facilities in Wicklow, just outside of Dublin. Logistics are put in place and due to the nature of the set up we relocate our UK operation from its smaller 3 storey property (with small lift) for loading larger heavier items to a larger single floor modern warehouse under one mile away in Stockport, with the directors committing to a lengthy lease. The process would make logistics between the UK and the Wicklow warehouse easier and quicker to deal with. E-JumbleUK and E-Jumble.IE recruit a further 12 eBay listers, warehouse staff and drivers to operate between both businesses, with training to operate both E-Jumble’s software procedures and eBay’s, the recruits are trained for all health and safety issues that would arise in a warehouse operation, fork lift truck licences and even first aid. All 12 operators are salaried and trained for 3 months to commence the anglo UK and Irish venture to begin September 08. July 2008 6. E-JumbleUK announces accounts showing profitability in only the second year trading giving it the perfect platform. With demand for services on the increase, it also announces that the trading for the May, June and July period was running at around £100k turnover a month. New systems are also in place to coincide with deliveries and warehousing, stock inventory barcoding systems in place and we are able to locate items quicker for our buyers. Unfortunately however whilst we had emailed all buyers who had purchased through our eBay site that we were moving, we were receiving record number of negative feedback, which also coincided with neutrals being treated as a negative, (a situation which eBay then rectified and changed how they were treating a neutral). We were still experiencing problems to eBays recent feedback changes, we were being left negatives without having an opportunity to rectify matters all follow up complaints and whilst we were endeavouring to deal with complaints, our record of low negatives, were then running at over the eBay new charter. We were also receiving higher positive feedback than ever as well and relatively even today over the period as a whole 12 months our negative position still remains at 1.32% of total feedback. August 2008 7. Goods coming in due to the new modern warehouse and new barcoding inventory systems are being dealt with more efficient and are being listed almost immediately. Health and safety has been passed and we are resolving all our teething problems of such a major move, which also coincided with a busy previous 3 months. We expected a seasonal dip in turnover for August, however what we did not expect was that we would again be suspended by eBay. Again as last April and without any warnings we were removed from eBay, however this time we were informed that we would be removed for 30 days. (that is no cash flow for 30 days) 22 people to pay salaries to and rent to pay on our modern warehouse, no trade, no income. Our committed crime was that we had for the previous month more negative feedback than was accepted by eBay. We were dumbfounded, how do you deal with people who left four negative feedbacks as they had bought four items and were dissatisfied with one of the items they paid just over £10 for, relating to our listing stating approximately 35 bottles of liquid soap and four weeks later decided to report us to eBay and leave negative feedback for only collecting 34 bottles even though they signed for the items “as described on ebay”, or how do you respond to buyers that contact us to say that there is a damage on an item you posted and will accept £20 off and then they will not leave a negative, even then when we try to respond to the matter by asking for it to be returned, it is still held against us as we didn’t just give them what they wanted, which was £20 off for something that we never got the opportunity to view, do not forget this item was auctioned at a 99p start and described in an accurate manner. Unfortunately for the staff we had to let the majority of our workforce go immediately, due to the immediate reaction to eBay we also had to contact our Irish counterparts to inform them that whilst we had this problem not only have we had to release the new recruited members and invested in, it meant that we could not proceed with E-Jumble I.E. They were also furious as they had also invested in premises in Ireland as well as recruiting sales staff over in Dublin and around Southern Ireland to bring in the business, their reaction was extremely furious as the money they had invested on in securing premises which as of now remains vacant together with racking and warehousing facilities, they were upset due to an American company being allowed to set up in Ireland on the basis that they do not pay their taxes and not allowing its UK company to trade and also for being responsible for causing the unnecessary unemployment of so many people in a business that was due to commence business in September, especially on the back of so many people due to the credit crunch and recession already being made redundant in Ireland. This company who collectively through their various business interests employ a lot of people already in Ireland and who pay their taxes are having to not only make people redundant, but also lose money on the back of a foreign company residing in Ireland to avoid paying taxes. E-Jumble has always prided itself on customer service and buyer satisfaction and remain confident with ‘what cannot speak cannot lie, it wants its customers both sellers on whom they have returned other wise land fill fodder into much cash to know the truth, by reading all the feedback both good, bad and indifferent and read into it what they will, and at the end of the day, it has always been the buyers that decide and thankfully, when it reads that 1 in every 2.6 buyers come back to buy again, ‘what cannot speak really cannot lie’, every single feedback always tells a story and if buyers did not want to buy they really wouldn’t, as it is there for the next buyer to see. We remain positive that common sense will prevail and eBay recognise that the various principles in which eBay was founded have been adhered to by E-JumbleUK, and that it was always down for the buyers to pay what they wanted to pay, with all terms and conditions for buying clearly stated throughout all transactions. Also, eBay always promote communication between the buyer and seller when they do not take their own advice as trying to get hold of your account manager in times of need or even to get them to respond to an e-mail is difficult. In the past when you had issues on your account, the account manager would ring up and discuss the issues to prevent any action being taken. Now ebay take action and your account manager goes into hiding. The only time you hear from account managers is when they want to promote a new policy, tell you how they are doing you a favour by reducing insertion fees (missing out that they are hiking final value fees). Unfortunately as a business it appears the present management and staff are allowing the minority of crank customers, to spoil it for the majority and in trying to appease these minorities of jealous, conniving schemers, they will be left with buy it nows of retail prices and excuse the vulgarity of dirty knickers, farts in a bottle and photographs of empty buildings in Europe for sale with an excuse as to why there is no deeds included. eBay are allowing a brilliant and one time innovative idea for people around the globe to generally offer for sale what was to be discarded or surplus to requirements by way of a true genuine auction process to losing direction and genuine sellers. What will be left after we have gone and how long it will continue for who really knows, however the response, best wishes and general support from nearly 3000 eBay buyers have caused a tear or two. We know that this support alone shows that what we created was worthwhile and not an altogether waste of time, if perhaps something that will in the end cost us dearly and whatever our fate is from now on, we can hold our heads up and know that we didn’t deserve what eBay have done to us, our families and a really good business. Jeremy Isaacs Managing Director e-jumble Limited 0161 476 3497 jeremy@e-jumble.co.uk eBay’s latest acquisitions

On the back of an unpredictable stock market, it is only right that shareholders in eBay actually get an insight into how at a time of looking after and wrapping up in cotton wool their eBay money tree, their raping and pillaging tirade on this goose that lays golden eggs, will result in the leaving behind of a rotted carcass.

Ebay once again has decided to splash their cash, on a day when they have tried to bury bad news resulting in allegedly making redundant 10% of their workforce.
http://ebaystrategies.blogs.com

Their recklessness in spending such large amounts of cash at a time when even banks apparently don’t seem to have any is just another sickly announcement and timed to coincide with CEO Donahoe’s recent meetings with President George Bush. http://ebayinkblog.com/2008/09/30/ebay-goes-to-washington/

Oh and by the way eBay have announced today that they are also improving performance by reducing 10% of their staff.

