That the 21 PayPal hold would be only for certain categories, or for certain "types" of suspicious transactions, blah, blah, blah....

PayPal has offered the ACTUAL rules of engagement to begin on March 14.  Please note, the words. "in its sole discretion...."

Policy Updates

PayPal is a business that serves a new and exciting market. As that market changes, our business evolves. This page is dedicated to informing users in advance of important changes to the PayPal service, its User Agreement or other policies.

Amendment to the PayPal User Agreement

Effective Date: March 14, 2008

Beginning March 14, 2008, the PayPal User Agreement is being amended to include a new section 10.4 as follows:

10.4 eBay Item Hold.

eBay item hold. PayPal, in its sole discretion, may place a hold on a payment you receive for an eBay transaction when PayPal believes there may be a high level of risk associated with the transaction. If PayPal places a hold on your payment, it will show as "pending" in your PayPal Account.

Release of eBay item hold. PayPal will release the eBay item hold after 21 days unless you receive a Dispute, Claim, Chargeback, or Reversal on the transaction subject to the hold. PayPal may release the hold earlier if either of the following applies:

(a) The buyer leaves positive feedback on eBay, or

(b) PayPal can confirm delivery. PayPal will confirm delivery if you use USPS or FedEx to ship the item and (i) use PayPal shipping labels, or (ii) upload tracking information to PayPal via the transaction details page. This applies to US domestic transactions only.

Additional hold period. If you receive a Dispute, Claim, Chargeback, or Reversal on the transaction subject to the eBay item hold, PayPal may hold the payment in your Account until the matter is resolved pursuant to this Agreement.

Amendment to the PayPal User Agreement

Effective Date: March 5, 2008

PayPal is amending section 10.2 of the User Agreement to allow PayPal to take the actions described in that section if PayPal has reason to believe that you have engaged in any of the Restricted Activities. The prior language allowed PayPal to take the actions described in that section if you engaged in any of the Restricted Activities.

I sincerely hope ALL realize that the FAQ's offered by eBay on this matter WERE/ARE not something they can be held to...but the changes to the PayPal TOS ARE...and so, there are NO specified rules for the 21 days (or longer) holds.

Finding a treasure is truly a delight.  I have always marveled when the constellations align and I discover that treasure.  Some treasures I recognize as soon as I lay eyes on them. Some, I overlook, and, I'm sure, never know what I missed.  And some I pick up because they interest me, though I do not immediately recognize them as "treasure."  Years later, that "interesting" item is suddenly recognized as the treasure it is.

But the treasures I most cherish are those that walk and breathe, talk and feel.....people.  I have found treasures throughout my time on this earth and, just as with inanimate objects, some treasures I overlook, and never realize what I missed.  Some of these treasures I recognize immediately.  Others, well, I don't.  I know there is something the draws me to that person, something that seems worthy of continued interaction.  And when suddenly I discover I truly have found a treasure, I am, at once, thrilled and humbled.  For these treasures are not something I can POSSESS.  Rather, these treasures are ONLY gifts, and I have the opportunity to enjoy the gift.

And, of all of the treasures in the world, I can think of none I would rather have than the treasure gifted to me by another human being...the gift of themself. And unlike inanimate treasures, even if I am only gifted for a brief time with the treasure of a friendship, the feelings, their impression on my very being, are permanent.  And I realize the treasure is as much the experience as it is the person.

Good morning all.  I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday and enjoy another today.  And may you find and recognize your true treasures, and may you be willing to gift others with the treasure of YOU.

I have often heard that timing is everything.  I first heard it relative to comedy, delivery of punch-lines and such, but over the years have understood it to be a basic fact of life.  Political victories and defeats are often as much a result of timing as they are a result of the candidates or the platforms upon which they ran. Success or failure in business ventures is heavily reliant on timing. But that is all too deep for my discussion topic this morning.

This morning, as I logged back into the blogs about an hour ago, I read posts that were left by those at the end of their day. Bidding goodnight, even as I was awakening.  And within minutes I read posts from others who, like me, were just taking their first morning look at the blogs.  After a brief perusal of the posts since I left to grab my shut-eye, I went and perused other "news" out on the wider venue of the Internet.  I wasn't "gone" long.

When I returned to Blogville, just a few minutes ago, I noticed that we are, once again, in full swing.  We have those who have been awake for hours, and those who are just now rising from a sleep, restful or otherwise.....and I note that it seems very odd to me to read posts that are so clearly posted with the intention of riling the reader....I mean...it's just the beginning of the day...how can we be at such a frenzied state this early....and then I realize that it is approaching lunchtime elsewhere.....and I can certainly understand that I too, might be in a frenzy by lunchtime.

