Brian -
At the state & local level, we can do something about it, which is why I joined FSP. However, it's going to be a while before we have any influence over the fedgov.
All I'm saying is that it's not worth passing up the opportunity to make a decent living over fears that the feds are going to come kicking in your door. If it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen.
eBay doesn't have much of a choice in their policy. After all the bad press they've received regarding fraud, it would bankrupt them to do things any differently. I know it sucks, but I haven't found an easier way to make money online anywhere else.
Chris
Chris,
You're right; if the feds want to kick in my door, they're going to do it, whether or not I sell on EBay.
That's not the point.
My stand, as always, is on principle. I believe EBay's policy of inviting governments to inspect customer information is wrong, and I believe EBay should feel the pain of this immoral policy.
I believe your assessment of EBay's choices is incorrect; they
do have a choice about their policy. They are going beyond what the law requires, to the detriment of their customers. And this question has very little to do with previous fraud allegations.
Good luck with your entrepreneurial endeavours. I've used EBay in the past, and had no problems, but I will not support an immoral policy. My approach is: let the market decide which policies are best. If EBay were advocating racist policies, few would likely do business with them. This policy is worse than racist - it's statist.