Already the World is seeing a return on their hard earned investments. Do banks really know what they are doing and why should we do what they tell us to do!

George Bush has just pushed through a package to put billions of pounds into the banks, who will probably also be guaranteeing or even putting the money forward for eBay to push their money into a business that will no doubt as they did with Paypal end up enforcing you to use. This latest little purchase ($820 million cash and $125 million options) will, if paypal is anything to go by, aim to push debt to those left who have successfully avoided it, or possibly push even more further in it! Paypal is not an option, you cannot list an item on eBay otherwise.
So what is going to happen and where is the 10% of the staff being lost from, normally we shouldn’t really care, its got nothing to do with us right, well if you have read the above, I believe it has. Shareholders will think this is fantastic, pruning the business in such uncertain times only shows that it is being well managed. Shareholders could not be more wrong and so wide off the mark.

The problem is eBay, which is well documented in blogs, forums and within sellers revolts that eBay who have made so many major changes over the last couple of years, have made even more changes in the last 6 months. During this period businesses that were developed on the very basis that eBay was founded have either walked off or even been turned off and the so called account managers who are more than likely to be sacrificed with these cuts, have had no direction and still have no direction as to how to deal with these recent changes, it is far from comforting to see that both as a shareholder and a tax payer, who is going to have to fund the bad management of the banks and governments, whether it is now or in the future, that even as we are writing today with all the uncertainty eBay who quite clearly have not got their ship in order are funding purchases for over a billion dollars!

Finally, I am writing this article not because I read the papers, watch the news, but like every body else I am concerned that we will pick up the bill for these fat cats of industry who really do not give a monkeys uncle what happens to you and me. For the record I have my own gripes with eBay and have documented the manner in which eBay has affected us as a seller, hopefully on reading this article you will make your own minds up as to where I am coming from.

Rise and fall of E-Jumble on eBay

Facts and History

2006 – January

E-Jumble born as eBay facilitator from 104a Castle Street, Edgeley Stockport. Unit size 427 sq ft over two floors.

1. E-JumbleUK was set up to facilitate goods on eBay such as furniture, fittings and other used goods such as kitchens, bathrooms, bedroom suites that were too good to be skipped and placed in landfill sites. Selling predominately from customers homes with smaller items held at premises for shipping.

2006 – October

2. E-JumbleUK turnover based predominately on eBay sales had no alternative but to relocate from its original small unit to the 1st floor of a small mill (3,500 sq ft) due to sellers wanting a collection and removal service and we had no place to store. The company purchases a used transit as we recognised that if we could not collect, sellers would sooner skip or tip perfectly good items. We also recognised that we could assist smaller manufacturing/retail businesses who were looking at avenues to close their companies rather than be forced to close in the longer term, our true descriptions allowed these businesses to exit at a price they understood provided them with something, rather than receiving nothing if the businesses were forced to close. The eBay buyers were delighted that they got the opportunity to buy at such prices by buying direct, rather than buying through a trader.

2007 – April

3. Suspended from eBay for a period of 2 weeks, no warning, “MY EBAY” screen goes down with all buyer and sales information, causing unnecessary chaos and we do not understand as to why. Eventually we contact eBay who in a roundabout manner inform us that we are selling something we shouldn’t be, however they apologise to us saying it was a drastic measure on their behalf and they will do whatever they can to get us back on ASAP. We find the problem was caused by a specific can opener produced in the UK to be sold solely in the US which had been unknowingly given to sell.
We immediately contacted the MD of the company who made the can opener and explained what had happened, he was genuinely upset for us as he did not intend for such drastic measures to happen. Our account manager assures us that he will make sure such drastic measures do not happen again and even insists that eBay will themselves relist all items back on our eBay selling site to help us. eBay themselves relist everything again INCLUDING the can openers that caused the offence in the first place! In all we were off eBay for a period of 2 weeks, with cash flow affected for up to four weeks.

May 2007 to July 2007

4. Demand for our services is coming in as we have recommendations from both sellers and buyers, and we have noticed that we are gaining regular buyers visiting us from all around the UK to pick up their purchases and view what we had running on auction.
From a stand still start with no contacts our accounts show a turnover of
£275,000 in the first years trade, furthermore we are offered the top floor of
the mill and ground floor on a flexible basis to encourage our business to
grow.

August 2007to June 2008

5. E-Jumble is taking off, turnover has increased dramatically with further interest and business coming in from larger companies looking to dispose of overstocks and idle assets. Our overheads are also going up, however controlled and systems being built to make the business more efficient. However the business has no bank borrowings or overdraft facility and is slowly increasing its profit margins.
Furthermore expansion is set in place as the result of successful negotiations E-JumbleUK agree to merge with Wicklow based and established Irish companies Tara General and Dynamic group to develop the profile and set up trading in modern warehousing facilities in Wicklow, just outside of Dublin. Logistics are put in place and due to the nature of the set up we relocate our UK operation from its smaller 3 storey property (with small lift) for loading larger heavier items to a larger single floor modern warehouse under one mile away in Stockport, with the directors committing to a lengthy lease. The process would make logistics between the UK and the Wicklow warehouse easier and quicker to deal with. E-JumbleUK and E-Jumble.IE recruit a further 12 eBay listers, warehouse staff and drivers to operate between both businesses, with training to operate both E-Jumble’s software procedures and eBay’s, the recruits are trained for all health and safety issues that would arise in a warehouse operation, fork lift truck licences and even first aid. All 12 operators are salaried and trained for 3 months to commence the anglo UK and Irish venture to begin September 08.

July 2008

6. E-JumbleUK announces accounts showing profitability in only the second year trading giving it the perfect platform. With demand for services on the increase, it also announces that the trading for the May, June and July period was running at around £100k turnover a month. New systems are also in place to coincide with deliveries and warehousing, stock inventory barcoding systems in place and we are able to locate items quicker for our buyers.
Unfortunately however whilst we had emailed all buyers who had purchased through our eBay site that we were moving, we were receiving record number of negative feedback, which also coincided with neutrals being treated as a negative, (a situation which eBay then rectified and changed how they were treating a neutral). We were still experiencing problems to eBays recent feedback changes, we were being left negatives without having an opportunity to rectify matters all follow up complaints and whilst we were endeavouring to deal with complaints, our record of low negatives, were then running at over the eBay new charter. We were also receiving higher positive feedback than ever as well and relatively even today over the period as a whole 12 months our negative position still remains at 1.32% of total feedback.