So, it occurs to me that the "timing is everything" is lost a bit in this international meeting place.  We are not all ready to do battle at the same time.  We are not all ready to relax and drink a hot beverage, sharing morning or evening wishes with each other at the same time.  I personally think it is great that we can share across the time boundaries.  But I have to caution myself against judging another's post topic, as being, "not the proper time" for this...I guess there IS no proper time.  I also think that some of the opinions I draw of others' post are based upon my own readiness to properly digest the material offered....timing IS everything...but in this Internet world it is less about the timing of the delivery of the information as it is about the timing of my finding it, and consuming it.

Good morning all....it is 5:34 am. here in the hotel room in Chantilly, VA!

Hope you have a great day! (night)

Judy's Corner outlined in white...red line outlines development area closest to me....522 acres that used to be trees and wildlife areas are now being cleared and developed.

Again this morning they started up where they had left off yesterday, clearing the acreage to allow for the installation of the roads that will be used to access the 179 home sites to be offered in the new subdivision.  Again this morning, I ate my breakfast cringing at the sounds of the trees falling.  And again this morning I battled my inclination to simply crawl back into bed and hide under the covers and will it to go away.

Instead I did what I had to do...I focused on work, prepared for my overnight trip up here to no VA, and dealt with it.  It's not my property.  I have no say in it.  The county has spoken.  The developers are making their livings and I, well I have to just deal with it or move on.

I set out for no VA shortly before 3PM and the trip was actually VERY easy, VERY pleasant.  I dread driving into the congested Beltway world of the DC and surrounding area.  But today, I experienced completed roads (where construction had been on-going for years) and NO traffic delays. The weather was pretty, and I had a good book on CD filling my mind with adventures not my own....I like that!

As I approached my destination, I took a closer look at this area, Chantilly, VA where just a few years ago there were still lots of undisturbed areas...land where trees reigned and which separated hotels from apartments from townhouse complexes....still far too congested for MY taste, but, in comparison to what I see today, relatively quiet and peaceful.  I used to stay here a lot in the 2003-2004 time frame when I was auditing.  Today I cannot see a single track of land left to the trees....new little trees have been planted as "decoration" for the erected complexes, and everything is very manicured....

I know that one day, in the not too distant future, my little old Gloucester will be indistinguishable from this northern VA terrain. I guess, if I just stick to the Google Earth view of the area, the whole thing is pretty nice. I am reminded of the old song from the Bette Midler song...


Perhaps, perhaps, I need to just keep things in perspective....from a distance, I can enjoy what appears to be beautiful, without having to place it under the microscope, showing up all of the warts and moles that make it anything less. 

So, what do YOU think?   Typo?  Hip Jargon? 



In case you are wondering, the item purchased was a ladies two piece SUIT....


LOL....I just HAD to laugh when I read this...You have NO idea how many times I have nearly sent a "thank you for your purchase" shipping notification with the word SHIRT misspelled in a similar manner.....somehow, I think my customers would be less than thrilled to receive a notification:

" Thanks for your purchase and speedy payment.  Your shit will be in the mail first thing tomorrow morning."

LOL

I participated in the original "week" of the voluntary boycott for reasons I have stated before.  I do not hate eBay. I was not upset that others chose not to join the boycott.  I never even invited another person to join or encouraged a buyer not to buy. I worked from the standpoint that I wanted the respect of which each adult is deserving.  The respect from fellow buyers and sellers who, while they might disagree with my "interpretation" of the new eBay policy facts, accepted that, as an adult, I had considered the eBay communications on the matter, was capable of understanding what I read, and was qualified to make my own decisions.

I DID announce my decision, in part to assure others I had voluntarily taken leave of my store for a week, and in part to state simply MY personal dissatisfaction with the lack of voice I am discovering eBay's ear can discern.  And finally, to have well documented for any potential customers, that I would be back on the 26th.

While I as away, I like many, explored other options for on-line selling.  Certainly, today, none enjoy the traffic of eBay, but these things do change as more sellers take the time to offer goods for sale elsewhere, and potential buyers discover they have more choices.  I consider it broadening MY base, diversifying a bit, not placing all of my eggs in the eBay basket any longer.  I met some familiar faces on the sites as I explored.  These are also good sellers, as I consider myself to be.  They are also feeling the need to seek other opportunities.  I, for one, never intended to leave eBay.  I wanted to add my voice to those of others of SIMILAR mind in a hope of being heard above the noise of the eBay cha-ching on their end. 

