Question
This was shared on an eBay stock discussion board.
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Also, your dreaming if you think a actual ebay seller is going to reveal
>their sellers name while making a public criticism of how ebay does business.
>Ebay holds the cards. No seller is going to make a negative peep with the Big
>Mother Ebay looking over his or her shoulder.
I agree with most ofyour post except the above statement - if eBay gets your e-mail addy,it can identify you.
I am not afraid of eBay seeing me complaining on this site.They know they have problems.
The president,Bill Cobb,sent e-mails to various eBay members and I responed to his request and even got an answer,which is copied below:
Original Message Follows:
-------------------------
Bill Cobb
President
eBay North America
Thank you for your e-mail of 2/6/05 and your invitation to comment on
things that we users care about.
I've been selling on eBay since the late 90's - usually during late
winter.
I'm also a stockholder.
Every year eBay has made changes,usually for the better! However,I am
appalled at the changes that eBay has made lately.For both sellers and
buyers,the
site has become agonizingly slow especially for those of us with DSL
lines.In
today's world,everybody is in a hurry and quickly become frustrated with
slow
service.
It now takes about three times as long to list an ad as it did a year
ago.A
screen refresh seems to take about five times as long.
I suggest that you view some of the chatter on your
Community-Discussion
boards-Technical Issues forum.
You should read this thread. It typifies what I am referring to.
Another change that causes potential buyers to pause before clicking
the
"Watch this item" button,is that it now slowly reloads the ad page and
then you
have to hit the "back" button twice to get out of that ad. This change
was
made a couple years ago and it was definitely not an improvement.
EBay has added so many categories that many of them now
overlap,sometimes
three or more can exist for an item..I can understand the incentive to
increase
listing fees by forcing sellers to list an ad in multiple
categories.However,it also may reduce sales as potential buyers may not
find the ad,if they don't
do a specific search of the whole site or the main category.The final
value
fee adds more to eBay's bottom line than the listing fees do,so any
sales that
are missed hurts both eBay and the seller.
Evidently your software programmers and managers feel they have to
constantly make changes in order to justify their continued employment
and promotion
prospects,but many of the changes that have been made have had negative
impact
on your users.
I hope you can quickly correct some of the current problems as I would
like
to see my investment be profitable and my activity on your site be more
productive and efficient.
Thanks for your time!
XXX XXXXXXX
Subj: Re: Serious tech problems! (KMM28012487V98901L0KM)
Date: 2/17/05 8:52:27 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: billcobb*ebay.com
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hi XXXX,
Thank you for your email today in response to Bill Cobb's message. My
name is Mat and Bill has requested that I respond on his behalf.
I have read through your message and see you have three main concerns.
I'd like to address each of these individually.
First, regarding the recent site slowness you've encountered. There have
been other member's who've also brought this issue to our attention.
Many of those members are using high speed DSL and cable internet
services. The issue has actually been taken to our site developers who
are busy working on features and designs that can help ensure quicker
browsing and site navigation.
Currently, the eBay site is much more complex, running Active X
controls, java scripting and other features designed to generate the
most up to date web browsing. As the site becomes more advanced, there
are many features on the users end that can also conflict with your
browsing capabilities. For example, the Internet browser, network, or
Internet Service Provider, spyware, security settings, temporary
internet files, firewalls, anti-virus programs, pop-up blocker programs,
and Internet connection problems.
XXX, we would be happy to explain how to make any type of adjustments or
changes to any of these factors listed above, in connection to your
specific system, and help you access our site in a faster, more
dependable way. To further assist you with information, I encourage you
to contact our Customer Support team using the following link:
http://cgi3.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll
Second, about having to click the back button twice after adding an item
to your My eBay Watch list. I understand that this can be quite robust,
especially when multiple items are added to a Watch list during one
search session.
You make a valid argument in suggesting that this causes buyers to
refrain from watching items and maybe going elsewhere. I am happy to
pass your suggestion on program development team for further research
and resolution.
Third, in regard to the amount of different item categories and those
categories sometimes overlapping. eBay is aware that within our category
structure, occassionally categories contian significantly overlapping
definitions (for example: Antiques > Books is the same as Books >
Antiquarian).
It's a strange coincidence that you should bring this to our attention.
At this time, we are currently running a pilot program to help diminish
this very issue. This pilot will identify such categories and
automatically list sellers items in both. The list in two categories
(L2C) fees on these listings will not be charged. Therefore, the item is
automatically listed in both categories, but not charged the 2nd
category fees, where categories are duplicates.
Again XXX, I appreciate you taking the time to write in today expressing
your concerns and suggestions. You are a valuable asset to the eBay
community.
