The EBay Plot Thickens

[Midnight2_2222]

As you may recall, one of my auctions got deslisted by EBay because someone reported the tickling video as being erotic and offensive content. The other one remained up. There was only one day left in the bidding period before the auction would end; resulting in some desperately needed cash and offloading part of a video collection I can't risk keeping around the house.

Well, I got an email from a user who had been outbid who wanted to cut a deal. He wanted me to make him a copy of the video. Since it was a Solefully Yours video he figured that would be alright since they are out of business. When I got home today, after a weekend trip, I sent him a reply that I would not copy the video for him as that would violate SY's copyright, even if they no longer produce videos any longer.

Within two hours I received an email from EBay that my auction violated their rules for erotic content, was offensive, and that the auction was being delisted. I can relist it in the adult section, which is the kiss of death for anything you're trying to auction.

I find the timing odd, that someone wanted me to make him a copy and when I said no I was magically reported. I welcome anyone to go to EBay and do a search on "tickling"; you will be tons of videos up for bidding.

I am beyond frustrated and angry. I wanted to get rid of these videos and put a little money in my pocket. Someone is jerking me around and I don't like being played with.

By the way, you video producers should start paying attention to EBay. I see the same people listing the same videos over and over again. After one sells they'll list it AGAIN within days. Either these people legally bought multiple copies (hahaha) or they are copying your protected material and selling it on EBay. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Meanwhile, those of us who are trying to sell legally obtained copies get delisted.

I'm mad at EBay for their mindless puritan policy that doesn't make any sense at all. I'm also mad at the scumbag(s) who have reported my auctions. Why don't you just let me sell my damn videos in peace???!!! I'm not trying to move in on your f*ck*ng EBay "Power-seller" action, I just want to get rid of these things and pay a few bills. Hell, instead of reporting me you could buy the videos and add them to your collection of illegally copied material that YOU AUCTION OFF OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!

ARGH!

Midnight

 

[Midnight2_2222]

Oh, and sorry about the rant but this is very frustrating. Take note of this if you are thinking about putting videos up on EBay, or any other kind of tickling material. All someone has to do I click the "report" button and ZAP, your auction is toast.

It's a nice way to get rid of the competition. Also a nice way to stop an auction if you're being outbid. You just wait for it to be relisted in the adult section, where it will attract far fewer bids, and the pick the item up at bargain-basement price.

But I am beginning to rant again so I will stop.

Midnight

 

[Oddjob0226]

A lot of legit businesses are getting angry with ebay, too - You can't sell certain W.W. II German stuff without covering up the insignias (and I don't think you can sell reproductions at all) so Army surplus places and reenactors are frustrated; smaller indie CD companies that buy cutouts in bulk are upset about increasing seller fees, and I recieved an angry mass e-mail from an movie poster company I bought from in the past when their HUNDREDS of eBay listings got cancelled because a few of their antique (1970s and older) posters were from "adults only" b-movie exploitation films.

And I used to get my absinthe off of eBay - try that now!

"Homespun Rowdy" - yes, this guy does seem to have a closet full of tickling vids he's trying to get rid of, doesn't he?

Did your listing have a picture? That can be a deal killer right there. But if not, it's odd that the video would get banned. Still, eBay sure is trying not to offend people - and in the process, offending people.

Aw, I'll spell check later....

 

[venray]

Do you still have the email of the person who wanted this "copy"?

If so, PM me.

I applaud you for doing the right thing.

Ray

 

[kcantankerous]

Someone with an entrepreneural spirit should pay attention to this thread.

 

[asutickler]

I'm mad at EBay for their mindless puritan policy that doesn't make any sense at all.

It isn't mindless: Ebay just figures that they will offend less people by de-listing "adult" (or borderline adult) items than they will by leaving them up. If they relegate all adult-type items to their adult listings section, it follows that people looking for adult items on Ebay will go directly to that particular section.

It IS odd that your listing disappeared so quickly after that fellow contacted you... But it isn't like you can't strike back using the same rules: Forward his correspondence to Ebay. He asked you to:

a. Pirate a video, which Ebay allegedly cares about but won't do much about unless pushed.

and

b. Purchase an item from an Ebay auction directly from a seller, thus circumventing Ebay. They take this second one VERY seriously...


If you're lucky, you might get them to ban his account.

You can't sell certain W.W. II German stuff without covering up the insignias (and I don't think you can sell reproductions at all) so Army surplus places and reenactors are frustrated;

Although it seems like a stupid policy, it is forced upon Ebay by a German law prohibiting the sale, ownership or display of Nazi paraphernalia. If Ebay wants to keep doing business in Germany, they have to keep the 'ol Swastika out of their auctions. Again, their decision comes down to which choice is most profitable: Inconveniencing WW2 aficionados or retaining access to the German marketplace.

With the German economy lately, however, this policy might just change... 😛