posted on July 2, 2004 06:13:39 PM new
I received the following email from ebay today:
This auction listing has already ended on its own. However, the listing was in violation of eBay's policies. We would like to take this opportunity to let you know what part of your listing is not allowed.
"Your listing contains the following information:
Jimmy Buffett
We realize you may not be aware of this policy, but using such terms in this way is considered "Search Manipulation," which is not permitted by eBay.
Search Manipulation is any practice that results in searches on eBay returning irrelevant listings or that otherwise inhibits a user's ability to accurately locate specific items. Your listings(s) violated the Misleading Titles section of our Search Manipulation policy.
Specifically, your listing referenced a celebrity's name(s) in the listing title in a manner that did not clearly indicate whether the listing actually offered an item manufactured, licensed, or physically possessed at one time by the celebrity referenced. For example, the listing title "Crocheted shawl, Jessica Simpson" references the celebrity name Jessica Simpson in a manner that is unclear as to whether a Jessica Simpson licensed item is offered in the listing. Please note that the use of celebrity names in listings is enforced under the same Search Manipulation guidelines that apply to the use of brand names in listings."
Ok, right away I type them up a response explaining to eBay that the full title of anything related to the restaurant/bar "Margaritaville" is often titled, "Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville". Jimmy Buffet is the creator of "Margaritaville", and that the item is an official item. I also explain to them that they shouldn't be harrassing sellers if they don't know what they are doing and it should be left to the Vero system if there is a problem.
I get a form email back which essentially reiterates what their first email states. I just sent a reply to that one telling them to have a real person answer me if they want to make an issue of it.
Hello???? Am I missing something here? I am thinking, if I cannot use the name Jimmy Buffett to describe a Margaritaville item, then people shouldn't be able to use Elvis Presley for items from Graceland, right???
posted on July 2, 2004 11:18:17 PM new
Ebay's been eating stupid pills.
Based on the song by Jimmy Buffet, Margaritaville tchotchke should have all those things.
It's like searching for a Stubben Wotan Saddle.
I am not impuning Wagner, but Stubben names a lot of their line after his charactors. So, the only difference?
VERO..Y stupid.
posted on July 5, 2004 12:38:03 PM new
still no reply from ebay from my last email. i'm sure it's the holiday thing, but they are only the largest online market that is open 24/7. i wonder if they'll even bother to respond after i put their claim in the stupid file and kicked it back to them.
