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TAGnotes Fri 28 Sep 2001 Vol 3 Number 102 Issue 363
 

The Auction Guild Notes for Fri 28 Sep 2001
************************************************************
Detailed disaster contact information, disaster relief information and
links for contributions to the United Way, Red Cross, Salvation Army
etc. on the TAG website at
http://www.auctionguild.com/generic.html?pid=67
      * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For Hot Deals on women's clothing, visit "Coco's Closet", My Deals page
on
UpperBid.com:http://www.upperbid.com/cgi-bin/auction.cgi?justdisp&Cocorenee

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For quality, variety & great deals, shop the experienced auction
sellers of the EMPORIUM http://www.lynnet.com/~jmm/emporium.html
     * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Support the people who support TAGnotes. Click on their links, bid on
their auctions and buy their products. You too can participate in a Win
Win solution. Support TAG and promote your website or auctions.
Subscribers Ads $5.00 - Commercial rates available, email
ta-@theauctionguild.com for details.
************************************************************
The TAGnotes archive is available in a searchable format at
http://www.escribe.com/business/TAGnotes/
Interested in more information about TAG? Go to our website at
http://www.auctionguild.com You can find contact info for several sites
and services there, along with editorials and other information.
************************************************************
A change in ebaY's coding caused the disappearance of the grid lines on
seller listing pages. The grid lines are missing in Internet Explorer,
but not in Netscape. ebaY knows about this but is not planning on doing
anything about it. A work around for this and most other problems is to
access your pages through one of the non US site such as ebaY Australia,
UK or Canada. The problems with sign in and cookies continue to be
reported by users on all the OAI/OTI boards.

On 23 Sep at 09:52:10 PT users reported relist on cgi5 was down.   At
21:11:52 PT ebaY reported that users attempting to list or close Auction
for America transactions received an error message that a registered
Billpoint seller was not registered. Users have reported this and other
intermittent repeated problems with Billpoint since the start of Auction
of America.

On 24 Sep at 18:15:31 PT users' reported listing on ebaY motors was not
working.

On 25 Sep at 17:22:17 PT ebaY again posted that users attempting to list
or close Auction for America transactions received an error message that
a registered Billpoint seller was not registered.   ebaY hoped to fix
the problem within a few days. At 22:08:25 PT ebaY reported that the
Billpoint system was down from 19:00 PT to 19:25 PT. Billpoint
system-generated email, such as payment confirmation notices and
registration confirmations, were not been sent since approx 13:00 PT.
ebaY never posted if the problem had been fixed.

On 27 Sep users reported intermittent problems with search, Mister
Lister and the feedback system throughout the day. ebaY did not
recognize that any of these problems existed on their Announcement
Boards, but did acknowledge them on their threaded boards. At 15:54:25
PT ebaY said that those sellers identified as not being Billpoint
registered users, even though they were, would will receive an email in
the next few days telling them what to do to correct the problem.   
Sellers can track their accounts from http://www.billpoint.com

ebaY took their system down for regularly scheduled maintenance on Fri
28 Sep from 01:00 PT until 03:00 PT.

TO REQUEST REFUNDS from ebaY go to
http://www.auctionguild.com/generic.html?pid=33
Don’t take no for an answer; keep requesting until you get them.

ebaY has been keeping its API licensing fees quiet, requiring those who
have signed a contract with them to not disclose their pricing. TAG
received this information from a reliable source, and confirmed it with
a second reliable source - BUT we cannot guarantee that these numbers
are absolutely accurate. It should be clear to users why those third
party service providers participating in ebaY's API are forced to charge
ever increasing fees. ebaY's API license pricing is based on the
number of calls or database requests made through the API to ebaY's
database -- call volume per day.
Select API costs $3,500 per month for up to 35,000 calls to ebaY per
day
Premier API costs $10,000 per month for 35,000 up to 100,000 calls per
day
Over 100,000 calls per day is licensed on a case-by-case basis

In the last issue of TAGnotes there was an error in the following
paragraph that changed the meaning. We said "TAG finds it interesting
that ebaY is exploiting this disaster for their own profitability, and
sees nothing wrong in that, but is not allowing their sellers to do so.
ebaY often claims that their use and abuse of sellers and buyers is
permissible because they are a company and are primarily interested in
profitability, but it is now obvious that the same laissez faire
policies do not apply to the sellers who pay to use ebaY. A case of do
as ebaY says not as they do." It should have read, TAG finds it
interesting that ebaY is exploiting this disaster for their own
profitability, and ebaY sees nothing wrong in that, but is not allowing
their sellers to do so.... Meg Whitman, leading ebaY's exploitation of
this disaster and ebaY's users, spent much time doing interviews with
the main stream media, appearing to take full credit for the donations,
and failing to mention that ALL the donations are coming from the
sellers.

