Question
I am in the process of listing this photograph.
The hotel still exists but part of the business was demolished and other parts built up in the late 19th century. I wanted to back up that this was indeed the same hotel in my listing, so I included a url showing an earlier shot of the Hotel where it is obviously the same building. My auction description reads (I have bolded the line that is contentious):
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>This is an original 19th century outdoor photograph on thin paper showing "F.Wilkins Shamrock Hotel". This hotel is still in Bendigo Australia, although it looks somewhat different now. An earlier photo of this hotel (before the balconies were added) can be seen at http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/slv/exhibi...i/theatre2.htm .
A nicely detailed photograph this shows various signage for a tobacconist business under the hotel, including the "Rheingold Cigar Depot" sign and signs identifying the Tobacconist as Karl Van Damme. The Tobacconist carried both the Argus and the Australasian Sketcher, which were both published in Melbourne.
Date: Not dated, this is likely 1880's, as the Australasian Sketcher was apparently only published from 1873 to 1889.
This measures 7.5" x 5.3".
Condition: Image shows a little rippling, adhesive remnants are under each corer, corners are bumped, a little edge wear and light foxing, reasonable condition overall. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
When I have gone to list it I have gotten a warning:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Your listing appears to violate eBay’s Links and Credits policy.
The eBay item page may not refer to or promote individual or commercial websites.
Common examples of violations of this policy include:
“Please visit my website”
“Visit us on the web”
For more information on eBay’s Links and Credits guidelines, please click here.
For more information on other eBay listing guidelines, please click here.
Please review your listing to make sure that it does not violate this policy. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>(bolding is mine)
This warning links to this page
That page says that the policy allows "One link to a page that further describes the item being sold in that listing."
Am I violating policy by not making the url into a link?
I am clearly referring to an individual website, so am I at risk of having this auction closed if I submit it?
Should I just forget about "proving" where this photograph is taken?
Any quick opinions will be appreciated (I am in the middle of listing and this slows me down).... I don't think I am in violation, but Ebay mediation is so varied that I don't need a black mark against my name.
Kind Regards, Kevin
Answer
Kevin_T:
I have done that many times when detailing a photo or postcard - I just don't make it a link. I just say that the address can be copied and pasted.
Answer
Thanks CorrDogg,
I don't have it as a link in the description (this board just turns them into links). The suggestion that "referring to" a website was a violation in the warning had me concerned. If you have never had any problems I think I will just hit submit ((((and hope....))).
Many Thanks, Kevin
Answer
Kevin,
I have used a clickable link which opens in new window without a problem.
Example: Autobiography of the artist can be found here.
(The word "here" being a clickable link in the new window).
Code is:
>a href="http://www.chloek.com/kiss.gif" target="_blank">here</a<
reverse the >< at either end of course
Answer
Kevin_T: I've never had a problem using that method, but I've also never received that warning when I've gone to submit. I'm mostly using TurboLister.