eBay vs. Google: eBay says, normal course of business... um, ok...right.

eBay's Hani Durzy told IDG news:

"This is a regular thing we do across the different channels we use for marketing, but, having said that, we are disappointed that Google has chosen this time to detract from our annual event that gives online sellers a chance to learn how to grow their business in eBay and in other channels," Durzy said. "It's not the kind of activity one partner normally does with another."

I like how he says in the first part they aren't related and then spends the rest of the paragraph talking about how the party stinks.

The reporter smokes this out here:

However, a source familiar with the situation said the move is an angry reaction by eBay's management to Google's decision to hold a protest party concurrent with the start of eBay Live, the company's annual conference for merchants. Google has been reaching out to media to promote the party, aimed at eBay merchants who are upset that eBay doesn't allow them to use Google's Checkout online transaction system. eBay Live begins Thursday evening in Boston, which is the time and place Google has chosen for its protest party.

You can read the entire article here.

Comments

[Payam]

I just ran into some Google Checkout folks and they are bummed that the party is not going to happen :(

[dimes]

If google checkout still isn't proven safe after one year, what does that say about eBay Express, also one year old?

[Larry]

I have two questions -
1. Which is the bigger lie - "Google Checkout hasn't been proven safe", or "This is a regular thing that we do across channels" ?

2. Does eBay think we're stupid enough to believe this baloney, or do they just not care WHAT we think?

As a PowerSeller, I REALLY resent the dishonesty. I'm more upset about them lying than I am about them banning Google checkout. Every spokemen knows how to answer a question without really saying anything. Why do they insist on insulting our intelligence by being deceitful?

Larry