August 2008

7. Goods coming in due to the new modern warehouse and new barcoding inventory systems are being dealt with more efficient and are being listed almost immediately. Health and safety has been passed and we are resolving all our teething problems of such a major move, which also coincided with a busy previous 3 months. We expected a seasonal dip in turnover for August, however what we did not expect was that we would again be suspended by eBay. Again as last April and without any warnings we were removed from eBay, however this time we were informed that we would be removed for 30 days. (that is no cash flow for 30 days) 22 people to pay salaries to and rent to pay on our modern warehouse, no trade, no income. Our committed crime was that we had for the previous month more negative feedback than was accepted by eBay. We were dumbfounded, how do you deal with people who left four negative feedbacks as they had bought four items and were dissatisfied with one of the items they paid just over £10 for, relating to our listing stating approximately 35 bottles of liquid soap and four weeks later decided to report us to eBay and leave negative feedback for only collecting 34 bottles even though they signed for the items “as described on ebay”, or how do you respond to buyers that contact us to say that there is a damage on an item you posted and will accept £20 off and then they will not leave a negative, even then when we try to respond to the matter by asking for it to be returned, it is still held against us as we didn’t just give them what they wanted, which was £20 off for something that we never got the opportunity to view, do not forget this item was auctioned at a 99p start and described in an accurate manner.

Unfortunately for the staff we had to let the majority of our workforce go immediately, due to the immediate reaction to eBay we also had to contact our Irish counterparts to inform them that whilst we had this problem not only have we had to release the new recruited members and invested in, it meant that we could not proceed with E-Jumble I.E. They were also furious as they had also invested in premises in Ireland as well as recruiting sales staff over in Dublin and around Southern Ireland to bring in the business, their reaction was extremely furious as the money they had invested on in securing premises which as of now remains vacant together with racking and warehousing facilities, they were upset due to an American company being allowed to set up in Ireland on the basis that they do not pay their taxes and not allowing its UK company to trade and also for being responsible for causing the unnecessary unemployment of so many people in a business that was due to commence business in September, especially on the back of so many people due to the credit crunch and recession already being made redundant in Ireland. This company who collectively through their various business interests employ a lot of people already in Ireland and who pay their taxes are having to not only make people redundant, but also lose money on the back of a foreign company residing in Ireland to avoid paying taxes.

E-Jumble has always prided itself on customer service and buyer satisfaction and remain confident with ‘what cannot speak cannot lie, it wants its customers both sellers on whom they have returned other wise land fill fodder into much cash to know the truth, by reading all the feedback both good, bad and indifferent and read into it what they will, and at the end of the day, it has always been the buyers that decide and thankfully, when it reads that 1 in every 2.6 buyers come back to buy again, ‘what cannot speak really cannot lie’, every single feedback always tells a story and if buyers did not want to buy they really wouldn’t, as it is there for the next buyer to see. We remain positive that common sense will prevail and eBay recognise that the various principles in which eBay was founded have been adhered to by E-JumbleUK, and that it was always down for the buyers to pay what they wanted to pay, with all terms and conditions for buying clearly stated throughout all transactions.

Also, eBay always promote communication between the buyer and seller when they do not take their own advice as trying to get hold of your account manager in times of need or even to get them to respond to an e-mail is difficult. In the past when you had issues on your account, the account manager would ring up and discuss the issues to prevent any action being taken. Now ebay take action and your account manager goes into hiding. The only time you hear from account managers is when they want to promote a new policy, tell you how they are doing you a favour by reducing insertion fees (missing out that they are hiking final value fees).

Unfortunately as a business it appears the present management and staff are allowing the minority of crank customers, to spoil it for the majority and in trying to appease these minorities of jealous, conniving schemers, they will be left with buy it nows of retail prices and excuse the vulgarity of dirty knickers, farts in a bottle and photographs of empty buildings in Europe for sale with an excuse as to why there is no deeds included. eBay are allowing a brilliant and one time innovative idea for people around the globe to generally offer for sale what was to be discarded or surplus to requirements by way of a true genuine auction process to losing direction and genuine sellers.

What will be left after we have gone and how long it will continue for who really knows, however the response, best wishes and general support from nearly 3000 eBay buyers have caused a tear or two. We know that this support alone shows that what we created was worthwhile and not an altogether waste of time, if perhaps something that will in the end cost us dearly and whatever our fate is from now on, we can hold our heads up and know that we didn’t deserve what eBay have done to us, our families and a really good business.

Jeremy Isaacs
Managing Director
e-jumble Limited

0161 476 3497

jeremy@e-jumble.co.uk

]]> By: Samson, Winchester, Ca http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-9479 Samson, Winchester, Ca Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:14:55 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-9479 I've been on ebay for 9 years and have NEVER seen so much contempt by ebay toward it's users. Ebayers who are HONEST enough to post the REALITIES of ebay's new policies and their effects are getting pink slapped (suspended) at record numbers. Posts & Threads are deleted in record time. Anyone doubting this needs only watch the boards themselves. It's time for ebay to start following government regulations, since this dictatorship can no longer hide behind the "we're just a venue" claim. Paypal escaping regulations by claiming not to be a "bank" needs close scrutuny. The government is LOSING MILLIONS by not hold Paypal accountable! I've been on ebay for 9 years and have NEVER seen so much contempt by ebay toward it's users. Ebayers who are HONEST enough to post the REALITIES of ebay's new policies and their effects are getting pink slapped (suspended) at record numbers. Posts & Threads are deleted in record time. Anyone doubting this needs only watch the boards themselves.

It's time for ebay to start following government regulations, since this dictatorship can no longer hide behind the "we're just a venue" claim.

Paypal escaping regulations by claiming not to be a "bank" needs close scrutuny. The government is LOSING MILLIONS by not hold Paypal accountable!

]]> By: Ron Tello, Nevada, Montello, Nevada http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-6693 Ron Tello, Nevada, Montello, Nevada Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:59:36 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-6693 I want to address the issue about members who post on ebay's discussion boards who get kicked to the curb (sanctioned) WITHOUT Notice (PinkSlaps). It's happening to me AGAIN!!! What's worse: NO ONE at ebay will answer my emails asking why & for how long? I suspect that the "Button Pushers" did it to me & made me look like a hoodlum in ebay's view. NOT true! I am a stellar member & quite popular on the [] (SOAPBOX). I spent ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS on ebay & I can't get a morsel of respect. How sad is that?? WAAAAYYYY SAD. And I'm angry about it. Seems there's nothing me or my Lawyer can do about it... I'd like this topic to enjoy a healthy round of Public Debate. I'm not the only one..... Checkout my Thread at: http://forums.ebay.com/db1/thread.jspa?threadID=2000468731&tstart=0&mod=1207149367326 Thank You! -Ron Tello, Nevada User ID: 898sarahg I want to address the issue about members who post on ebay's discussion boards who get kicked to the curb (sanctioned) WITHOUT Notice (PinkSlaps).
It's happening to me AGAIN!!!

What's worse: NO ONE at ebay will answer my emails asking why & for how long?