The newest version of Mister Lister is now available for download. This
version when it works, is compatible with Auction of America. To
download the new version go to
http://pages.ebay.com/services/buyandsell/composer-info.html

ebaY has new versions of Mister Lister, Seller's Assistant Basic, and
Seller's Assistant Pro that include support for listing charity items in
the Auction of America program.
Sellers are not required to upgrade their programs, as ebaY says the
existing applications should continue to function normally. Only those
who wish to use the tools to participate in the Auction for America
program must download the new versions.
http://pages.ebay.com/services/buyandsell/composer-info.html
http://pages.ebay.com/sellers_assistant/download.html

ebaY is changing the online support forms. For more info about general
online support, go to
http://pages.ebay.com/help/basics/select-support.html
For topics related to rules and safety go to
http://pages.ebay.com/help/basics/select-RS.html

ebaY is allowing some limited linking from seller auctions to other non
ebaY sponsored charitable cause links. These links make it possible for
bidders to donate to charitable causes. ebaY is considering these links
on a case-by-case basis. For info on donating cash to Auction of
America go to
http://pages.ebay.com/charity/cashdonation.html?ssPageName=HAFA06

PayPal sellers may insert a special PayPal graphic link that meets
ebaY's size requirements in their listings to enable bidders to donate
money directly from their PayPal account to the Red Cross. ebaY is NOT
allowing PayPal payments for Auction of America, in TAG's view a clear
demonstration that ebaY is doing Auction of America to primarily benefit
ebaY by increasing their Billpoint use. The PayPal links cannot be
placed in Auction of America listings.

ebaY has extended the free subscription period for ebaY stores through
the end of 2001. ebaY Store subscriptions will not be charged until 1
Jan 2002. ebaY will charge the 5 cent per listing fee for store items
starting 1 Oct 2001. ebaY has promised these features and promotions
for stores in the next three months:
**promotion of Stores that are selling Auction of America items
**ability to search for Stores by Store Name
**ability to browse Stores by sub-categories
**extended duration listings for Store Fixed Price Items
**promotion of Stores during the holidays

The format for the Computer section has changed. New pages are now
available for Laptops, Desktop PCs, Desktop Components, Apple, Mac,
Drives & Media, Monitors, Printers, Software, and Video & Multimedia.
Send feedback to comp-@ebay.com

ebaY is doing an Auction of America promotion with Mills Malls starting
the weekend of September 28th-30th. This weekend, ebaY will be in the
following cities:
*Philadelphia, PA at Franklin Mills Mall
*Chicago, IL at Gurnee Mills Mall
*Phoenix, AZ at Arizona Mills Mall
*Ft. Lauderdale, FL at Sunrise Mills Mall
For more information about Auctions of America go to
http://pages.ebay.com/auctionforamerica/

ebaY has launched its previously announced Microsoft Passport and
Microsoft Alerts on ebaY. ebaY in partnership with Microsoft now offers
these two services. Microsoft Passport is a single sign-in service that
lets Passport users to use one sign-in name and password across many web
sites and services. By introducing Passport onto ebaY, ebaY believes it
makes it easier for existing Passport users to join and participate on
ebaY. In addition ebaY believes Passport will be an important part of
Microsoft XP and the overall .NET initiatives. Current ebaY users who
have a Passport have the choice of using their Passport or their ebaY
User ID and password to sign in to ebaY. Users who do not currently have
a Passport can also use the Passport single sign-in service by going to
the "Preferences" tab in My ebaY. Users can change their default sign
in preference at any time in My ebaY. For more info go to
http://pages.ebay.com/help/basics/passport_help.html

