Klarinet Archive - Posting 000574.txt from 1998/12

From: Jack Kissinger <kissingerjn@-----.EDU>
Subj: [kl] eBay Auction
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1998 11:14:44 -0500

It's not as easy on eBay to "delete" the past as one might think. If one simply
changes his/her ID name, eBay transfers existing feedback to the new ID. Also,
whenever someone changes his/her ID, clicking on the current name, as listed in
an auction, will disclose the person's ID history. Thus, if you click on
"clarinetdoc" in one of Cindy Field's current auctions, after you verify to eBay
that you are a bona fide user, you will have a list of her "aliases" returned
with the dates they were in effect. (Such a shady character! Cindy is on her
fourth ID ;^) -- but she is not trying to hide anything. The first three were,
in essence, slightly different variations of her name. The fourth is
clarinetdoc.) EBay's original reason for allowing the ID's was to make it more
difficult for non-registered persons to use the auction to obtain users' e-mail
addresses.

One can choose to make one's feedback hidden but if one does, most other users
immediately assume that there must be something really nasty to hide. Many
sellers refuse to take bids from buyers with hidden feedback. Many buyers will
not bid on auctions offered by sellers with hidden feedback. So making feedback
hidden generally defeats the purpose.

As Cindy pointed out, about the only way for a user to delete the past is to
cancel their current registration then reregister using a new name, e-mail
address, etc. (A "memorable" example of this was the notorious Musicus1 a year
or so back, documented in Sneezy's archives. But even despite this individual's
efforts, he was fairly quickly recognized by the users.

Best regards,
Jack Kissinger
St. Louis

David Blumberg wrote:

> Nancy, yes someone who wishes to "delete" the past can change their ID, and
> hide their past history- ratings. That is what I was saying. Though, it
> does not seem like that is the case here.
>
> After Michael N.'s note, I do believe that the composer is actually
> offering his work here, but wow, what an unusual venue offer it on.
>
> David Blumberg
>

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