Al Jolson sheet music signed by child star removed by eBay for offensive material

[rebekaj]

 This item was removed from my store for being racist, but even a cursory search for Al Jolson
Returns hundreds of results that are actual photographs of him in black face, rather than a background illustration in this sheet music that is very abstract 

i’m assuming somebody reported the listing, maybe somebody who also sells autographs, and I’m wondering if I should contact eBay because reading the scope of the rules this does not violate any rules

[12345jamesstamps]

I wouldn't bother contacting anyone. It is not really going to help.

However, in the future....be careful what is in your title of an item. Probably not a good idea to try to re-list this now that because of this. I think just the words "A. J." his name in your title did it.

It was his name that got in in trouble. And if other sellers are selling items as such....it's only a matter of time before those sellers get hit with a removed item. Sometimes just a photo of something might get through. It words in the title and description that gets the item knocked off of eBay.

[usapicker101]

It's become really ridiculous with eBay removing listings for no good reason and

more than likely just because a competitor is selling a similar item or because someone

wants to play censor. 

I've had three items removed (vaporized listings) recently. Two were supposedly 

not real merchandise (an airline keyring and a pin), even though the items were purchased

directly from the airline. A quick search found other similar airline items being sold.

When I contacted an eBay representative on the phone, they suggested I flag the other

listings so they could remove them if they violated policy. Am I supposed to be doing their

job for them just because I'm being penalized?

[theteamsetguy]

@usapicker101 ,

The cops can’t catch everyone speeding or driving drunk either. If I saw someone weaving in and out of their lane on the freeway I would report.

[rebekaj]

So you are saying that you believe that my listing violates the hate speech rules of eBay?

there is no racist language in this sheet music, it was actually used again for a Disney cartoon a few years later

nobody is in black face, so my question is how is this breaking the rules? As written this is not a violation, but it has been flagged as such

[klhmdg]

@rebekaj  it doesnt matter what we think.

99% of listings are pulled by BOTs.

No person sits and looks them over.

There are also few listings pulled because someone reported it.

Once an item is pulled its best to not list it again.

Right or wrong you are now being watched by the BOTs and it doesnt take too many times before permanent suspension.

I dont think it violates BUT Im not eBay.

I would let the syrup and war items be posted too... IF something offends me I move on to something that doesnt. BUT again Im not eBay

[mam98031]

There are times errors are made.  I do encourage you to reach out to Ebay to try and get some answers.  

Keep in mind that a single person reporting a listing for whatever reason they may report it can not cause your listing to be removed.  A single person just does not have that power.  It would take multiple complaints.

kyle@ebay 

elizabeth@ebay 

[mam98031]

I would suggest that you contact Ebay for Business on Facebook or Twitter for the better trained CSRs.

Here are your options for contacting Ebay Customer Service.

https://twitter.com/askebay?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/eBayForBusiness/


If when you use the link below you can only get to the Automated Assistant, type AGENT in the box and hit enter. You will then get more options.

https://www.ebay.com/help/contact_us?id=4002&st=10

[rebekaj]

Thankyou.    ……..

[ebooksdiva]

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@rebekaj wrote:

nobody is in black face, so my question is how is this breaking the rules? As written this is not a violation, but it has been flagged as such

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Look at the picture you posted, what do you see in the upper left ? 

[mam98031]

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@ebooksdiva wrote:

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@rebekaj wrote:

nobody is in black face, so my question is how is this breaking the rules? As written this is not a violation, but it has been flagged as such

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Look at the picture you posted, what do you see in the upper left ? 

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Oh I get it now.  And that is why it was removed.  That makes PERFECT sense.  Mystery solved.

[dryophelia]

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@rebekaj wrote:
… nobody is in black face…

 Are you able to see it now?

[tobaccocardyahoo]

There is no path to a successful appeal of this censorship.

I have been through the process for some items I listed.

And if you fail to remove any other banned products your account will be suspended.

You probably were reported. but it need not have been a competitors, there are vigilantes who roam Internet marketplaces reporting what they deem to be racist.

[elizabeth@ebay · Accepted solution]

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@mam98031 wrote:

There are times errors are made.  I do encourage you to reach out to Ebay to try and get some answers.  

Keep in mind that a single person reporting a listing for whatever reason they may report it can not cause your listing to be removed.  A single person just does not have that power.  It would take multiple complaints.

kyle@ebay 

elizabeth@ebay 

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Hi @mam98031, thank you for the tag and suggesting they reach out to an agent to receive more context, that is perfect! We do just want to clear up one small point though. All reports that are submitted are reviewed by the appropriate team. If one member reports an issue with a listing, and upon review the teammate finds it is in violation of our policies, they will take action based off that one report. Thank you again for providing help here! 

[ms.rodriguez*]

I would not call it censorship. Some items are just too hurtful for some races/religions.   To the poster, do not relist that item here.  You will get at least a 3 day mini vacation and you can't list anything new nor edit an ad.  I got my 3 days off for relisting 2 tiny cap pistols that was still sealed in the package.  The pistols were only 1 1/2" long.   So throw that item into a drawer (like I did with my pistols) or toss them or donate them to a library.