Microsoft Alerts, allow users to receive End Of Auction or Outbid
notices via MSN Messenger. For more information on Alerts go to
http://cgi3.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?SignUpForAlerts

ebaY has implemented their previously announced exclusive trading floor
for etopps cards. etopps cards are a type of sports trading card
offered by the Topps Company. These cards will be sold individually
through Initial Player Offerings at
http://members.ebaY.com/aboutme/about_etopps/
The program will be open to just about everybody. After buying cards,
users can have the cards shipped directly to them, or sell them on
ebaY's etopps trading floor at
etoppshttp://listings.ebay.com/aw/plistings/list/category11235/index.html

The etopps category has different rules that ebaY core. For more info
go to
http://www.etopps.com/Marketing/PlayBook.asp
or http://pages.ebay.com/help/basics/etoppsFAQ.html
To view all categories listed in Sports on ebaY go to
http://pages.ebay.com/catindex/sports.html

ebaY live sales has a toy sale on 29 Sep at 07:00 PT and on 30 Sept at
07:00 PT.   There is a fine or decorative arts sale on 29 Sep at 08:00
PT. On 29 Sep at 02:00 PT, a second auction partner will auction
decorative arts. A third will sell fine art at 03:00 PT on the 29th. On
29 Sep at 09:00 PT, an ebaY auction partner will sell autographs and
other memorabilia. On 30 Sep at 10:00 PT, another partner will sell
Arts of the West, including Lone Ranger memorabilia. ebaY will hold a
two-day wine sale on 29 and 30 Sep at 11:00 PT on both days.   A FAQ on
the subject is at
http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/alcohol-tobacco-faq.html
http://www.ebayliveauctions.com/

ebaY users continue to struggle with the sign in and cookie problems.
ebaY posted an update on the problems on 28 Sep.   ebaY claims to have
made corrections and progress towards improvements, though TAG's
observation of endless user complaints and problems does not support
ebaY's claims. In fact there is little difference in the information
ebaY has provided since they first acknowledged the sign in and cookie
fiasco.
*Sign in to ebaY before logging in to any of the threaded discussion
boards
*If you still have problems signing in to the rest of ebaY, close all of
your open browser windows and then re-open a new browser to sign in to
ebaY.
*Users with multiple accounts on the same computer (including those who
use shared equipment at libraries, universities, etc.) should remember
to sign out when they are finished using ebaY. Click the "sign out"
button to sign out, in addition to closing your browser. Also, remember
never to click the "keep me signed in" option if you share your computer
with other users.
*In the past, because ebaY did not remember users, multiple users could
share one computer to view their ebaY accounts without having to sign
out. Now users who share one computer should remember to "sign out" at
the end of their visit so that the following user can "sign in".
*Some users have multiple accounts that use simultaneously. In the past,
users could simply open a new browser window to view other accounts.
Users who wish to view multiple accounts simultaneously must view
multiple accounts in different browser types (e.g. one in Netscape and
one in Internet Explorer) or open a new browser by clicking on the
Internet Explorer icon.(Users should not simply open a new browser
window from the open window by clicking "control-N" or clicking "new
window" from the header.)
*In order to prevent sign in errors, users should delete all old
bookmarks. Users should bookmark the new updated pages after signing in
to the new pages with either book marking an ebaY page (e.g. My ebaY)
and, for your security, sign in once per visit, or book marking an ebaY
page, select the "keep me signed in to this computer until I sign out"
and you will not have to sign in every time you visit.
*Delete cookies and temporary internet files from the computer. WebTV
users may not be able to clear their cookies themselves. Sometimes
resetting the Web TV unit by unplugging it will clear the cookies. If
not, contact WebTV customer support.

ebaY is changing search and has launched a beta version of the Search
Results by Category. This function is available via the Advanced Search
page, by clicking on the "Search Results by Category" link and running a
new search or at
http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/categories_search.html
Send feedback to newfea-@ebay.com.
To learn more about how Search Results by Category works go to
http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/catsearch_learn.html

ebaY sellers and buyers are banding together to combat some of the gloom
and discouragement brought on by the economic downturn, the horrors of
the terrorist attacks, and to counteract Auction of America. Sellers
have pledged to buy from each other, and try to complete at least some
of their holiday shopping at each other's auctions. This mutual support
is being seen as a way to boost sales on person to person auctions.
Called the honors list, participating sellers add the search code S4S to
their auction titles. there are currently 1858 S4S auctions. the
thread that started this movement can be found at   
http://forums.ebay.com/dwc?14@45.q8Oea61tMs1^2-@.eef0071/0

