[Boatanchors] e-Bay censorship

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Sun, Jun 17, 2012 at 11:58 AM, Bill Cotter <n4lg at qx.net> wrote:

> I can't see to understand why so many of you critical people forget the
> use of the "DELETE" key, or better yet using filters to delete any
> reference to e-Bay............  Instead, you insist on legislating your
> morals on everyone to satisfy your own pious egos.
>

It isn't about legislating morals, Bill. Merely about following the rules,
clarified or otherwise.

Too many folks seem to think these lists or other internet sites are 'free
speech democracies' which they are not. They are, for lack of a better
term, benevolent dictatorships.  As someone who owns and operates one of
the busier radio sites on the net, I like to tell folks that it's a lot
like being invited into someone else's house as a guest. They set the
rules, we don't. As a visitor, we can choose to either abide by their rules
or opt not to go inside the house. Simple as that. If the rules are
ridiculous or otherwise too restricting, there won't be much or any
activity. Or if it's not interesting to the majority, as seems to be the
case with the Ebay-FS list.

The original issues about ebay postings over a decade ago resulted from a
tiny minority who put themselves and their wishes above what the vast
majority was interested in. Far more pious, IMO. Clearly, most folks know
where ebay is and how to use it. And as clearly, most folks prefer to keep
the sales aspect separate from the technical or other radio-related
exchanges that take place on these lists.

One could easily make the same argument that you make, but against those
who use ebay: that they're being selfish and/or greedy by posting their
auction ads rather than simply setting a price if they want to offer it on
a list. I don't see it that way since I've used ebay since the 90s and
appreciate having it available. I'm sure the vast majority see it this way,
very, very few hate ebay or refuse to use it. Which gets it back to the
basic discussion about the list rules, not whether or not someone likes,
dislikes, or uses ebay.

Probably not a lot different than smokers who believe they should have the
right to smoke anywhere they please because it's something they like and
want to do, and those who feel they should be able to go out for dinner or
elsewhere for similar reasons without breathing someone else's smoke.
You'll never convince either party that they're wrong.

73 -

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4