Dear kthorn (thornton@proteometrics.com),

> >Recently we became aware that your eBay registered account was involved in the following activity:

> >Used food policy violation which is not permitted at eBay.

> >We realize that you may not have been aware there was a rule against this activity.

> >Therefore, we respectfully request that you refrain from this activity in

> >the future to avoid the possibility of a suspension of your eBay registration.

> >Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter.

> >***** ***** (safeharbor@ebay.com)

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(edited for brevity)

Hi *****,

I'm sorry. I had read the rules.

I really didn't think that the teabags qualified as "used food" since I was not offering them as food items to be consumed. I felt I was being quite clear about their creative and non-consumable potential-- in the same spirit that one might offer used popsicle sticks for crafts...

When the dead bird I offered for auction was cancelled, I was very surprised. I had read over the rules and felt that it did not fit any of the prohibited items listed (honestly, what are the odds of finding a dead migratory bird on the street in the middle of Chicago) -- but I recognize the importance of these rules, especially when in support of federal statutes. When I was informed it was migratory, I assumed that as long as I accepted no money for it, no laws would be broken. Perhaps my logic is flawed.

You see, I am an artist and the sale of the items which I have put on ebay in the past month are related to a project investigating the market value of "worthless" goods and I really do not mean to be causing any trouble. Could you please advise if my next prospective auction item, the "30 month banana" is also prohibited?

http://www.artic.edu/~kthorn/ebay/files/jar.html

Because it is sealed, and not offered as food, nor has it been "used" -- I sincerely hope that you will not invoke the regulations and cancel my upcoming auction. My other impending items I feel quite certain will not be in violation of any of your regulations. I really love ebay and do not wish to jeapordize my standing within the community. Ebay is important to me (and to this work) as I consider it to be the "Blue Book" for the current market value of all goods.

thanks for your prompt and considerate attention to this matter,

Karen

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Hello Karen,

We appreciate the time and effort it took for you to contact us.

Unfortunately, this item would not be permissible on our site as it violates our policy on food (http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-food.html) and hazardous materials

(http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-hazardous.html).

Although you may not be listing it to be eaten, we still would remove such a listing from our site.

I hope this has addressed your concerns.

Sincerely, ****** ******

eBay Community Watch

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eBay Your Personal Trading Community (tm)

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