[pure-silver] Re: OT Ebay to take Paypal only..

--- On Fri, 9/26/08, Richard Knoppow <dickburk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>      There is something subtley wrong with this logic.
> First of all they ARE trying to create a monopoly, namely 
> the method of paying for stuff. The first part of the 
> argument assumes that government is the only way of forcing 
> something: its not. If eBay takes payment only throught 
> Paypal _that_ is force and you have no choice. Of course
> one can simply refuse to use eBay and I think people should. 
> eBay is not quite a monopoly but probably comes pretty 
> close.

Problem here is, you can't monopolize your own business.
I think the definition of "monopoly" is being greatly
exaggerated.  We're not talking about a railroad, or
Standard Oil, or Microsoft.   A monopoly tries to dominate
an entire market with its product or service, forcing
others out of business or controlling their products.  
What exactly is Ebay trying to monopolize?  Buying and 
selling used stuff?  Hardly.  Method of payment for online 
shopping, with Paypal?

Ebay is not forcing other businesses to use Paypal.  They
are not forcing other online retailers, auction sites, or
classifieds to use Paypal, although I'm sure it's available.
Let's use this as a comparison: I think it's annoying
that I'm forced to use iTunes to manage my iPod.  Apple
decided to make the device incompatible with all other
software, forcing me to use their own.  Does that make Apple
a monopoly?  Of course not.  It's their product!  If they 
tried to force all other MP3 players (Sony, Creative, Dell, 
etc.) to only work with iTunes, that would be different.

Similarly, I agree it's annoying that Ebay will only allow
Paypal on their site.  But Ebay's decision doesn't affect 
any other retailers, classifieds or auction sites.  If I 
want to buy used gear with check, money order, etc., I can 
shop on Craigslist, Amazon, KEH, Midwest Photo Exchange, B&H, 
Adorama, my local classifieds, whatever.  

The best way to protest their decision is to stop using 
their service.  In addition, write to them and let them
know how you feel.  But in this case, I think the word 
"monopoly" is incorrect.

-Charlie


      
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