(no subject)

[helen99]

Looks like Dreamwidth is having the same problem as LJ did a few years ago. Their response is different, however.

http://dw-news.dreamwidth.org/16590.html

Instead of deleting accounts, etc., Dreamwidth has decided to let the chips fall where they may and stick by its terms of service, which state that they will not remove an account unless it actually violates US law. Someone being "concerned" about content is not enough.

Apparently, however, it *is* enough for Paypal, who believed the trolls and withdrew its support of Dreamwidth, demanding that it remove posts that were in fact legal (racy in the eyes of contributors is not equivalent to illegal). So Dreamwidth is now looking for another merchant processor. Their provider has not withdrawn and is supporting them all the way.

When they find another merchant processor, I'll be interested to see who it is. I've wanted Paypal to have some competition for a long time now - they seem to have a monopoly on merchant processing unless you pay directly by credit card.

Comments

[kitten-goddess.livejournal.com]

I loathe Paypal. The idea of paying a gatekeeper for the privilege of buying online is ridiculous. Almost as stupid as removing legal content because OMG someone is offended. *eyeroll*

[dreamfall.livejournal.com]

Just as an informational note - the reason online gateway processing is expensive is because it's considered risky. The idea of paying a gatekeeper for the privilege, as it were, isn't very ridiculous from a vendor/merchant standpoint. And as providers go from a merchant standpoint, they are considerably less expensive than Authorize.net (and on par or lower than iTransact). They're actually one of the least expensive out there.

This is not a defense of paypal, I'm not getting into whether they are good or bad at what they do. It's an explanation of why there are charges to purchase online. PayPal is not the sole monster in that pit, every single gateway provider does it.

(Sorry, meant to post this as a reply instead of a new comment, so I'm reposting it correctly)

[teaotter.livejournal.com]

Any time you pay *anywhere* with anything other than cash, someone pays a gatekeeper for the service. Business bank accounts are more expensive, in large part because the bank has to process so many checks for them. Credit card companies charge businesses in order for those businesses to be able to process their cards.

So you *always* pay for the transaction, unless you pay in cash. Online is no different.

(Note: not an endorsement of Paypal.)

[helen99.livejournal.com]

Using paypal sure beats spreading my credit card number all over the internet - at least it's just in one place. They already went through their big security breach thing, so they're rather careful about that now. The only problem I have is the lack of competition.

[hummingwolf.livejournal.com]

I saw that almost first thing this morning. DW's response made me grin hugely.

[feyandstrange.livejournal.com]

Not the first time PayPal has been snotty about R or X-rated stuff, apparently; a lot of "adult" merchandisers have a lot of trouble with PayPal, and I know folks who have had their PayPal accounts shut down for selling leather gear.

I'd bet on some of the gamecash companies, myself, but it would be nice if someone else stepped up. I only use PayPal for a few things, but the ability to say "Just PayPal me later if you lack cash" when eating out with groups of friends and slapping a credit card on the lot is awfully convenient.

Merchant processing remains risky and expensive as a result, but e-cash is heating up. I hope for a widely accepted alternative to PayPal very soon now.

[elven-ranger.livejournal.com]

that would be good, paypal are too big for thier boots.

[wetdryvac.livejournal.com]

Having just walked the phone chain with paypal, and addressed the issue from a business ethics perspective, I can say that:

1) The pay-pal phone system is bloody awful - but it is possible to get through it without providing SSN or banking or account information.

2) It may be worth doing so, given that this violates business ethics tangential to US law (reaction to Slander/Libel on the part of a scare group is legal, but not good business practice) and validates an illegal action on the part of said action group.

3) It may be worth calling paypal and addressing your concern with their business practices:

PayPal Customer Service:

1-402-935-2050
(a U.S. telephone number)

4:00 AM PST to 10:00 PM PST Monday through Friday
6:00 AM PST to 8:00 PM PST Saturday and Sunday

4) It may be best, when so doing, to ensure that accounts are not associated with complaints. I do not know how valid the concern is, but have heard claims that paypal has sometimes revoked accounts of those who complain on grounds such as these.

[helen99.livejournal.com]

Impressive research! Thanks for the information - that's a good approach.

[arethinn]

lol @ the tag "Paypal was a butt".

[elven-ranger.livejournal.com]

by the by, is it you who friended me on Facebook? :)