We were heard? Well, certainly there was much coverage of the boycott, which, for some continues, an additional week having been called in the light of no immediate concessions from eBay as a result of the initial week.  So that voice may have been joined by others when I came back off my personal picket line and reopened Judy's Corner for business. And, much like a relay race, those taking their turn are doing their part to secure a "win" for the eBay community.  And they have my respect.  But I am not one that expected immediate concessions from eBay.  I don't think I live with a need for instant gratification...I have patience, and WANT concessions, should they come, to be better thought out than the original offerings of policy changes.

Next month, though the date has not yet been made public to my knowledge, one of the single most troubling changes will occur.  The modified search.  This search will be the default offered by eBay and certainly, the buyer will be able to change to a different search, but every new buyer will initially be offered the "best match" search.  This search has some seemingly wonderful features for the buyer.  Considerations are made for overall cost, proximity of the item to me, and others, and the sellers whose Detailed Seller Ratings (Stars) are not shining brightly will naturally sort further down the list of best matches for the buyer's potential satisfaction with the sale.

This is troubling to me, even as I currently enjoy pretty decent DSR's.  It is troubling because my items will sort above others for reasons distinctly outside of their control, and will sort below others for reasons distinctly outside of my control.....buyers, those with whom we transact business will have total control over my DSR's and will, therefore, affect my visibility to other buyers.  They need say nothing ugly in their feedback for me.  They need only ding my stars to affect this critical area.

More disconcerting still is that each of us will continue to pay the same per item fees to appear in these searches, but will be afforded that service based on something outside of our control. Showing up well in searches should, in my opinion, be based on criteria for which SOMEONE is a at least accountable.

• Valid Keyword Choices
• Reasonable shipping and handling charges, as detected from the specific listing
• Documented Return Policy
• Proximity of item in comparison to the potential buyer
  

These types of things make good sense to me, because I, as a seller, control each. And I am personally accountable for each. I would EVEN have less heartburn with a system that incorporated the Feedback percentage, because at least there, rogue buyers, while they can affect me as a seller, are accountable for the rating they give me.  Under the DSR's there is no accountability. And the rogue buyer, the one who goes on a "fun-filled" "buying spree", hitting 100 or more sellers in a short period of time, not paying, but leaving negative feedback and horrible DSR's for these poor, unsuspecting sellers, will succeed in adversely affecting THEIR visibility in the eBay searches.  For though these rogue buyers will be NARU'd very quickly, and the negative feedback they left for their sellers will be removed, the DSR's,  those nice little anonymous "star ratings" will remain....because, as eBay informed me upon inquiry, they have no way of knowing what DSR's were left by the NARU'd customer.

In case you believe I am being overly dramatic about this lack of accountability, consider the eBay Guides and Reviews and how par for the course is the member who goes on a negative voting spree down the list of another member's guides and reviews.  In MOST cases, I suspect these are "competitors" of some nature....not newbie members who don't understand the consequences of their actions...but calculated actions taken by competitors, using methods for which there is no accountability.

So, yes, I returned to selling here on Tuesday. And yes, I made sales Tuesday, albeit with a "profit on a diet" due to the new FVF percentage applied to store listings. But I remain dissatisfied with certain changes eBay is making. And I think it reasonable I use their venue to point out my concerns.  At least this is ONE place to which I KNOW they have ready access.

I will not bash.  And I will accept accountability for my words.

And as always, I 100% respect and support my fellow sellers and buyers...boycotting or business as usual.

Today began as yesterday, before 8 AM the loud sounds, the vibrations felt in my being, all caused by the falling trees....522 acres that border on my own property are being cleared in preparation for the new subdivision that will offer 179 home sites, ranging in size from 2/3 acre to 1 acre.  With each tree that falls, I find myself cringing.  It feels as if it is in my back yard and I don't like it.  I understand progress.  I understand others want a home of their own and they want part of the quiet, peaceful setting that I enjoy today.

BUT....there is a housing slump right now.  Existing houses are sitting unsold.  Folks who want to sell, cannot convince buyers to choose their home at their price....so, I really don't think these houses are in demand.  Also, according to the plans, 49 homes will be built initially, with the remainder of the lots being "available" for building....so...still, they are clearing the whole area now.  Not having actually driven back there to see, I DO hold out some hope that they have at least left a few trees undisturbed...

