- Ban also covers ‘advice’ on magic which could include merchandise for fantasy novels like Harry Potter
- This means J.K. Rowling latest ‘Book of Spells’ for Sony Ps3 may be at risk
By
Sara Malm
12:20 GMT, 17 August 2012
|
14:20 GMT, 17 August 2012
Ban on online psychics: Abstract magical services and advice will no longer be offered on eBay
Online auctioneers eBay are implementing new rules banning magic, potions and spells in an attempt to force swindlers and quacks off the site.
The past slogan ‘Whatever it is – you can get it on eBay’ will no longer apply from the end of August.
The new guidelines also ban advice on any
of the magic-related subjects listed which means that sales of fantasy
merchandise, such as books and products related to the Harry Potter
novels, could be at risk.
The new rules intend to target more
abstract items up for sale on eBay, such as spells to harm ex-partners, lucky
potions and psychic readings.
Examples
of services offered on eBay include an activation of
‘Starseed/Lightworker DNA so that you may connect with your galactic
guides from your home planet’ and a £3.50 Love Trap Spell to force the
unresponsive object of the buyers affection to ‘want you big time’.
As of the 30th of August ‘spells;
curses; hexing; conjuring; magic; prayers; blessing services; magic
potions and healing sessions’ are banned merchandise for sellers, eBay
wrote in their 2012 Fall Seller Update.
It
is not yet clear whether J.K. Rowling’s latest Potter creation – a book
of spells in collaboration with Sony for Ps3 – will be banned under the
new rules.
I put a spell on you: One seller advertises a love spell on eBay
Powerful potion: Another seller on the site offers a combo of potion and spell casting
This seller offers a DNA Starseed activation which enables the person with the winning bid to ‘connect with your galactic guides from your home planet’
The Book of Spells, which Rowling
herself called ‘the closest a Muggle can get to a real spell book’,
is a virtual book for PlayStation 3.
Just
like the version Harry Potter and generations of Hogwarts
students have used, this version for Sony’s Wonderbook is ‘written by
Miranda Goshawk 200 years ago’.
The Book of Spells may be saved by a classification by eBay as a magic-related item of ‘tangible value’.
Rowling at risk: The new eBay ban on magical advice may also include Harry Potter merchandise such as J.K. Rowling’s new virtual ‘Book of Spells’
Johnna Hoff, spokeswoman for eBay explained to the Los Angeles Times: ‘It’s important to note that items
that have a tangible value for the item itself and may also be used in
metaphysical rites and practices are allowed in most cases.’
The Book
of Spells, out this Christmas, will ‘assist students on their journey
to becoming an accomplished witch or wizard’ and includes brand new
content written by J.K. Rowling.
Wizard ban: Harry and Hermione, or Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in the Muggle world, do not look pleased about the new eBay rules
Last resort: Slug and Jiggers on Diagon Alley, here as part of the visitors tour at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, may be the only way out for ‘Hogwarts students’ looking for potions
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I wonder why they made this decision… any body know?
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If people believe that the spells and potions work and because of that they go the extra to succeed why deny them. For the others you get what you deserve. Last time I checked no one was required to buy from E-bay.
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ebay was once the place were people sold junk for pennies, now its one big rip off. the solution is dont use ebay.
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Well Dave what will you get Ed for Xmas now ?
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Charlatans? If they are going to ban magic spells and potions, they should go all the way and ban the sale of religious items as well. That easily falls under the category of ‘charlatans’.
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With all the things ebay are now banning, the next on line auction site will be able to make a killing – and btw, lots of stuff sold on ebay is so overpriced as to be unbelievable, just because it’s on ebay, doesn’t mean it’s cheaper…
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Damn! Just when I was going to bid for Russell Grant.
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People should have a CHOICE to buy what they want. Will they also ban Holy Water?That has a metaphysical “intangible” value. Lots of people enjoy this kind of thing. I know lots think it’s a lot of rubbish. But the thing is CHOICE. No one forces people to buy magic charms,lucky crystals etc. Lots of the tarot readers have 100% positive feedback. One of them is a single mother and these readings are her full time job. She has given ebay £1000s in fees over the years and now they kick her off. The charlatans dont last long,because guess what?People can leave FEEDBACK.
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If people are stupid enough to believe in this rubbish they should be left to waste there money as they want…only fools and their money are parted..
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