Hooray for My Music
by Dave
My first week with the Zen has been very fun. It’s so strange to listen to whatever I want in the car. I just have to remember not to watch videos while I’m driving, or I’ll end up in the Bad/Stupid Drivers category.
The Burlingames
Chronicling the adventures of the B's
February 17, 2008
Boycott eBay
by Dave
I have decided to show my support for my fellow eBay members fighting for fair treatment by participating in the forthcoming eBay boycott. I will refrain from buying and selling February 18-25. Please see my previous post for a short explanation of some of the issues created by eBay’s recent changes.
One of the main challenges we face is the lack of a true competitor for eBay. Some members are trying to organize a mass migration to a new site as voted upon by all those interested. My hope is that these steps will create enough commotion to force eBay to revisit their policy changes. As many have stated elsewhere, the purpose is not to destroy eBay, but merely make it a better marketplace.
February 8, 2008
Zen en Route
by Dave
Finally, the 32 GB Creative Zen is back in stock and one is on its way to me. Approximately 4-8 days from now I’ll be excitedly opening my new toy. Waiting is definitely the worst part.
January 29, 2008
eBay's Rate Changes
by Dave
eBay has changed their fee structure effective February 20th. Like any corporation worth its salt, they’ve tried to disguise a rate hike as a discount to sellers. What a screw.
They claim to have reduced the risk associated with selling by decreasing the insertion fees. To offset their loss, they’ve increased the final value fees. I calculated the break-even point of the new rates, which is $11.43. Any auctions ending below that price will be charged a fee that is slightly less than under the previous system; any about that price will be charged a higher fee. I made a chart to show some sample end prices and their associated fees, as well as the difference between the new and old system.
I’m guessing that eBay is going to come out ahead in this. A few pennies per auction might not seem like much, but, given the volume of auctions, those pennies are going to add up quick. I understand that companies up rates now and again, but I take offense when they try to disguise it as something that’s supposed to benefit me.
Some other changes are looming as well. One that I, as a seller, find particularly disturbing is that I will no longer be able to leave neutral or negative feedback for buyers: positive only. I assume it will be positive or nothing, but leaving no feedback seems like a pointless gesture as it doesn’t say anything about the buyer’s reliability, unless it somehow figures into their feedback rating (which I doubt is the case).
There are some positive changes as well, but they are outweighed by the negatives in my mind. Click here to see all the new stuff.
January 22, 2008
Visiting Friends
by Dave
We just spent a wonderful weekend in Sioux Falls visiting some amazing friends. We got to spend three nights with Christine and Jerry Schelske in their fabulous new house. It was an absolutely gorgeous house, the cirumstances behind their ability to get that house was truly a blessing for them. I think I ate more food this past weekend than I usually eat in a week. It seems like all Christine and I did on Saturday evening and Sunday was cook, nibble and eat. :) We made enchiladas, teriyka chicken wings, oreo pie, kiwi crush, rice and lots of munchies. We spent Saturday night with the Schelskes, Lexi Nesson and Katie Docken. We heckled each other, ate food and watch a really good movie (Meet the Robbinsons).
On Saturday morning we went to Laura and Andrew Ellsworth’s house and ate a wonderful brunch with them and Nathaniel and Megan Johnson. I had such a fabulous time with them, I’m very glad we were able to get together with them. The highlight of the brunch was seeing the new Johnson addition, Annika Mae. She is such a doll. All I wanted to do was hug her, kiss her, hold her, pet her. Absolutely adorable. Kinda makes me want to steal her (at least for a short time).
Here are some pictures from our weekend. I didn’t get any pictures of the Schelske’s new house, hopefully next time. Enjoy!!
Dave and I with Christine and Jerry Schelske. This picture is old but I thought I should include a picture of the Schelskes so everyone could know who they are.
This is our Christmas picture for this December. Kidding!
Back: Nathaniel Johnson, Laura and Andrew Ellsworth
Front: Megan and Annika Johnson, Dave and I.
All of us (minus Dave) went to Augie together. Nathaniel, Laura and I were in the same NSO group. I also lived with Laura during our sophomore year of college. I meet Andrew during the freshman orientation and have been friends ever since. I meet Megan through various other people and became fast friends with her. Megan, Laura and I were all in each others wedding one way or another.
Annika Mae Johnson – super cute baby!! She is my Baby Puggle.
The Burlingames 