I find myself feeling very much as though I want to run away.  As much as I was drawn to this quiet "end of the world" spot because of its peaceful offering, I am repelled by the changes.  If the past predicts the future, those moving "to the country" to enjoy this slower pace of life bring with them all of their faster paced lifestyles, toys, and "requirements."  And they transform country living into "crossover" living....you know...like the Osmonds, "a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll!" 

So where do I run?  Do I run further into the wilderness, or up a mountain to where mother nature makes living harder but which in the context of human commotion, is more peaceful....

Mostly, though, it is the displacement of the wildlife that inhabited this tract of land that bothers me.  We benefit from increased wildlife in our woods, but we have only 7 1/2 acres as compared to their old stomping grounds of 522 acres.  Seems unfair.  Sure, they adapt as do we...but they have fewer choices.  And they become "pests" of those new in habitants....and the circle goes on and on.

Already, I can see daylight through my woods, where before they were thick, even in winter.  The natural sound barriers are being removed and with the extra light I am feeling very exposed.

I think I will just get in the bed and cover my head when they start again tomorrow.  At least, for tonight, they have stopped.

Fitting in has always been a challenge. Where others might consider I fit well, I was uncomfortable or unhappy and where I felt I would feel comfortable or happy, I was, more likely, not welcome.  I learned pretty early on that being anything but myself was a recipe destined to failure. 

So it was that, as I set out for FSU that September morning with Dad, I was nervous.  This would be the first time in my eighteen years on this earth that I simply could NOT just go home to the relative security of my little bedroom, if the going got too tough.  I would simply HAVE to decide to find comfort and security within myself.  I was a turtle, carrying with me my shell of safety.

My sister had preceded me at FSU, having arrived one year early, with the same chauffeur (Dad) and the same destination, Smith Hall (known as West Hall when Dad had attended in the 50's). My sister was not there to greet me when we finally arrived, as she was already on the clock at her waitressing job.  Never mind, I had never found comfort in my sister, who had shared my room and, in my mind at the time, ruled my world since I was born.  But her sentiment in my arrival was shared with me as my new roommate, Dottie greeted me at our door numbered 720. 

"Hi, you MUST be Judy, Your sister said to be on the lookout for some goofy looking girl with glasses and about three violins and guitars!" (I was carrying only one of each, I'll have you know!)

In the next couple of days, after Dad left me to my own devices and Jeannie begrudgingly gave me her contact information, (in the event I was DYING or something, I COULD call), I spent my time preparing for my first college classes, and life on campus.  I walked miles getting everything in order.

One afternoon, as I headed back to Smith Hall from the Student Union, I heard a couple of voices behind me. 
"Hey, are you a freshman?"  I thought they said.
"Yes, I'm a freshman" I replied politely to the two guys inquiring.

"No!!  Are you a FLETCHER?" they corrected....I had apparently misheard thier initial inquiry.

"Oh, yes, yes, I'm a Fletcher," I admitted, a little warily, not knowing whether this was a "good thing" or a "bad thing" in their book.

They both grinned from ear to ear and dubbed me the name I would carry through the remaining two and half years at FSU and to which Christmas cards and birth announcements are still addressed to this day, now more than 30 years later.  "Fletch."  As far as I can recall, they never asked my given name.  It was enough that I was related to my sister, who, apparently, had made great friends with these two.

That simple, chance encounter, that misunderstood question, the willingness for a couple of guys to accept me based on my sister's credentials, that giving to me of a nickname that guaranteed acceptance in their eyes was probably the single combined event that made me "comfortable" in my new surroundings.  It wasn't that people weren't friendly.  It wasn't that I was not friendly.  It was that I was not outgoing, and was uncomfortable "forcing myself" on others....and most were generally unaware of those of us like that....

So these two, Bill and Chris, gave me, in one two minute exchange, an acceptance ticket to "their world" and from there they introduced me to many more.  Always, it was, "this is Fletch, Jeannie Fletcher's sister!" and the new person I was meeting would quickly size me up, clearly noting the differences between my popular, pretty sister and my own rather awkward and clumsy self...and they accepted me anyway!

I did enjoy a great time there and did enjoy those friends made through no action on my part.  And, I DID fit in.  But I notice that even today I carry that "freshman" feeling with me whenever I venture out of my comfortable, known world.  And when I find myself suddenly accepted without ever actually "proving" my worthiness, I realize, again, that Fletch does indeed, exist.  Freshmen and Fletch, I suppose will always be two very real states for me. And being myself means I am both.

