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Posted By: Joseph Shirley

As most know, Ebay was going to test this in Australia before introducing it to the US. When I first heard about it, I thought it would never fly. Anti-trust, monopoly, seller's leaving in mass, you name it. Unfortunately, the reality of it hitting the US now seems more likely. The Australian government does not seem to be willing to intervene, and the normal peasant uprising does not seem to be working. (sorry, but we are peasants in ebays's eyes).

Ebay has a plan, and they will push it forward. They do not seem to mind, and apparently prefer, to shed the small businesses from their income statement. Large and well established businesses are easier to manage, and do not require the constant police work and babysitting that the current seller base requires. Yes, ebay was built on the back of the mom and pop seller, but we are old news. If we want to stay with ebay we must adopt or leave. And make no miststake, ebay has no problem with the little Seller leaving. In fact, they are encouraging it with every policy change they make.

We will hear a lot more whining and crying in the months to come. Threats of boycotts, etc. It will make no difference. I see Ebay changing to a new business model. It may not include most of us small guys in a few years. Just my thought. Joe.