I suspect that the "Button Pushers" did it to me & made me look like a hoodlum in ebay's view.

NOT true! I am a stellar member & quite popular on the [] (SOAPBOX).

I spent ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS on ebay & I can't get a morsel of respect.
How sad is that?? WAAAAYYYY SAD.
And I'm angry about it.
Seems there's nothing me or my Lawyer can do about it…
I'd like this topic to enjoy a healthy round of Public Debate. I'm not the only one…..

Checkout my Thread at:
http://forums.ebay.com/db1/thread.jspa?threadID=2000468731&tstart=0&mod=1207149367326

Thank You!
-Ron Tello, Nevada
User ID: 898sarahg

]]> By: Lee, Barnsley, England http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-6632 Lee, Barnsley, England Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:08:35 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-6632 These are the most important comments in that interview and sums up why this guy was hired for the ebay "unbiased" blog. FSB: Have you ever sold anything on eBay? RBH: I've never sold anything on eBay but I've bought on eBay. FSB: Did your wife have anything to say about the recent policy and fee changes? RBH: We're mostly buyers, so it didn't really affect us. Unbiased opinion? A person who mainly buys on ebay can have no clear understanding of the effects the recent ebay changes are having on people who sell regular. Ebay IS becoming better for the buyer, theres probably no doubt in that, but its killing off the people who had a dream, and built their small enterprise from that dream. These are the most important comments in that interview and sums up why this guy was hired for the ebay "unbiased" blog.

FSB: Have you ever sold anything on eBay?

RBH: I've never sold anything on eBay but I've bought on eBay.

FSB: Did your wife have anything to say about the recent policy and fee changes?

RBH: We're mostly buyers, so it didn't really affect us.

Unbiased opinion? A person who mainly buys on ebay can have no clear understanding of the effects the recent ebay changes are having on people who sell regular.

Ebay IS becoming better for the buyer, theres probably no doubt in that, but its killing off the people who had a dream, and built their small enterprise from that dream.

]]> By: Paul Chaney http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5923 Paul Chaney Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:43:23 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5923 Loved the interview. I've Twittered it and will blog it as well. Loved the interview. I've Twittered it and will blog it as well.

]]> By: Colleen Clark Battle Creek MI http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5852 Colleen Clark Battle Creek MI Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:35:58 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5852 Heres a good one for you, for those few powersellers who will get a rebate on their fees for their good star ratings, well, that was suppose to start this month, but, I am sure you will be shocked to hear there is a glitch in their system, and, there is no way for them to issue the refund, hopefully for April. Way to go ebay!! Heres a good one for you, for those few powersellers who will get a rebate on their fees for their good star ratings, well, that was suppose to start this month, but, I am sure you will be shocked to hear there is a glitch in their system, and, there is no way for them to issue the refund, hopefully for April. Way to go ebay!!

]]> By: Jeff Lu http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5821 Jeff Lu Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:35:50 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5821 It is ironic that on the very same day that this article was published, eBay would give itself the opportunity, through a site-wide revenue-impacting problem, to demonstrate its supposed sensitivity to sellers' concerns. Yet the company's actions, or lack thereof, once again prove that eBay has chosen to focus solely on its own profits, at the direct expense of sellers. First, a little background... eBay has long encouraged sellers to lower shipping fees, to bring them more in line with actual shipping costs. As part of this effort, eBay introduced the "shipping calculator" which determines shipping fees based on actual weight. In short, sellers input an item's weight, and eBay calculates the shipping fee. Now, the problem... For several hours on March 6, 2008, eBay's shipping calculator malfunctioned. During this time (4:30PM-7:45PM PST according to eBay), the shipping calculator calculated USPS Parcel Post and Priority Mail fees as if all items weighed one pound or less. Thus, according to eBay's calculator, a ten pound Priority Mail package shipped from Illinois to California would cost only $4.60. The actual rate, according to the USPS, is $21.60. Buyers who paid for items during this period were invoiced shipping costs well below actual rates. Both auctions and Buy-It-Now listings were affected by this issue. eBay's error directly impacts seller revenues by forcing them to ship items at a loss. At this time, eBay has responded only by encouraging sellers to contact buyers in the hopes that they will be willing to pay additional shipping costs. eBay suggests pointing buyers to a vaguely-worded announcement posted on its System Announcements board. eBay has not indicated that it will provide any help to sellers to correct sales that completed with underpaid shipping. eBay's announcement may be found at http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200803062027451.html eBay is solely responsible for this error, and as such, its hands-off resolution is unacceptable and places sellers at risk of receiving negative feedback from buyers who will be justifiably upset by being requested to pay additional funds beyond what was shown on the auction page. In addition, requesting additional funds in this way may actually be against eBay policies. eBay should take responsibility for its error either by crediting sellers for the shorted shipping charges or by directly contacting buyers on sellers' behalf to request the corrected shipping charges. Otherwise, eBay simply demonstrates once again its dismissive and exploitative attitude toward sellers. This issue is being discussed on eBay's community forums at: http://forums.ebay.com/thread.jspa?forumID=96&threadID=2000530611 It is ironic that on the very same day that this article was published, eBay
would give itself the opportunity, through a site-wide revenue-impacting
problem, to demonstrate its supposed sensitivity to sellers' concerns. Yet
the company's actions, or lack thereof, once again prove that eBay has
chosen to focus solely on its own profits, at the direct expense of sellers.

First, a little background… eBay has long encouraged sellers to lower
shipping fees, to bring them more in line with actual shipping costs. As
part of this effort, eBay introduced the "shipping calculator" which
determines shipping fees based on actual weight. In short, sellers input an
item's weight, and eBay calculates the shipping fee.

Now, the problem… For several hours on March 6, 2008, eBay's shipping
calculator malfunctioned. During this time (4:30PM-7:45PM PST according to
eBay), the shipping calculator calculated USPS Parcel Post and Priority Mail
fees as if all items weighed one pound or less. Thus, according to eBay's
calculator, a ten pound Priority Mail package shipped from Illinois to
California would cost only $4.60. The actual rate, according to the USPS,
is $21.60. Buyers who paid for items during this period were invoiced
shipping costs well below actual rates. Both auctions and Buy-It-Now
listings were affected by this issue.

eBay's error directly impacts seller revenues by forcing them to ship items
at a loss. At this time, eBay has responded only by encouraging sellers to
contact buyers in the hopes that they will be willing to pay additional
shipping costs. eBay suggests pointing buyers to a vaguely-worded
announcement posted on its System Announcements board. eBay has not
indicated that it will provide any help to sellers to correct sales that
completed with underpaid shipping. eBay's announcement may be found at
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200803062027451.html

eBay is solely responsible for this error, and as such, its hands-off
resolution is unacceptable and places sellers at risk of receiving negative
feedback from buyers who will be justifiably upset by being requested to pay
additional funds beyond what was shown on the auction page. In addition,
requesting additional funds in this way may actually be against eBay
policies.

eBay should take responsibility for its error either by crediting sellers
for the shorted shipping charges or by directly contacting buyers on
sellers' behalf to request the corrected shipping charges. Otherwise, eBay
simply demonstrates once again its dismissive and exploitative attitude
toward sellers.

