For me, eBay is like a magic swap-box in the woods, where I leave stuff that I don't need any more. During the wee hours a fog descends over the box and when I check it the next day I find stuff that I do need, minus a nominal fee for administration, shipping and handling.

Don't be misled by my escalating transaction history: This isn't a business for me, or even a hobby, although I often find it entertaining.

For the most part, I see eBay as a treasure-hunt experience paired up with a socially-conscious means to recycle goods that still have value to others. The rest of the time, it's just a good place to shop.

Selling is mostly about clearing clutter out of my life without committing the sin of wastefulness. I like to get a fair price, but compensation is secondary. This is why I will perhaps go a little overboard pointing out flaws in articles for sale. What I reach for is a reaction from the buyer that "this is 100% exactly what he said it was."

On the other hand, I'm not trying to be a store with bend-over-backwards customer service. I will do my best to inform the buyer, but once you put your hand up for it, it's yours baby!

I'm glad you took the time to read this, and I hope it will help us to trade in mutual good faith and courtesy.