I saw her in the open casket as I made my way through the foyer and into the sanctuary.  I remembered her…more than five years ago, now, sitting in a chair near the door of the sanctuary, in chairs set aside for the elderly and those with challenged mobility.  And I recall how she always looked so neat and trim, as she joined her family in prayer and praise. I was struck by the fact I thought she had passed some time ago, having not seen her in these past few years.  And I checked the bulletin…yes, it was Viola.

I sing and play at a fair number of weddings and funerals, and have noted over the years that each is unique and yet so very similar in their common tradition.  Viola’s funeral was just that way.  Unique and traditional.  Traditionally, there is a point in the service where a family member or one close to the recently deceased will share a little about their loved one, that we, those who were not part of her innermost family, will have a glimpse of the personal, rather than the public side of our community member.  Viola’s daughter, a woman who I would say was in her mid sixties came forward to paint that picture of Viola. Behind her, dressed like a little princess, in a long gown, came Viola’s great granddaughter of about 5 years old.

“Momma, Viola, was a person for whom life was expressed through song. She was a fan of many forms of music, and my granddaughter and I would like to simply sing one of her favorites.”

With that, another family member put a CD into a CD player and the strains of an old country tune began.  Viola’s daughter and great granddaughter sang with the CD, voices matching the voices on the CD and bringing the words to an inspirational prayer.  I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the place. We, in the choir, quickly passed the box of tissues around, and smiled at ourselves for forgetting (again) to prepare for this inevitability….we ALWAYS cry! 

Before the service ended, our choir director announced a meditation we would sing for Viola…it seems Viola had brought a piece of music to Kitty more than ten years ago and asked that when her time came, this old hymn be sung at her funeral.  And so we sang.  And though none of us in the choir had been familiar with this hymn, the very elderly in attendance made it clear, this was “one of theirs.”  And they sang with a familiarity that required no looking on at the book…they sang with eyes closed and holding hands…this, was Viola’s generation.  This was their inspiration. And this was their gift to their friend and loved one.

After the service I asked our choir director about where Viola had been these past few years.  It seems she had suffered from Alzheimer’s and had been living in a nursing home, basically unaware of her surroundings, and the present, and having only fleeting understanding of the past.  And I was struck again by the fact that, though this woman had never likely known her great granddaughter, they had been connected through the songs she loved. For even in her failing mental capacity, she had never lost the words of the her most beloved songs.

And that little girl will never know that her great grandmother did not really know her….for, when we feel we know another, we simply have faith they, too, know us.  And that little girl knew her greatgrandmother.  Of that, I have no doubt.

81 auctions and store listings that would have automatically relisted during the week have been ended.  Boycott front page has been posted to Judy's Corner. Vacation settings with listings hidden, have been set.....and with that...I will see you in a week..   Take care and many sales to you!

Welcome to Judy's Corner

Due to the recent policy changes, which we have been assured are intended to draw more customers to this marketplace, but which will, in all likelihood, result in smaller sellers closing up shop and customers being offered less selection at higher prices, I am supporting the members boycotting eBay for the week of February 18-25. I will reopen Judy's Corner on February 26. I apologize for the inconvenience, and hope you understand, I am taking this stand for all members - both buyers and sellers - because I, like most sellers, am both.  

Thank you for visiting Judy's Corner and I hope we can do business very soon.

 

Judy

Last week, about midweek, I made my decision on the boycott.  I decided to join it and so, in about two hours will cancel my current auctions and put my store in vacation mode with my listings hidden.  I will send a notice to those who have signed up for my newsletter.  I will change my landing page on Judy's Corner to display my message regarding the boycott and my participation therein.  And I will sign off from eBay and eBay blogs and will go to sleep for the night.

In the past six weeks, my sales have been slow, and adding the burden of boycotting to my slow sales almost guarantees I will soon lose my Power Seller status.  This WAS a consideration I had to wrestle with in my own personal decision to boycott.  I find it ironic, that, on the eve of the strike, actually starting at about midnight last night, I have had the single best day of selling since entering 2008.....almost, almost, as if I am being tested further....do I REALLY want to give up these possibilities for sales this week?

And, my answer is, of COURSE I don't want to give them up.  But I do feel it is MY time to "rebel," if that really is what this boycott is.  To me, it is not rebellion so much as it is a statement that I want to be heard, along with my fellow small-time sellers....and I WANT my concerns to be considered...along with those of the infamous top 100 sellers....