Regards,
Mat C. A. on behalf of Bill Cobb
President
eBay North America
_____________________________________________
Answer
Currently, the eBay site is much more complex, running Active X
controls, java scripting and other features designed to generate the
most up to date web browsing
These dangerous features are only being used for serving ads and tracking purposes and are the real reason the site is slow. Turning off ActiveX Controls and JavaScript will actually INCREASE your browsing speed.
The fact that eBay wants their users to LOWER their computer's security and run dangerous IE components is amazing to me. They want us to believe they're concerned about phishing scams and yet they have the audacity to suggest we lower our browser's security which places us at risk. All because of the money generated from the frigging ads. Unbelievable!
Blanche
Answer
ActiveX controls are a set of non-standard HTML codes created by Microsoft in a typical effort to "brand" the browsing function as their own, thereby shutting out all but their own Internet Explorer browser for the "benefit" of ActiveX functionalities.
The most up-to-date browser, fully compliant with the latest industry-standard HTML code, is Mozilla Firefox. This, not private branding diversions, is exactly what the Mozilla browser project is all about.
The "AdBlock" extension add-on available for Firefox can nicely eliminate all in-page ads from whatever source you want to shut out. They simply do not appear on the page anymore.
Similarly, the "AniDisable" extension can stop those annoying constantly animating ads that slow your browser while displaying pages that contain them.
There's even an extension available that lets one switch to a "explorer view" mode if you just have to see a webpage as explorer would show it. (I don't use it as I just don't care, and never miss it at all)
The pop-up blocker option built into Firefox will prevent unwanted pop-ups from all pages viewed, or you can exempt chosen websites if you really want to see them. This lets one view a Tripod-hosted page without wanting to kick your monitor's screen in, for instance
I've had a theory that Microsoft offered Ebay and other major web venues some benefit to incorporate their private brand ActiveX features in their sites. I can't imagine why any site designer would otherwise rely on ActiveX features and thereby create problems for non-Microsoft users.
I've designed my own web pages in Mozilla browsers and then view them in explorer, not the other way around. I've alway done this since seeing websites designed with ActiveX features that look like garbage or are otherwise non-functional in any other browser. (A not uncommon happening for sites designed with Front Page)
Answer
Originally Posted by summerbeemeadow
The "AdBlock" extension add-on available for Firefox can nicely eliminate all in-page ads from whatever source you want to shut out. They simply do not appear on the page anymore.
Similarly, the "AniDisable" extension can stop those annoying constantly animating ads that slow your browser while displaying pages that contain them.
WOW, Thanks! Did not know of Firefox Adblock & Anidisable.
Already have Mozilla and popup blocker.
Recommended program!
Answer
Firefox and Thunderbird are the latest evolved version of the Mozilla browser and email client suite.
One problem that Mozilla had was that your browsing could be held up while the email client processed large incoming emails. That slowed things up and could be annoying.
Firefox and Thunderbird simply split the browser and email functions into two separate programs, running independently. Voila.... no more browser slowdowns due to large incoming emails.
Functionally, Firefox and Thunderbird look and feel very much like their Mozzilla predecesor, with small differences and some added capabilities, including the ability to add third-party 'extensions' to the programs. These extensions add features to the drop-down "Tools" menu or to click-and-hold 'contextual menues'.
"Bandwith Tester" is another useful extension, allowing on-the-fly checks of your web connection speed when you want.
There is a 'translator' extension that will translate foreign webpages to english and a dictionary extension that lets you highlight any word in a webpage and calls up a definition for it.
There's even an extension called "I shall not fear" that simply displays the appropriate text from the novel "Dune" in a drop-down box when you need momentary inspiration.... Dune fans: you'll know what this is
That is to say, Firefox is the most up to date browser existing, while accomodating the kinds of customizing add-ons that are not uncommon in the open-source world, while avoiding the built-in security holes that Explorer/Outlook suffer from.
Answer
These dangerous features are only being used for serving ads and tracking purposes and are the real reason the site is slow. Turning off ActiveX Controls and JavaScript will actually INCREASE your browsing speed.
Very good point.
Perhaps the most under reported aspect of eBay is the consumer data they compile;sales,searches, prices...an utterly invaluable trove of information. One day soon, as they more and more feel the squeeze to maintain their impossible growth, the temptation to cash in on this data will become irresistable.
The data that they crunch and in the end, what they know about the overall consumer marketplace is undoubtedley even more comprehensive than the largest retailers and perhaps, even the government.
Enabling a more robust search function would work against all of the premium upgrades...the sellers pay for what is, by design, lacking.
I would even go so far to say that, by eBay's logic, a slower system equals increased dwell time on site and by the magic of large numbers, dwell time equals increased revenue by virtue of compelling use of premium features.
Best,
Michael
Answer
Michael
There is a link on a financial site today to a story from Business 2.0 which is titled "The Great Giveaway" which discusses the data issue and how major sites like Amazon and eBay are approaching the subject.
