Where's the Electronic Frontier Foundation in this? Is any organization fighting for consumer protections against unfair practices where auction sites improperly take down auctions on the basis of the Software & Information Industry Association simply alleging (without any evidence) that an item is counterfeit or unauthorized? I found it very difficult to prove my innocence. I think there is a case to be made that current protections for honest consumers against abuse of the system by the software industry are inadequate. Are there any groups out there making that case? It's very difficult for the little guy to take on industry giants. And it's not like you can "vote with your feet" by leaving eBay for one of dozens of major auction houses if you want the eBay level of market opportunity.
Drixnot, that's a great cite. Thanks! Hadn't thought of the old Ralph Nader group Public Citizen, and here they are in your clipping taking on abuse of DMCA. A search of its press release database ("ebay" or "auction") doesn't show a lot of activity, but you have buoyed my spirits knowing there's at least somebody out there occasionally fighting for honest eBay vendors.
Crystal C, that's a fine, clear explanation of the current operation of DMCA law. The status quo is inadequate to protect honest sellers from the SIIA chokehold. We need consumer advocates to become engaged because of the lack of alternatives equal to eBay's market share. My congressman's casework with SIIA General Counsel solved my problem, but he may have missed the point -- the law needs to be repaired. Anyone here want to defend a system that places no burden on SIIA to produce any evidence to have your auction taken down?
Drixnot, that's a great cite. Thanks! Hadn't thought of the old Ralph Nader group Public Citizen, and here they are in your clipping taking on abuse of DMCA. A search of its press release database ("ebay" or "auction") doesn't show a lot of activity, but you have buoyed my spirits knowing there's at least somebody out there occasionally fighting for honest eBay vendors.
Crystal C, that's a fine, clear explanation of the current operation of DMCA law. The status quo is inadequate to protect honest sellers from the SIIA chokehold. We need consumer advocates to become engaged because of the lack of alternatives equal to eBay's market share. My congressman's casework with SIIA General Counsel solved my problem, but he may have missed the point -- the law needs to be repaired. Anyone here want to defend a system that places no burden on SIIA to produce any evidence to have your auction taken down?