Community overview board –
http://pages.ebay.com/community/index.html
ebaY news board - http://pages.ebay.com/community/news/index.html

ebaY categories with the category number
http://listings.ebay.com/aw/plistings/list/categories.html

ebaY contact information including analog mail and email addresses and
phone numbers, regular and toll free, refund info and insider trading
info etc can be found at
http://www.auctionguild.com/generic.html?pid=17

ebaY announcement board http://www2.ebay.com/aw/announce.shtml
* * * * *
Amazon Auctions, zShops and Marketplace, main Amazon home page has link
to donate directly to the Red Cross from their site.
http://www.amazon.com

Amazon users problems continue. Announcement Board
http://prospero.amazon.com/n/mb/listsf.asp?webtag=am-sellannounce&nav=start&ctx=0


User to User boards
http://forums.prospero.com/am-sellconnect/messages/?msg

Amazon live telephone customer service 16 hours a day
Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: (800)201-7575
Auction Pro phone number 1-877-251-0696
http://auctions.amazon.com
* * * * *
Yahoo continues to fight French imposition of laws on US based sites.
Interesting article and point of view at -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/column/col52.shtml
Arguments on the case continue at-
http://www.law.com/cgi-bin/gx.cgi/AppLogic+FTContentServer?pagename=law/View&c=Article&

cid=ZZZVQTO82SC&live=true&cst=1&pc=0&pa=0
* * * * *
Carnaby.Com has added a tutorial to their auction site to assist new
users
http://pages.carnaby.com/home/help/gen-tutorial.html
* * * * *
USPS has added electronic delivery confirmation (EDC) free for Priority
Mail and 12 cents for Standard Mail. A couple of problems noted are the
need for an address to be exactly correct or the EDC wont be accepted,
and the fact that the item does not show on the website tracking system
until delivered. To print out the shipping label go to
http://www.usps.com/cgi-bin/api/shipping_label.cgi
FAQ is at http://www.usps.com/shipping/delfaq.htm
http://www.usps.com/shipping/deliver.htm
* * * * *
PayPal says that they have fixed the glitch that caused the double
charges. If you still have problems users can reach PayPal by phone at
877-672-9725 or 888-221-1161
http://www.paypal.com
* * * * *
Vrane.Com has changed their ISP to hosting.com. The relocation caused
problems for users as did new software installed with new servers
turning out to be incompatible with Vrane's tools. As of this
publication, most functions were working for most users. Those still
having problems should watch the site for posts, and contact them if
necessary.   http://www.vrane.com
* * * * *
Exodus the large ISP that host ebaY, Yahoo and other large and small
sites around the world, has declared bankruptcy.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010927/hsth006_1.html
* * * * *
Online Auction Users Association
OAUA has put together discount packages for their members for auction
management services.    http://www.auctionusers.org/discounts-am.shtml

Interested in volunteering and serving the Online Auction Community?
Check out http://www.auctionusers.org/volunteerop.shtml

http://www.auctionusers.org
* * * * *
Miscellaneous NON Auction/Trading related items that might be of
interest-
A first person account of the WTC catastrophe -
http://bonstemps.com/images/wtc.htm
One of the most moving pic essays we have seen - the world mourns with
us -
http://thankyou.fast-networks.net/
************************************************************
PLEASE NOTE: Many long links we post in TAGnotes must be
copy/pasted into your browsers URL/Address box in pieces, with no extra
spaces, to get them to work due to HTML limitations
*************************************************************
If you would like an Auction House or Service Provider added to
this list, please email us at ta-@theauctionguild.com
Have any information for us? email us at ta-@theauctionguild.com
TAG Subscribers have often contributed to information reported on in
TAGnotes. Visit their auctions or websites.
TAGassist Contributors –

http://www.pantheus.com/

http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/crusader666/

http://www.wheatlandferry.com
***********************************************************
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