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I don't know if anyone else has been reading the Possibly an amazing find... discussion on the eBay Booksellers Discussion Board, but I found it quite fascinating.
It had all sorts of elements: a possibly rare book, an avid collector, historical importance, allegations of fraud, seller invited, and finally the auction ended by eBay due to a violation of the "Charity Rule".
It makes a very interesting read.
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No comment.
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Why Kevin? I've been following it from the beginning. My only niggle was thinking maybe the OP was in cahoots with the seller. But it did make for a good read.
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G'day LikeaRock
Reading it was a combination of interest and making my blood boil.... I am cooler now.
I had just assumed that OP was a regular on the book boards, but don't know - and did not read anything into that aspect.
The fact that spontaneous generosity in a time of crisis is actively discouraged bothers me. I appreciate the need to verify that charity cases are indeed that, but at a time like this when people are actively trying to contribute to a global crisis, and the recipient is clearly identified, there should be flexibility (or efforts to make contact and confirm, before closing an auction without warning).
The fact that the main person yelling fraud effectively had their argument dismantled, but still had the power to get the auction closed down, also bothers me.
The fact that the item has now been removed from the market makes me uncomfortable - I suppose that the plus side for the seller, is that the thread effectively confirmed that the item is quite likely correct, and that it can be marketed differently, or may justify spending money to get it authenticated - where the money goes is nobody's business (now) but the seller's, but it appears that it will not go to the previously intended cause in the short term, as it would have if the auction were not interfered with.
Some of the other inferences (veiled accusations? ) were quite "odd" at best.
That about scratches the surface of the feelings I have about that thread and it's various implications. "No comment" was a comment in itself, but I definitely needed to cool down before I addressed it any further in this thread.
Kevin
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Apparently, too, ebay will shut down your charity auction if it doesn't go through their charity affiliate?
I found the books provenance interesting; I think it is on the up & up.... it's too bad it got shut down, I was curious as to how high it would go.
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Well, my opinion on this issue is diametrically opposed to Kevin's.
I think that closing down improper (i.e. that don't follow the rules) charity auctions is a GOOD thing, ESPECIALLY right now! There are already numerous documented fraud attempts as scamsters try to cash in on the generous nature of people wanting to help. Most of the cash donated will be siphoned off by government and relief officials anyway to feather their own nests. Happens every time.
eBay did absolutely the right thing. For once. Heck, even a stopped clock is right twice a day. Nothing stopping the seller from selling the book in a non-charity auction and doing as he pleases (including flushing the cash down the loo if he so desires).
fLufF
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Fluffy,
I can't argue with you. My comments and attitudes are innappropriate for the modern world. Whilst I think that there can be better ways of doing things, they would be onerous and labor intensive for Ebay.
It is probably far better making those who *genuinely* want to do something for humanity jump through hoops, than coming up with a short term screening process. It is far better for humanity that Ebay enter into exclusive contracts with charities to stop donations from other online sources, than taking the time to review specific cases where higher dollar donations may be made or allowing other online organisations from making their own small contributions to the needs. It will, after all, look far better for Ebay when they can categorically state that they contributed more to the Red Cross in a time of dire human need than any other online source.
I am aware of the BS that I am speaking, and my original "no comment" was far more considered and appropriate.
Kevin
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Kevin:
I must admit that when I saw your succinct "no comment" this morning I thought you had taken an Oath of Brevity.
I think that the path that auction took and what was described in the thread was quite remarkable on several levels. The collective knowledge is amazing - the global aspect of the item, the seller, the (desired) designated charity and the event that prompted the sale is amazing – and the entire scope of what transpired is amazing.
I think it is too bad that eBay saw fit to end the auction, but I suppose the attention that it garnered was bound to bring out some that saw fit to report a rule violation. I think the unfortunate thing is that this auction appears to have been undertaken in good faith but the seller was not aware of the rules governing it.
I can't really fault eBay though, because they do have a policy and they do publish that policy and this auction violated that policy. Whether I agree with that policy is another matter, but it should be no cause for consternation when a violation results in an action.
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First of all I would be extremely hesitant to bid on ANY charity auction.
Its very nature raises suspicions.
Its saying 'please bid more than you would normally'.
A proper 'charity auction' would never mention the destination of the monies.
The seller would contribute on their own.
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Not necessarily. I bid on a few things that were for charity that I normally wouldn't have bid on. Mainly in the Gaffan and a couple of other charity benefits. A few for other things.
I've NEVER bid on one of the officially sanctioned ebay listings-I can't get over the thought of MF taking money away from the charity. Wonder what the operation expenses of a middle man between the charity and the donating person is?
Originally Posted by snakey
First of all I would be extremely hesitant to bid on ANY charity auction.
Its very nature raises suspicions.
Its saying 'please bid more than you would normally'.
A proper 'charity auction' would never mention the destination of the monies.
The seller would contribute on their own.