This issue is being discussed on eBay's community forums at:
http://forums.ebay.com/thread.jspa?forumID=96&threadID=2000530611

]]> By: steven orr http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5787 steven orr Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:25:13 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5787 The most forgotten and ignored members of the Ebay community are the Ebay shareholders. Since October 17, 2007 there has been unrelenting waves of bad news, bad press, boycotts, and a dramaticallly falling stock price. Meanwhile, top Ebay executives exercise millions of stock options...driving shares lower at the worst possible time. The Ebay board of directors does not seem to be aligned with shareholder interests...only the interests of top Ebay executives. There is something wrong when the only people getting rich are the the top executives. There are no stock dividends for the shareholders...only falling stock prices...and any share buy-backs seem to be made for the sole purpose of re-cycling them into additional stock options for a self-dealing management team. The most forgotten and ignored members of the Ebay community are the Ebay
shareholders. Since October 17, 2007 there has been unrelenting waves of bad
news, bad press, boycotts, and a dramaticallly falling stock price.
Meanwhile, top Ebay executives exercise millions of stock options…driving
shares lower at the worst possible time.

The Ebay board of directors does not seem to be aligned with shareholder
interests…only the interests of top Ebay executives. There is something
wrong when the only people getting rich are the the top executives. There
are no stock dividends for the shareholders…only falling stock
prices…and any share buy-backs seem to be made for the sole purpose of
re-cycling them into additional stock options for a self-dealing management
team.

]]> By: Maggie, Palmerton, PA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5751 Maggie, Palmerton, PA Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:27:07 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5751 This is nothing more than eBay reinforcing their view of their sellers as NOISE. Now they think if they provide a place to make Noise their sellers will be placated. Well we won't be placated until we get: more reasonable final value fees; the ability to leave negative feedback for buyers who deserve it; a return to a normal search engine where everyone gets an even chance; a reversion of Paypal's decision to hold our money for 21 days whenever it feels warranted in doing so; an apology from Donahoe for creating this whole mess. This is nothing more than eBay reinforcing their view of their sellers as NOISE. Now they think if they provide a place to make Noise their sellers will be placated.

Well we won't be placated until we get:

more reasonable final value fees; the ability to leave negative feedback for buyers who deserve it; a return to a normal search engine where everyone gets an even chance; a reversion of Paypal's decision to hold our money for 21 days whenever it feels warranted in doing so; an apology from Donahoe for creating this whole mess.

]]> By: Renee Akron Ohio http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5688 Renee Akron Ohio Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:44:59 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5688 One more kick of sand in the face of eBay sellers by eBay. A corporate peon to deal with the community peons. I am not sure how many more insults I can handle. I have left eBay for good and do not intend on looking back. And as for "Bill from Sacremento CA" above. I am truly sorry that someone in the past gave you such bad customer service that you feel all eBay Sellers are no good. In reality, many many of us work very hard to give our customers quality products and to put their concerns first. But you have to realize there are a large amount of buyers who burn sellers. A business can not last long if product is tied up because of a non-paying bidder, or a buyer swears it never got there, when you have proof it did but, PayPal does not want to hear about it and refunds the money anyways. eBay sellers and buyers alike have the right to voice their complaints. And, if eBay took the time to provide the same good customer service it wants us sellers to provide, you would not see all these angry and disappointed blog entries all over the internet. ALSO IMPORTANT: I don't know if any of you noticed an article on Ina's AuctionBytes.com site about the Better Business Bureau giving eBay an award, "eBay Inc. will receive the Better Business Bureau President's Award for sustained superior performance." You can read it here: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y08/m03/i11/s03 I think this is totally obscene. We all need to print out these pages upon pages of blogs that we are reading and send them to the local Better Business Office in protest. Here is the address of the Better Business Bureau in San Jose California, where eBay resides. If we enundate them with these complaints and bury them under an avalance of paper they would have to retract the award or loose face. There is no way eBay should be getting an award like this in light of what they are doing. The BBB also needs to know there is a class action suit filed against eBay. BBB of Silicon Valley (San Jose, CA) 700 Empey Way, Suite 110 San Jose, CA 95128 Phone: (408)278-7400 Fax: (408)278-7444 Email: info@bbbsilicon.org Web: http://www.bbbsilicon.org Please take a moment to print out your favorite blog responses outlining eBay's new discrimination tactics. One more kick of sand in the face of eBay sellers by eBay. A corporate peon to deal with the community peons. I am not sure how many more insults I can handle. I have left eBay for good and do not intend on looking back.

And as for "Bill from Sacremento CA" above. I am truly sorry that someone in the past gave you such bad customer service that you feel all eBay Sellers are no good.

In reality, many many of us work very hard to give our customers quality products and to put their concerns first. But you have to realize there are a large amount of buyers who burn sellers. A business can not last long if product is tied up because of a non-paying bidder, or a buyer swears it never got there, when you have proof it did but, PayPal does not want to hear about it and refunds the money anyways.

eBay sellers and buyers alike have the right to voice their complaints. And, if eBay took the time to provide the same good customer service it wants us sellers to provide, you would not see all these angry and disappointed blog entries all over the internet.

ALSO IMPORTANT: I don't know if any of you noticed an article on Ina's AuctionBytes.com site about the Better Business Bureau giving eBay an award,

"eBay Inc. will receive the Better Business Bureau President's Award for sustained superior performance."

You can read it here: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y08/m03/i11/s03

I think this is totally obscene. We all need to print out these pages upon pages of blogs that we are reading and send them to the local Better Business Office in protest.

Here is the address of the Better Business Bureau in San Jose California, where eBay resides. If we enundate them with these complaints and bury them under an avalance of paper they would have to retract the award or loose face.

There is no way eBay should be getting an award like this in light of what they are doing.

The BBB also needs to know there is a class action suit filed against eBay.

BBB of Silicon Valley
(San Jose, CA)
700 Empey Way, Suite 110
San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: (408)278-7400
Fax: (408)278-7444
Email: info@bbbsilicon.org
Web: http://www.bbbsilicon.org

Please take a moment to print out your favorite blog responses outlining eBay's new discrimination tactics.