And as a buyer, I WANT to have a diverse selection, not one made up of a relatively small number of megapowersellers who will continue to remind me that "they are the only game in town, so just accept my lousy customer service, overpriced shipping and less than adequate goods...." And, it is my belief that it is the smaller seller that eBay is running off with these many changes....changes that will not fix the problem they are reportedly addressing....just changes....because, you know, change is good....

So, yes, I DO believe the number of listings will surge on the 20th. I think the number of "curious lookers" must have begun to surge last night.  I seriously doubt those who choose to carry on business as usual will see any downturn in traffic, though perhaps sales will be slower, since there will be so many more listings from which to choose.  And maybe my participation in this boycott will serve no purpose other than to allow ME to regain the perspective of where eBay fits into my life.  But, if the only change that occurred as a result of this boycott was to protect sellers from  the damage of non-paying bidders who are able to leave neutrals or negatives AND adversely affect the detailed seller ratings of their duped sellers, I will consider it worth my while.  And if MY particular pet peeve is left unaddressed, but the pet peeve of other small sellers is mitigated because of the actions and voices of those boycotting, I will consider it to have been worth my while.

I don't expect eBay to have to jump through Judy's hoops.  I do hope eBay will consider the voices of ALL its members and provide SOLUTIONS...not simply CHANGES.

Another blooger posed a question about the new feedback system and whether, as a seller, we would continue to leave feedback, or go on feedback strike.  I left this response:
"Well, though I am boycotting and I am very unhappy with the feedback changes, I refuse to allow eBay to work through me to hurt my customers further. Always and forever I have left my paying customers positive feedback when I print their shipping label, and I will not change this.....non-paying bidders will get no feedback from me....."

I have read a lot of posts and comments this weekend regarding the boycott.  I have seen statements from those who have declared they will no longer purchase from those who participated in the boycott.  Well, I guess I just lost some potential customers.  But my gut tells me that these people will only KNOW the bloggers who participated in the boycott....and, in all likelihood, WILL still end up buying from other sellers who participated in the boycott, but did not blog about it.  And I have read comments that sellers who boycott are hurting other sellers by their actions.  THIS I find curious, since all of last week the posts were full of, "go ahead and boycott, we'll take advantage of the increased sales since those boycotting will be out of the picture."  So, again, out of two sides of the mouth I hear words falling...but...I understand it ... 

So, know that I have no intention of hurting any eBay member with my actions. Nor to I have any intention of hurting eBay with my actions (I do NOT want to see them "go under")  Quite the opposite....I hope I am HELPING other members and eBay at the same time, by simply joining others to give voice to the smaller sellers here.

Good morning! I hope you awakened to many sales, if you are selling. 

I am looking forward to something a little different this afternoon.  I have decided to return to something I did for years, but gave up nearly ten years ago.....community theatre.  My last role on stage was as Henry Higgins' mother in My Fair Lady.  My last play for which I helped build sets was Once Upon a Mattress.  And my last play for which I helped make costumes was Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.....

I even stopped going to SEE this community theatre perform, because it reminded me that I was not "part of something I loved" any longer.  There were personal reasons that made it impractical to commit to the necessary amount of time required to properly participate, but that did not make my having to give it up any easier.  Yesterday afternoon, as I joined a group of musicians from all backgrounds, and experienced one of the most truly moving few hours in my recent history, I began to think more about the community I had left behind....and how I missed it.  I was surprised when, as if reading my mind, my friend leaned over and whispered that the community theatre was holding auditions today for their upcoming dinner theatre.....had I considered auditioning???

Well, no, I hadn't .... in fact I had totally lost track of what this group had been doing....but something about the fact that I had JUST been thinking about them, and that my friend had seemingly read my mind, coupled with the fact that my nights will be "free" for at least the next week and will be able to free myself up longer, as I deem necessary, I told her I'd be there for auditions.  Whether I get a role, work on the set, help sew costumes, or serve dinner in the dinner theatre, makes no difference to me.  That I am returning to something that gave me so much enjoyment for so many years just makes me HAPPY!

I hope you too can capture something enjoyable that you have let slip into the "used to do" list and discover again the part of YOU you left behind with it.

Have a great Sunday!

There really IS no way to make everyone happy.  Not that making everyone happy is my goal in life, but just a recognition of the fact.  But today, though I clearly ticked some off with my decision to join a call to boycott, on the terms stated in that call (no buying, no selling from 2/18-2/25), I decided that this is not a thing for me to worry about.  Rather, I was able to go about my business today without a feeling of regret.  For I KNOW I am happy that each member gets to choose for him/herself and nobody is forced or led down a path against their will...they are, in fact, all adults, and I respect them as such.

