Rhinemaiden
Article in the Wall St. Journal here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100...7619283259196226.html?mod=WSJ_hp_EditorsPicks
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100...7619283259196226.html?mod=WSJ_hp_EditorsPicks
That thread is in the Professional Tarot forum and only subscribers have access to it so I think this thread's fine as a general discussion of the change of policy.
The policy seems to include "all things metaphysical." I see that tangible items like amulets, charms and such are included, according to the mention of some people trying to find loopholes for them. Does that mean we won't be able to sell unwanted tarot decks on eBay?
Below is the current list of the categories to be permanently removed with the 2012 Fall Seller Update.
Discontinued categories
Everything Else: Metaphysical: Psychic, Paranormal > Readings
Everything Else: Metaphysical: Psychic, Paranormal > Spells, Potions
Everything Else: Metaphysical: Tarot Readings
Everything Else: Advertising Opportunities
Everything Else: Memberships
Specialty Services: Advice & Instruction: Business & Computer
Specialty Services: Advice & Instruction: Lessons & Tutoring
Specialty Services: Advice & Instruction: Other
Specialty Services: Advice & Instruction: Diet & Fitness
Business & Industrial: Businesses & Websites for Sale > Advertising Inventory
Business & Industrial: Businesses & Websites for Sale > Home-Based Businesses
Art: Direct from the Artist: Digital Art
Art: Art from Dealers & Resellers: Digital Art
Home & Garden: Inside the Home: Food & Wine: Recipes
eBay Sellers notice said:Items that will be prohibited include: advice; spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic services; prayers; blessings; Psychic, Tarot, Reiki, and other metaphysical readings & services; magic potions; healing sessions; work from home businesses & information; wholesale lists, and drop ship lists.
I doubt it since tarot isn't necessarily 'metaphysical'.. A tarot deck is like a book, it's not something like an amulet or charm which is meant to have innate magical powers.
Yes, I suppose amulets or charms, like potions, would be charged or imbued in some way, making them "special." But I'm wondering whether the policy isn't a smokescreen for some kind of conservative social agenda. It seems they could just invoke "caveat emptor" and make a statement that they won't accept liability for "services" of this type. I guess it wouldn't stop disgruntled people from calling customer service, though.