]]> By: Don Shelton, Auckland, New Zealand http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5686 Don Shelton, Auckland, New Zealand Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:09:24 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5686 I have not noticed many recent illustrations on the eBay discussion boards supporting the boycott, but I thought many of the early ones were very clever and worth making into a gallery so they can be viewed. For those interested, I have posted them on my blog at http://new-additions.blogspot.com/2008/02/february-ebay-boycott.html I have not noticed many recent illustrations on the eBay discussion boards supporting the boycott, but I thought many of the early ones were very clever and worth making into a gallery so they can be viewed. For those interested, I have posted them on my blog at http://new-additions.blogspot.com/2008/02/february-ebay-boycott.html

]]> By: Lawrencburg, KY http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5666 Lawrencburg, KY Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:26:41 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5666 When asked about deleted posts, an eBay spokesman denied last week that comments were pulled down strictly for being anti-eBay. If any such posts were deleted, it was "accidental," he said. "We're not afraid of hearing from our community and allowing them to post and discuss things and be angry on our boards." Here are 5 of my post they deleted: #1 Hello sammyinez, We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums. This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following post that you made: sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-25-08 12:23 PST 8448 of 8527 I have had 3 post removed and I'm surprised they haven't removed more. How many removed post does it take before they suspend us?That sound like a Pollack joke (no offense) How many ebay trolls does it take to remove a seller?one to hit the report button one to translate it one to make sure the member is not a buyer one to make sure the post is a chinese power seller one to send the removal email to the wrong member In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values, to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported to us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason: Discussing or reposting deleted posts or warning letters, or discussion of sanctioned or no longer registered members. For clarification of this policy, please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=410492018 We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations. Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts that we do allow: http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005 Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support. Regards, Jerri eBay Moderation Team #2 Hello sammyinez, We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums. This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following post that you made: sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-25-08 18:01 PST 8503 of 8514 Hey, do any of you guys have a myspace page? (Not you steve577, I'll block you there too) It would be a good way to keep in touch in case we get booted off here. Here is my url if anyone wants it....... In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values, to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported to us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason: Including profanity, vulgarity, hate speech, disruptive, or hostile comments, interpersonal disputes, or threats of violence in a post. For clarification of this policy, please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=200062944 We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations. Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts that we do allow: http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005 Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support. Regards, Lucky eBay Moderation Team #3 This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following post that you made: sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-25-08 12:24 PST 8448 of 8526 Click to edit this revised! I have had 3 post removed and I'm surprised they haven't removed more. How many removed post does it take before they suspend us? That sound like a Pollack joke (no offense) How many ebay trolls does it take to remove a seller?one to hit the report button one to translate it one to make sure the member is not a buyer one to make sure the post is not chinese power seller one to send the removal email to the wrong member In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values, to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported to us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason: Discussing or reposting deleted posts or warning letters, or discussion of sanctioned or no longer registered members. For clarification of this policy, please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=410492018 We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations. Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts that we do allow: http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005 Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support. Regards, Jerri eBay Moderation Team #4 Hello sammyinez, We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums. This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following post that you made: sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-25-08 23:43 PST 76 of 78 I received an email that one of my recent post was removed. I feel certain that an annoying member reported the post. The post just listed my myspace url. I have already mentioned I am retired from the USPS. I am going to get in touch with some current postal employees that work up near all those big lakes. Pay backs are a...... You know who you are! In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values, to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported to us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason: Discussing or reposting deleted posts or warning letters, or discussion of sanctioned or no longer registered members. For clarification of this policy, please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=410492018 We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations. Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts that we do allow: http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005 Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support. Regards, Jerri eBay Moderation Team #5 Hello sammyinez, We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums. This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following post that you made: sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-20-08 17:22 PST 7721 of 7861 I closed 2 stores the 30th and have no intentions of selling unless they get a clue. I was a power seller from Jan 06 - Nov 07. I chose to take a break selling from selling in Nov 07. I was preparing to list several thousand items the first of Feb. when ebay came out with the changes. Everything I have to sell is paid for, so if the other sites take longer to sell, so be it. Ruby Lane and ioffer will be my new home. Guess I'll check out AuctionOnline also. In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values, to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported to us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason: Advertising merchandise, auctions, services or commercial Web sites, including offers to trade, "wanted" posts, or charitable solicitations. For clarification of this policy, please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa? threadID=410492031 We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations. Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts that we do allow: http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005 Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support. Regards, Betty eBay Moderation Team Suspension email: Hello sammyinez, We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums. Unfortunately, this email is to notify you that we are temporarily revoking all privileges for posting in eBay forums and groups for a period of seven (7) days, specifically for the following policy violation: Discussing or reposting deleted posts or warning letters, or discussion of sanctioned or no longer registered members. For clarification of this policy, please visit this page: http:// forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=410492018 As we have notified you of inappropriate posts in the past, we feel that it is best to give you some additional time to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations. We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations. However, in order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values, to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each other, there are certain types of posts that we cannot allow During this sanction, you may continue to bid and list. You do not need to appeal this sanction, as you will be able to start posting again after 7 days. However, it is important that you do not register and/or use an alternate User ID to post on or sign into any eBay Discussion Board, Chat Board, or the Answer Center during this sanction. Doing so is a violation of the terms of this sanction, the Board Usage Policy, and the eBay User Agreement, and this can lead to an indefinite sanction of your account(s) and/or a suspension of your account(s), buying, and selling privileges. Please understand that our goal is to help you understand the guidelines for participating in the eBay Community Forums. Therefore, once your board sanction is over, we respectfully request that your future board activities comply with these guidelines. The Board Usage Policy and policy explanations can be reviewed at the following URLs: http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005 Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important matter. Regards, Janis eBay Moderation Team I will foward the emails to any news media if they would like to view them! Ebay is lying!! When asked about deleted posts, an eBay spokesman denied last week that comments were pulled down strictly for being anti-eBay. If any such posts were deleted, it was "accidental," he said. "We're not afraid of hearing from our community and allowing them to post and discuss things and be angry on our boards."

Here are 5 of my post they deleted:

#1
Hello sammyinez,
We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums.
This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following
post that you made:
sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-25-08 12:23 PST 8448
of 8527
I have had 3 post removed and I'm surprised they haven't removed more. How many removed post does it take before they suspend us?That sound like a Pollack joke (no offense)
How many ebay trolls does it take to remove a seller?one to hit the report button
one to translate it
one to make sure the member is not a buyer
one to make sure the post is a chinese power seller
one to send the removal email to the
wrong member

In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values,
to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each
other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported to
us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage
Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason:

Discussing or reposting deleted posts or warning letters, or discussion of
sanctioned or no longer registered members. For clarification of this policy,
please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=410492018
We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations.
Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations
via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts that we do allow:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html
http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005

Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support.

Regards,
Jerri
eBay Moderation Team

#2
Hello sammyinez,
We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums.
This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following post that you made:

sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-25-08 18:01 PST 8503 of 8514

Hey, do any of you guys have a myspace page? (Not you steve577, I'll block you there too) It
would be a good way to keep in touch in case we get booted off here.