So, today I went and played guitar, and sang with a diverse group of musicians...all kinds of music...and, the very funny thing, to me, was that DESPITE the fact that we did not know each other's music, words or tunes, we all sang, and played and it just "happened."  Had anyone told me this was possible before I went there today, I would not have believed them...and yet, in retrospect, it seems so obvious....we melded, we harmonized, we complimented....we came together from very different perspectives and using significantly different approaches, but with a common goal....and it just worked.

So, tomorrow, when I leave these hallowed halls for a week, I won't miss the drama that will, in all likelihood, be played out here in my absence.  The players' names might change, or they might be the same, but the craziness will, I am sure, continue....UNLESS, just for a moment, we could decide we are all here for a similar purpose and let that bring this community together, rather than letting our differences drive us apart.  We ARE each different and we CAN put those differences to positive use.  I have seen it happen...I know it can.

I hope you all had a great day of sales/purchases!

Hope you all have great sales today.  And thanks for all of the great reading and opinions on the upcoming boycott.  There are some very interesting viewpoints and I love reading them.  And I am happy each is able to make his/her own decisions whether to buy/sell on eBay that week...how they achieve it, is, of course, also interesting.

I personally plan on putting my store in vacation mode with all listings hidden.  And I plan to NOT list anything new.  And I plan NOT to buy anything.  I don't MIND leaving my items parked in the store for which rent has already been paid....if I were striking, I would certainly not clear out my office, and take my name off the door....I would, as many are doing, simply close my doors to business, and walk the picket line....since the picket line is a virtual one here, I will do so virtually....

Convenient, is a good word for willingly stopping the flow of income into my pocket....well, as long as I do not relist anything during the boycott period, I am not adding to the eBay coffers....because, I pay eBay no more for retaining my store for that week.....and so, yes, while others might consider my "boycott" stance to be one of convenience, I am happy with my decision.  In my opinion, it shows eBay that I have NOT given up on them....not at all.....I am simply unhappy with having no voice in their changes, and feel they are trying to run the smaller seller out of eBay.  It's that simple.....

And that IS the truth.....the truth, just happens to be very convenient.

When I was 12, living in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, I had a small group of friends, with whom I spent every "free" moment.  None of us attended the same school, because, at least in those days in England, children from the same neighborhood went to schools selected for them by their parents, not like the school zoning in the US.  So, after school and weekends were really the ONLY times we had to play together.

In our group there were two boys, Simon Dean and Mike Poraj-Wilczynski, and three girls, Anna Gartell, Sarah Lily-White and me (Judy Fletcher).  We were all within two years of each other in age, and were VERY sure that we were "grown up"...I mean the boys were 13!  We played cards, rode bikes, hit tennis balls back and forth, played "grown-up" games in Anna's garden shed, or Mike's garage...you know....things like spin the bottle and "strip poker" (yeah right! LOL). Mostly, we just had fun together.

One day we were bemoaning the fact that Sarah had been required by her mother to mind her little sister, who was about five years old.  Twelve and thirteen year old kids, really do NOT like to "hang" with five year olds....but, most of us had younger siblings and were often called into similar babysitting duties ourselves, so we put up with it.  That day, we were "hanging out" on the brick wall that ran along the neighbor's property, taking turns hitting tennis balls against it as we talked about all of the "important" issues of our world.

After a while Sarah's little sister, piped up in her little, irritating voice, "I'm bored."  She whined...we ignored her, and carried on with our discussion of the day.  Two or three times this little kid repeated her plight, with no real response from us.  Finally, she stamped her foot on the ground, arms folded across her little chest, all puffed out in indignation and declared, "Sarah!  You are GETTING ON MY NERVES!"

Sarah, finally actually HEARING her little sister, looked at her with surprise.  "You're too YOUNG to have NERVES," she informed this little kid.  I had to laugh...first of all, I had never heard a little kid talk about people getting on her nerves, but Sarah's response just tickled me....

Today, whenever I even THINK to myself that something is getting on my nerves, my mind is thrown back to that fall afternoon in England, and that very indignant little girl, who was not yet old enough to HAVE nerves......

I have made my decision regarding the boycott/no boycott.  I have created a special landing page which will display SHOULD anyone happen on my store during the week of the boycott.

http://stores.ebay.com/Judys-Corner/Boycott-Notice.html

I don't expect anyone to boycott for reasons other than their own.  I do respect those who choose to carry on with business as usual, and I hope the 15-20 customers I would have enjoyed during that week, will find your listings and "shop victoriously." 

