|
 We
live in an age of marvels, where the difference between science and science
fiction becomes more blurred each day. A massive, sprawling, interconnected
network of limitless data from disparate sources provides endlessly updated
information, uniting the world in an invisible web of binary encoded text
and pictures. I speak of the internet itself, to which you, reader, are
currently connected.
This same tool which serves as the backbone for the free and open exchange
of information, and as the electric go-between upon which billions of
dollars in commerce trades virual hands each day also plays host to a
very dark drama. A trashy flea-market the size of the earth itself...
A place called E-BAY.
E-Bay is all well and good for the amiable nerd with a nostalgia bug and
some discretionary income- E-Bay is, in some respects, a land of miracles,
where RETURN OF THE JEDI metal lunch-boxes sit side by side with vintage
phasers from STAR TREK's initial run. A poindexter's paradise, no? But
for every bit of well-intentioned STAR WARS paraphanilia, one must take
into accout the dark side of an open market....
Any geek worth his salt can point to the occasions where would-be pranksters
have attempted to use EBay as a forum for their jokes... The nerdy young
lad who entered his virginity up for bid is, no doubt, the social lion
of his math club for his daring act of ribald satire. (No doubt as well
that said item is still in mint and pristine condition.)
But gags aside, an extended browsing trip through Ebay's less traveled
pathways, where that which is bought and sold in earnest,will leave one
shaken, afraid, and in dire need of being held. Or sedated.
Behold,
gentle traveler, and be afraid. Be very afraid.
|