Here is my url if anyone wants it…….

In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values, to be a place where
all members can feel comfortable interacting with each other, there are certain types of posts that we have
to remove if reported to us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage
Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason:

Including profanity, vulgarity, hate speech, disruptive, or hostile comments, interpersonal disputes, or
threats of violence in a post. For clarification of this policy, please visit this page:
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=200062944

We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations. Please take a moment to
review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations via the following URLs for clarification about the
types of posts that we do allow:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html
http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005

Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support.

Regards,
Lucky
eBay Moderation Team

#3
This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following
post that you made:

sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-25-08 12:24 PST
8448 of 8526
Click to edit this

revised! I have had 3 post removed and I'm
surprised they haven't removed more. How many removed
post does it take before they suspend us? That
sound like a Pollack joke (no offense)
How many ebay trolls does it take to remove a seller?one to hit the report button
one to translate it
one to make sure the member is not a buyer
one to make sure the post is not chinese power seller
one to send the removal email to the wrong member

In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values,
to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each
other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported to
us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage
Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason:

Discussing or reposting deleted posts or warning letters, or discussion of
sanctioned or no longer registered members. For clarification of this policy,
please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=410492018

We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations.
Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations
via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts that we do allow:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html
http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005

Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support.

Regards,
Jerri
eBay Moderation Team

#4
Hello sammyinez,

We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums.

This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following
post that you made:

sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-25-08 23:43 PST 76
of 78

I received an email that one of my recent post was
removed. I feel certain that an annoying member reported the post. The post just listed my myspace url.
I have already mentioned I am retired from the USPS. I am going to get in touch with some current postal employees that work up near all those big lakes.
Pay backs are a……
You know who you are!

In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values,
to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each
other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported to
us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage
Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason:

Discussing or reposting deleted posts or warning letters, or discussion of
sanctioned or no longer registered members. For clarification of this policy,
please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=410492018

We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations.
Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations
via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts that we do allow:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html
http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005

Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your support.

Regards,
Jerri
eBay Moderation Team

#5
Hello sammyinez,

We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums.

This email is to notify you that we unfortunately had to remove the following
post that you made:

sammyinez (953 ) View Listings | Report Feb-20-08 17:22 PST 7721
of 7861

I closed 2 stores the 30th and have no intentions of selling unless they get a clue.
I was a power seller from Jan 06 – Nov 07. I chose to take a break selling from selling in Nov 07.
I was preparing to list several thousand items the first of Feb. when
ebay came out with the changes. Everything I have to sell is paid for, so if the other sites take longer to sell, so be it.
Ruby Lane and ioffer will be my new home. Guess I'll check out
AuctionOnline also.

In order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community
Values, to be a place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with
each other, there are certain types of posts that we have to remove if reported
to us. The guidelines for posting in the forums are defined in the Board Usage
Policy. Your post was specifically removed for the following reason:

Advertising merchandise, auctions, services or commercial Web sites, including
offers to trade, "wanted" posts, or charitable solicitations. For clarification
of this policy, please visit this page: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?
threadID=410492031

We understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional
violations. Please take a moment to review the Board Usage Policy and policy
explanations via the following URLs for clarification about the types of posts
that we do allow:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html
http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005

Again, we value your participation in the forums, and we appreciate your
support.

Regards,
Betty
eBay Moderation Team

Suspension email:
Hello sammyinez,

We appreciate your participation in the eBay Community Forums.

Unfortunately, this email is to notify you that we are temporarily revoking all privileges for
posting in eBay forums and groups for a period of seven (7) days, specifically for the
following policy violation:

Discussing or reposting deleted posts or warning letters, or discussion of sanctioned or
no longer registered members. For clarification of this policy, please visit this page: http://
forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=410492018

As we have notified you of inappropriate posts in the past, we feel that it is best to give
you some additional time to review the Board Usage Policy and policy explanations. We
understand that most posts that are removed were not intentional violations. However, in
order for the community forums, which are based on the eBay Community Values, to be a
place where all members can feel comfortable interacting with each other, there are
certain types of posts that we cannot allow

During this sanction, you may continue to bid and list. You do not need to appeal this
sanction, as you will be able to start posting again after 7 days. However, it is important
that you do not register and/or use an alternate User ID to post on or sign into any eBay
Discussion Board, Chat Board, or the Answer Center during this sanction. Doing so is a
violation of the terms of this sanction, the Board Usage Policy, and the eBay User
Agreement, and this can lead to an indefinite sanction of your account(s) and/or a
suspension of your account(s), buying, and selling privileges.

Please understand that our goal is to help you understand the guidelines for participating
in the eBay Community Forums. Therefore, once your board sanction is over, we
respectfully request that your future board activities comply with these guidelines. The
Board Usage Policy and policy explanations can be reviewed at the following URLs:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/everyone-boards.html
http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=2005

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important matter.

Regards,
Janis
eBay Moderation Team

I will foward the emails to any news media if they would like to view them! Ebay is lying!!

]]> By: Carol, Kansas City, MO http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5664 Carol, Kansas City, MO Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:20:07 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5664 The following was posted on Auctionbytes March 6: The ''eBay Ink'' corporate blog is intended to cover the entire span of topics that eBay Inc. touches as it relates to all of its businesses (marketplaces, payments, communications and all 20+ subsidiaries). Its audiences will include the community, industry analysts, employees, partners and investors as well. Expect to see content that includes conversations for that entire span of publics. To be clear, Richard's point to Fortune Small Business editors about talking with bloggers was within eBay to coordinate editorial content with those authoring blogs that support eBay, PayPal and Skype; not outside bloggers. Sincerely, Jose Mallabo Corporate Communications eBay Inc. So we're all correct: eBay's intent with this new corporate blog has nothing to do with addressing seller concerns but to publish positive PR spin for the analysts and stockholders. On the other hand I didn't know that Scot Wingo of eBay Strategies and the blog Only eBay were written by eBay insiders. The following was posted on Auctionbytes March 6:
The "eBay Ink" corporate blog is intended to cover the entire span of topics that eBay Inc. touches as it relates to all of its businesses (marketplaces, payments, communications and all 20+ subsidiaries). Its audiences will include the community, industry analysts, employees, partners and investors as well. Expect to see content that includes conversations for that entire span of publics.

To be clear, Richard's point to Fortune Small Business editors about talking with bloggers was within eBay to coordinate editorial content with those authoring blogs that support eBay, PayPal and Skype; not outside bloggers.

Sincerely,

Jose Mallabo
Corporate Communications
eBay Inc.

So we're all correct: eBay's intent with this new corporate blog has nothing to do with addressing seller concerns but to publish positive PR spin for the analysts and stockholders.

On the other hand I didn't know that Scot Wingo of eBay Strategies and the blog Only eBay were written by eBay insiders.

