While this call out has little to do with video games, I thought I’d post it as it’s an issue that has become close to my heart. As you all know, Lunabean.com publishes downloadable video game strategy guides (in PDF format). Recently, we discovered that many of our guides were being sold on eBay. While we were able to get these guides removed immediately, the people selling these guides face no real repercussions. No matter how deep the issue of fraud goes, nor how clear it is that what these people are doing is illegal, eBay won’t do anything to them unless multiple people file complaints against them.




For this reason we began randomly purchasing video game strategy guides from eBay. What we discovered was shocking. From the 12 or so purchased, not a single one has been legitimate. They either belong to us, Gamespot, or writers on GameFAQs. Again, they have all been illegal…and making eBay money.

Since I am not the IP holder on many of these guides, I can’t file complaints. So, I have taken it upon myself to contact the guide writers individually, urging them to contact eBay, themselves. This brought me to Matthew Rorie of Gamespot. He’s been aware that his guides have been selling on eBay for some time, but I’m not sure he understood the extent to which they were being sold. So, he has put out a call to all GameSpotters for help. Check it out here.

What’s more, Matt pointed me to this call for help on News.com (also owned by CNet): eBay vs. Fraud - Share your suggestions, where the reporter is asking for personal experiences regarding eBay and fraud. So, if you’ve ever had such an experience on eBay, please, let Jonathan Skillings know. While eBay may not listen to us, the little people, they do tend to pay attention to those who write articles that are read by many, many people. Now’s your chance! Go, team, go!