Vigilantes dispense cyberjustice on eBay
For the past few months now, Susan and I have been growing an eBay business. It's been an interesting process, and a surprisingly successful one. It's been so successful that it's paying for my LASIK surgery this coming Friday.
This success has not come without some side effects. One of our more disturbing discoveries is that there are a number of highly unbalanced people who apparently see it as their mission in life to make your life miserable. We've run across some of the angriest, most obnoxious, bitter, and truly mean-spirited people out there- and they have email accounts.
Of course, the impersonal nature of email (and eBay) makes it quite easy and all too possible to unload your bile on someone. Simply type your unfounded and mean-spirited accusations on the screen, hit SEND and walk away feeling as if you are King (or Queen) of the World. Of course, it barely matters that the recipient of your vile missive is an honest-to-God human being with feelings, integrity, and the desire to do the right thing. Or that this person is honestly trying to make a few bucks and has done nothing wrong- except offend your twisted sense of right and wrong. Yep, in cyberspace you can accuse anyone of anything, and the best part is that you don't even need any supporting evidence. Simply FEELING as if you were wronged is enough for you to accuse another person of everything short of pedophilia and grand larceny.
It never ceases to amaze me that someone will spend, say, $4.99 on a meaningless knick-knack, decline to pay for insurance, and then expect a full refund when said knick-knack arrives damaged. Are WE responsible for the incompetence of the US Postal Service or your poor decision-making? Or are we simply the latest target for your frustration over your miserable, pointless existence?
Of course, I should probably try to keep things in perspective. After all, the vast majority of people we deal with are good, pleasant, and respectful people who understand the nature of the business being transacted AND the risks involved. Still, the nature of eBay being what it is, one troll hot on your case can really put a dent in your business, not to mention your enjoyment of it. I've seen it happen to others, and it's not pretty. Sadly, eBay seems either unwilling or unable (or both) to do anything about @$$wipes like this.
I suppose I can't complain too much. After all, in five days, I'll be able to get rid of my glasses after almost 34 years. After that, we'll begin padding Eric's college fund- and believe me, we can use all the help we can get. So, if you have some disposable income you feel the need to part with, come on over and visit us. My red-headed stepchild's education fund will thank you, and I will thank you...especially since I'll be able to see again.
