My messages from other eBayers always came through to my email inbox. For the past 2 weeks, only messages direct from ebay have been getting through. They inform me it is nothing to do with them and is the fault of my ISP.

How does my ISP know the difference between a message direct from eBay and a message from another eBayer which comes from eBay??

Has anyone else experienced this problem? eBay tells me it's just me.

So, out of the entire world, I am the only person who has a problem caused by my ISP, which lets eBay messages through but not messages from eBayers? I think I'll just feel paranoid!

Just made my first sale to the USA! have sold in Europe, Aus, NZ & Canada, but never thought I'd get a US sale. Hurrah!

Here is the advice I received for eBay re defeating the code monster:

Hello,

Thank you for your email. I understand you've had some problems using
eBay blogs.

Please understand that the purpose of verification code is to maintain
the safety and security of our members.

From what you've said, it sounds like clearing out your web browser's
cache and cookies will solve the problem. In case you've never heard
these terms before, I'll give you a quick explanation.

- "Cookies" are small files that websites you visit will store on your
computer.

- Your "cache" is the local storage where copies of images and web
pages
are kept on your computer's hard disk (or in its memory).

eBay, like most websites, uses cookies. Sometimes, too many outdated
eBay cookies on your computer can cause you to have problems looking at

our site. So it is a good idea to delete them every so often. Please be

assured that this won't harm your computer.

When your cache gets full pages may load slowly or not at all. I've
included instructions below on how to clear your cookies and cache.
This
should help correct the problems you're experiencing.

To delete your eBay cookies for Internet Explorer and Windows Users:

1. Go to your "Start" menu, found on your task bar
2. Select the "Search" or "Find" option, and "Files or Folders"
3. Type in Cookies in the search box and make sure that your hard drive

(usually C:) is selected in the "look in" field
4. Once it has pulled up the list of files and folders it has found,
find the folder named "Cookies" and double click it
5. Lastly, delete all the files that have the word "eBay" in them

To clear your cache in Internet Explorer please:

1. Close all open browsers
2. Click the "Start" button, and select "settings > Control Panel"
3. Choose "Internet Options"
4. On the "General" tab, click "Clear History"
5. When it asks "delete all items in your History folder?, click "OK"
6. Click "OK"

If you have an older version of Internet Explorer, then the directions
will be a little different. However, the clear cache option is usually
under the "Internet Options" section.

Furthermore, other members in your situation have found that the
problem
they're having is the result of their firewall or anti-virus software.
This may be the case for you, as well. Because there are so many
different kinds of software available, we can't provide specific
support
for each of them. Therefore, I recommend you consult the help files and

documentation for your firewall, or contact the firewall manufacturer
for additional information.

In addition, some members have found they have two firewalls in place.
For example, Windows XP Service Pack 2 has a built-in firewall that may

be operating in addition to another firewall you have installed. Often
having two firewalls operating simultaneously can cause problems with
certain eBay functions, such as installing eBay-specific software.
Please consult the help files and documentation for your firewall, or
contact the firewall manufacturer for additional information.

I hope this information answers your question. Thank you for using
eBay.

Further to my previous post, I received the following mail from the buyer:

Hi i do aplogise you are right,i can promise you i am not usually like this.But i really thought my sister would love this and then was very disappointed.I apologise for being rude their was no need for it

Well; that must be a first!! Ban removed.

Here is the description of a ring I was selling:

This stunning ring is finely crafted in 18K WGP and carries a cluster of 23 x 3 mm round brilliant cut rubies.

It would make a fabulous gift or a great addition to your own collection.

Specifications:

• Metal: 18K white gold plate
• Stone: Ruby
• Cut: round brilliant
• Size: N
• Weight: 6 grams

These  gemstones  have been lab enhanced to intensify their natural clarity and beauty

After purchasing the item for £4.99 (approx $10 US)  the buyer mailed asking if the ring was solid gold. I responded that the description clearly states the ring is 18K white gold plate. This is her reply:

I do not want this ring should you send it i will have to put i complaint into ebay,as this is very miss leading .Please return my payment.Thankyou.

And my response:

"I have no problem at all returning your payment, nor is there any need to be anything but pleasant. I always try to be pleasant and accomodating."

What I really wanted to say was : " Do you seriously think you are going to get a ruby and solid gold ring for £4.99?? Why don't you read the descrpition and the terms and conditions, where it states "I describe my items as accurately as possible, and I cannot make refunds to buyers who fail to read all information"? How about the bit where it states "If you have any questions, please mail me before bidding on / purchasing the item. "

P.S. YOU ARE BARRED!!!!!!!!