[Boatanchors] Epay values

[Donald Chester]

> So many pretend to despise eBay by using euphemisms such as epay etc. , 
> but as many know it has brought together many buyers and sellers who 
>would never had made a connection without the venue. I agree that the 
>fees have grown too much but where would we be without it? We would 
> be searching hamfests and maybe never finding what we want.

> Tom k3tvc

Calling them "epay" doesn't necessarily mean despising them, but it does point out some degree of resentment, primarily of the fact that ebay has caused the prices of vintage equipment and components, along with other radio and non-radio stuff, to rise and in some  cases skyrocket at flea markets, estate sales and other non-ebay venues.  Another similar example of using language to express derision or mild contempt  is the term "slopbucket" for SSB.

I have won only one or two bids, and purchased a few buy-it-now items, and I would likely not have found those items otherwise. Epay, ebay or whatever you choose to call it, has kept a lot of nice stuff out of the landfill.  My interest in ebay dropped considerably after they began pressuring if not requiring buyers and sellers to use Paypal.  If I can't pay for something with a regular credit card and would have to sign up for a Paypal account to make a payment, I don't bother, although some Paypal sales allow non-members to submit payment with a CC and I'm OK with that.

I'm not sure "euphemism" is the correct term for this; it's meaning is precisely the opposite: "Euphemism" is defined as "an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh".  Examples of euphemism include "shrinkage" as the retail trade's euphemism for "shoplifting", and "passing away" as a euphamism for "dying".  "Breaking wind" is another one.

Some people seriously lack a sense of humour.

Don k4kyv