Long but interesting reading. Dated today. Much is happening.
I tried to open the story just now so that I could provide a link, I'm viewing it through AOL, and when that would not work I tried to find it on Google.
Google recongined the title but links did not lead to the article. I returned to my original source on AOL and still can't get it to open so I can provide a link.
Maybe someone else can connect to it and either link or cut and paste.
Answer
Summerbeemeadow,
Excellent recommendations! I love Firefox and AdBlock. Must have. And turn HTML default support over to it from IE. I only use IE for two things: MS software updates and USPS postal mail label printing, both of which don't work in Firefox.
I've installed and am happy with Firefox's extensions: AdBlock, ieview, Imagezoom, Translate, View cookies, EditCSS, Show Image, Dictionary Search, Bandwidth tester, MapIt!, Gcache, TinyURL Creator, xMirror and FireFTP. I may have to get ANIdisable.
I don't use the Firefox block popup windows (too restrictive on sites that require a popup) and instead allow AdBlock to do my blocking. Like firewalls, it needs to learn from you what screens to kill. I generally note which ad server folders are serving ads and photos and kill their entire folder or entire site. That kills them on every other website. We do that by deleting off the filename, and perhaps a subfolder or two and then inserting an asterisk (*), meaning all files and folders from here down.
I love the Firefox bookmarks toolbar and put most common 2-4 letter buttons with links there for my daily use. Firefox is way faster than IE, especially with AdBlock. And it is less bloated, even with extensions added.
Couple all that with less chance of being whacked with a virus through a web security hole in the MS design...wow...good stuff...and FREE...wow...
And on topic...sigh, I'm not surprised by eBay's continued lack of customer focus. It won't register till the revenues go down along with the stock prices and then there will be a mad scramble to "fix it". I bet they don't run projections of revenues based upon the gallery use going down. But they should...
Did you all see that Meg submitted her name to be considered for the Disney CEO position? And when Disney didn't instantly approve her, she withdrew her name.
Answer
The Great Giveaway http://www.business2.com/b2/web/arti...037468,00.html
Blanche
Answer
First, regarding the recent site slowness you've encountered. There have
been other member's who've also brought this issue to our attention.
Many of those members are using high speed DSL and cable internet
services. The issue has actually been taken to our site developers who
are busy working on features and designs that can help ensure quicker browsing and site navigation.
Currently, the eBay site is much more complex, running Active X
controls, java scripting and other features designed to generate the
most up to date web browsing. As the site becomes more advanced, there
are many features on the users end that can also conflict with your
browsing capabilities. For example, the Internet browser, network, or
Internet Service Provider, spyware, security settings, temporary
internet files, firewalls, anti-virus programs, pop-up blocker programs,
and Internet connection problems.
XXX, we would be happy to explain how to make any type of adjustments or changes to any of these factors listed above, in connection to your specific system, and help you access our site in a faster, more
dependable way. To further assist you with information, I encourage you
to contact our Customer Support team using the following link...
(bolding mine)
Mat's response was polite and detailed and apparently written by a real human being who actually read the original letter sent to Bill Cobb. Still, it bothered me on several levels, especially the above snippet, which I've reread several times.
1. eBay seems to be saying that the site is so advanced, users need to optimize their systems to run on it. In other words, if eBay runs slow on my PC, it's my fault for not tuning my system to handle such a sophisticated website.
So behind the glib words one finds a classic engineering mindset, blaming the user for not being smart enough or up-to-date enough to handle the slick "advanced" product. Never mind that it would never occur to the vast majority of buyers or sellers to contact customer support about site performance problems. Or that other successful websites manage to run quickly and reliably in spite of being "advanced". And since the response comes at the behest of Bill Cobb, this mindset has implied executive approval. (If I owned any eBay stock I would have sold it by now.)
2. The developers are working on "features and designs" to address some of these problems. In other words, the performance, complexity, and security problems caused by too many features will be addressed by... more features???
3. According to Mat, eBay's design goal is "quicker browsing and site navigation". But wait... didn't the seller complain about LISTING taking three times longer than a year ago? And wouldn't eBay actually take in more fees if sellers could LIST more efficiently, while instead they're missing an opportunity, because even motivated sellers don't list as much as they might otherwise? (Another reason to sell eBay's stock.)
Or perhaps eBay assumes that everybody who's anybody uses TurboLister or third party software to list. Of course, those often come with their own set of problems, especially the more ambitious ones which have to accommodate eBay's complexity in their own way. (Plus there's something fundamentally unsettling about an entire cottage industry built upon eBay's deficiencies.)
Speaking only for myself, I have a fair number if items ready for sale, but just can't make myself go through eBay's hoops. Listing seems so much slower and more painful these days. As does browsing and buying...
Ms. C.