]]> By: Julie, New Orleans, LA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5662 Julie, New Orleans, LA Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:57:36 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5662 His topics sound like high school newspaper pieces, sigh. The cafeteria chef? How green is ebay? There are plenty of relevant & important issues for sellers to work on- issues that are affecting ebay hugely. The fact that he isn't even thinking of becoming acquainted with the sellers point of view says a lot. What a joke. His topics sound like high school newspaper pieces, sigh. The cafeteria chef? How green is ebay?
There are plenty of relevant & important issues for sellers to work on- issues that are affecting ebay hugely. The fact that he isn't even thinking of becoming acquainted with the sellers point of view says a lot.
What a joke.

]]> By: bill, Sacramento, CA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5661 bill, Sacramento, CA Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:48:43 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5661 What are you sellers crying for? Boo hoo your being charged too much, boo hoo they don't listen to you. Well they don’t listen to the buyers either. You sellers, need to get a grip on reality. The ebay fad will die out in about five years. While you’re crying about ebay’s policy the buyers, your bread and butter are getting fed up dealing with you prima donnas who think you are doing mankind a favor buy selling your junk. You have the corporate jerks on your side, but you don’t want to pay for it? Then you should quit “the business.” If your car insurance premium goes up, you either pay for it or look for another insurance company! A real auction house has and follows the same rule all the time. Here on flea marketbay, you the seller can make rules as you go, while the buyer is limited. You can determine who can bid who can’t, if you want to except a bid, and my favorite, how much in shipping you can rip-off from your customers. So, how dare you complain because you have to pay for protection. Here is what you do. Quit the whining and pull out that old internet ebay guru’s book. You know the one that you paid $49.95 for that shows you how to make a million dollars selling your garage junk on ebay. Read the part about customer service. That is what you should be worried about. If you had to run a real business using the same customer service practice stated in the last paragraph, you wouldn’t last 6 month. You would have all sorts of lawsuits and government agencies investigating you. So, quit complaining and start taking care of your customers. You’re not high flying business people here, you’re just online flea marketers. In a few years this online fad will be gone. If you learn now how to take care for your customers, you might be able to start and run a real business after this bubble burst. Look at this as a training experience and not your life’s work. What are you sellers crying for? Boo hoo your being charged too much, boo hoo they don't listen to you. Well they don’t listen to the buyers either. You sellers, need to get a grip on reality. The ebay fad will die out in about five years. While you’re crying about ebay’s policy the buyers, your bread and butter are getting fed up dealing with you prima donnas who think you are doing mankind a favor buy selling your junk.

You have the corporate jerks on your side, but you don’t want to pay for it? Then you should quit “the business.” If your car insurance premium goes up, you either pay for it or look for another insurance company!

A real auction house has and follows the same rule all the time. Here on flea marketbay, you the seller can make rules as you go, while the buyer is limited. You can determine who can bid who can’t, if you want to except a bid, and my favorite, how much in shipping you can rip-off from your customers. So, how dare you complain because you have to pay for protection.

Here is what you do. Quit the whining and pull out that old internet ebay guru’s book. You know the one that you paid $49.95 for that shows you how to make a million dollars selling your garage junk on ebay. Read the part about customer service. That is what you should be worried about. If you had to run a real business using the same customer service practice stated in the last paragraph, you wouldn’t last 6 month. You would have all sorts of lawsuits and government agencies investigating you. So, quit complaining and start taking care of your customers. You’re not high flying business people here, you’re just online flea marketers. In a few years this online fad will be gone. If you learn now how to take care for your customers, you might be able to start and run a real business after this bubble burst. Look at this as a training experience and not your life’s work.

]]> By: Lori E Hollywood, FL http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5647 Lori E Hollywood, FL Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:53:21 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5647 This is a joke right???? Is this guy for real???? Let me guess this guy's first day on the job is APRIL 1, 2008 Someone go ahead and say it.... Oh BTW was his last job working for PR for Area 51? This is a joke right???? Is this guy for real????

Let me guess this guy's first day on the job is APRIL 1, 2008

Someone go ahead and say it….

Oh BTW was his last job working for PR for Area 51?

]]> By: Doris Johnson http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5644 Doris Johnson Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:54:55 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5644 Good grief, brand new and they're already teaching him to lie like a bad rug: 1st he says his wife sells EVERYTHING:, then in response to how she feels abut the changes, he immediately says: we're mostly buyers. ===================== FSB: What does your wife sell? RBH: She buys and sells everything. It runs the gamut. She sold all her riding equipment, because she used to be an equestrian. FSB: Did your wife have anything to say about the recent policy and fee changes? RBH: We're mostly buyers, so it didn't really affect us. ====================================== Goodness gracious, what a horses patoot Good grief, brand new and they're already teaching him to lie like a bad rug: 1st he says his wife sells EVERYTHING:, then in response to how she feels abut the changes, he immediately says: we're mostly buyers.
=====================
FSB: What does your wife sell?
RBH: She buys and sells everything. It runs the gamut. She sold all her riding equipment, because she used to be an equestrian.

FSB: Did your wife have anything to say about the recent policy and fee changes?
RBH: We're mostly buyers, so it didn't really affect us.
======================================
Goodness gracious, what a horses patoot

]]> By: Lyn, Wichita, KS http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5634 Lyn, Wichita, KS Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:01:07 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5634 "Full steam ahead, helmsman, we have to make New York in record time (icebergs, what icebergs?)." Ebay apparently is under the deluded notion that their watertight doors will hold. This latest roll out (a supposedly objective blogger) is just another layer of disconnect. "Full steam ahead, helmsman, we have to make New York in record time (icebergs, what icebergs?)."

Ebay apparently is under the deluded notion that their watertight doors will hold.

This latest roll out (a supposedly objective blogger) is just another layer of disconnect.

]]> By: debipier, Aberdeen, WA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5616 debipier, Aberdeen, WA Sat, 08 Mar 2008 03:30:19 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5616 Should I really do a belly laugh in front of everyone??? Just what ebay needs, another book taught paid blogger!! Sorry, I would like to see a true conversation block where our main conserns are addressed... Either they will change some of their policies soon, or go down like the titanic... Sheesh, enough already... BOYCOTT VICTORIOUSLY!! Should I really do a belly laugh in front of everyone???

Just what ebay needs, another book taught paid blogger!!

Sorry, I would like to see a true conversation block where our main conserns are addressed…

Either they will change some of their policies soon, or go down like the titanic…

Sheesh, enough already…

BOYCOTT VICTORIOUSLY!!

]]> By: Roger, Boulder City http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5600 Roger, Boulder City Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:17:28 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/06/ebays-new-in-house-blogger-sounds-off/#comment-5600 Exactly the reason RBH got the job! HE HAS NEVER SOLD ON EBAY Exactly the reason RBH got the job!

HE HAS NEVER SOLD ON EBAY

]]>