I will be back after the boycott, as I choose to continue selling here.  I will take that week to revamp my selling approach.

Hah!   I really Love reading feedback!  Never know WHAT they will say!

	Fast delivery! Yeah - Cactus man - Gotta love them cactus man!	Buyer: XXXXX ( 104)	Feb-13-08 21:41
	ADVICE FROM A CACTUS T-SHIRT SIZE L NWT NATURE COTTON (#350021816117)	US $9.99	View Item

When we were kids, WAY back in the 60's, and early 70's, we always went on family vacations by car.  Our family of of eight loaded into first the 1958 Chevy Station Wagon, and later, the 1972 (I think) Chevy Station Wagon.  Long trips and short trips alike were filled with the driver (always Dad) leading the passengers (well, Mom was "excused") in song.  We sang songs Dad had taught us and we harmonized.  And, for the most part, this kept general squabbling to a minimum.

As we got a little older, the singing did not necessarily occur as consistently, conversation being a viable option.....

As with conversation or dialog of any nature, interpretation by the receiving party is not always quite in sync with the intended message of the delivering party....and challenges occur....(nicer word than "arguments.")  Dad resolved ALL "challenges" with "THE EYE" which he displayed to all warring factions, in a glare through the rear view mirror.

One day, as we traveled to our destination, telling jokes and generally engaging in "conversation", from the back, back seat came the whimper of a "loser" of a challenge.  Those of us in the back seat joined in the challenge currently in progress in the back, back seat, and the "whimperer" swallowed his tears for a moment and repeated his message....with similar response from "our group."  This made him burst into a full meltdown, and, naturally, brought our "discussion" to the attention of the driver...and THE EYE.

We all clammed up as the glare from the rear view mirror alerted us to the impending doom.
"What's wrong, Ray?" Dad asked.

Ray, through his tears, explained...."they won't laugh at my JOKE!!" he cried.

Dad, ever the diplomat, said, "OK, Ray, tell us your joke." and we all waited to see Dad and Mom's response to the little comedian's offering.

Ray, happy as a lark now, projected his little voice and with the delivery style of a pro said, "Peas and Onions!"  

There was silence as we awaited the response from the front seat....

"That's IT?" Dad asked?

Ray was once, again in tears, "well, YOU would think it was pretty funny if YOU had to eat PEAS and ONIONS together!!!" he declared.

Well, needless to say, Ray remained an unhappy camper that trip, but his jokes have gotten much better over the years.  When we meet at family gatherings now, 35 years later, no rear view mirror glare from Dad is required to "cue the audience" to laugh at Ray's jokes.  As he told his wife this past New Year's Eve, "these guys ARE my best audience!"  Funny....I still recall that first, sad little "joke."

Is it any surprise that eBay members line up on both sides of the current "to boycott or not" issue?  Is it fair to assume that those who do not decide to boycott are doing so because they lack the ability to see they are being harmed, not necessarily by the changes being set forth by eBay, but by the lack of voice they have in their own marketplace?  Is it fair to assume that all who are choosing to boycott are doing so because they are mindless followers, lacking the sense to think for themselves?  I personally think neither of these is a remotely reasonable assumption.

I think we each have our unique "boiling point."  I certainly have not been shy about voicing my dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the changes, but I recognize others hold different opinions.  I even READ things differently from others...so, naturally, my opinions are going to be based on MY understanding of the written material....  But to presume my boiling point is the same as another's is absurd. 

I have read lots of opinions on this topic over the past few days and I expect I will read more as we draw closer to the dates slated for the boycott.  I don't mind reading them.  I personally find them at least as thought provoking as the YouTube videos that are all the rage here of late. I'm moved by some of the conviction on both sides of the issue.  And I appreciate that, for me, the the core issue is lack of voice.  I'm likely never going to LIKE all of the changes handed down from the eBay controlling parties, and I would have NO problem at all with them if it weren't for eBay's repeated statements that they "listened to us" and then made these changes.  In the same breath, they say they listened to the top 100 sellers.  The latter, I tend to believe more than the former.  I know they have not listened to me.

So I look at the top 100 sellers here and must conclude that THESE are the folks eBay is interested in keeping.  I must study their products, method of selling, etc.  I must decide whether emulating their business is possible, or even desirable for me.  And if not, I have to be willing to accept that maybe, just maybe, I am one of those flea market sellers the new management refers to....and maybe, just maybe...I am an unwelcome guest in the house of eBay.

Still pondering....