The Ebay Solution?
October 1, 2008 2:41 PM Subscribe
U.S. Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain may be computer illiterate, but his campaign does think highly of eBay. Sen. McCain and Governor Palin have each suggested eBay as a fix for the economy, tool for government reform, and strategy for homeland security. Perhaps it's because former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, in spite of disagreeing with parts of his technology platform, is co-chair of McCain's campaign?
Which is more accurate: political polling or positive/neutral/negative seller feedback?
posted by davejay at 2:57 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by davejay at 2:57 PM on October 1, 2008
ΞBuy it now Price: US $700bn
posted by mandal at 3:00 PM on October 1, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by mandal at 3:00 PM on October 1, 2008 [2 favorites]
Not that I'm against snarking on McCain (I'm not), but I think it may be an interesting observation on its own:
eBay was an early, and huge, web success. With a concept so simple that even computer illiterates could get it, I think it may have popularized the web in a way that almost nothing else did. It makes sense that eBay would become the "tin lizzie" of the internet (or, in this case, the "new economy") -- the first mass-consumed product often defines its market.
But yeah, it's obvious eBay is paying for product placement. (jk)
posted by crickets at 3:00 PM on October 1, 2008
eBay was an early, and huge, web success. With a concept so simple that even computer illiterates could get it, I think it may have popularized the web in a way that almost nothing else did. It makes sense that eBay would become the "tin lizzie" of the internet (or, in this case, the "new economy") -- the first mass-consumed product often defines its market.
But yeah, it's obvious eBay is paying for product placement. (jk)
posted by crickets at 3:00 PM on October 1, 2008
Dude is seriously suggesting that all we need to fix disaster relief is a way to find the lowest bidder faster? So pathetic.
posted by GuyZero at 3:01 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by GuyZero at 3:01 PM on October 1, 2008
Up for auction: One (1) swing state vote for John McCain.
The vote will be entered in Storey County, Nevada sometime between October 18th and November 4th 2008.
Reserve Price: $1,000,000*.
*The price may look unreasonably high, but calculating in the significant negative effects resulting from a vote for John McCain, the price is reasonable.
You can contact me at sellingmydignity@gmail.com
Thanks For Looking!
posted by clearly at 3:03 PM on October 1, 2008 [2 favorites]
The vote will be entered in Storey County, Nevada sometime between October 18th and November 4th 2008.
Reserve Price: $1,000,000*.
*The price may look unreasonably high, but calculating in the significant negative effects resulting from a vote for John McCain, the price is reasonable.
You can contact me at sellingmydignity@gmail.com
Thanks For Looking!
posted by clearly at 3:03 PM on October 1, 2008 [2 favorites]
if Bush were a eBay user his negative feedback would totally be off the hook -- between the wars, Katrina, torture, the economy, and all the rest, he sold a bunch of shit to the American people for a few trillion dollars
posted by matteo at 3:15 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by matteo at 3:15 PM on October 1, 2008
With a concept so simple that even computer illiterates could get it, I think it may have popularized the web in a way that almost nothing else did. It makes sense that eBay would become the "tin lizzie" of the internet (or, in this case, the "new economy") -- the first mass-consumed product often defines its market.
eBay not only defined its market, it often redefined the technology on which it runs in a more aggressive and ultimately more successful way than Amazon, Yahoo, or half a dozen major media companies (not to mention (Akamai, Level3 and the like). The eBay system might seem simple in concept, but the myriad technological challenges, complex and changing business requirements (both regulatory and product driven) and its ability to execute mostly flawlessly are a technological marvel.
I still hate eBay and Meg Whitman, and I think they should be investigated immediately by the Federal Government and have its assets seized as a part of a RICO writ, but credit where it is due.
posted by psmealey at 3:15 PM on October 1, 2008 [3 favorites]
eBay not only defined its market, it often redefined the technology on which it runs in a more aggressive and ultimately more successful way than Amazon, Yahoo, or half a dozen major media companies (not to mention (Akamai, Level3 and the like). The eBay system might seem simple in concept, but the myriad technological challenges, complex and changing business requirements (both regulatory and product driven) and its ability to execute mostly flawlessly are a technological marvel.
I still hate eBay and Meg Whitman, and I think they should be investigated immediately by the Federal Government and have its assets seized as a part of a RICO writ, but credit where it is due.
posted by psmealey at 3:15 PM on October 1, 2008 [3 favorites]
Government needs better engagement with the private sector to develop a stronger homeland security strategy for emergency response, government and industry representatives said Wednesday
Sweet Jeebus...Better engagement that with whom? Other than election time, when Washington actually admits there are citizens in this country, I'd say Government and the private sector are pretty damn well "engaged" 24-7 already. I mean, you gotta get a crowbar to separate the two most of the time. Any better engagement would require a merger.
Channels Firesign Theater..."Steps were taken in or near Washington today to secure the merger of the US government with TMZ General Corp. This former zinc bushing manufacturer..."
posted by Thorzdad at 3:17 PM on October 1, 2008
Sweet Jeebus...Better engagement that with whom? Other than election time, when Washington actually admits there are citizens in this country, I'd say Government and the private sector are pretty damn well "engaged" 24-7 already. I mean, you gotta get a crowbar to separate the two most of the time. Any better engagement would require a merger.
Channels Firesign Theater..."Steps were taken in or near Washington today to secure the merger of the US government with TMZ General Corp. This former zinc bushing manufacturer..."
posted by Thorzdad at 3:17 PM on October 1, 2008
I just figured they heard about "eBay snipers" and figured it would be better to have anyone with long range shooting experience siding with the Republicans when the shit hit the fan.
posted by quin at 3:21 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by quin at 3:21 PM on October 1, 2008
Up for auction: One (1) swing state vote for John McCain.
Careful, that's actually illegal. Just ask this guy.
posted by Dark Messiah at 3:28 PM on October 1, 2008
Careful, that's actually illegal. Just ask this guy.
posted by Dark Messiah at 3:28 PM on October 1, 2008
Thanks for the heads up Dark Messiah.
Just to be clear, I intended it as a joke.
posted by clearly at 3:41 PM on October 1, 2008 [1 favorite]
Just to be clear, I intended it as a joke.
posted by clearly at 3:41 PM on October 1, 2008 [1 favorite]
Per the linked article, jokes are no excuse when people died for your right to vote.
posted by GuyZero at 3:43 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by GuyZero at 3:43 PM on October 1, 2008
Per the linked article, jokes are no excuse when people died for your right to vote.
People died for his right to make a joke, too.
posted by MegoSteve at 3:55 PM on October 1, 2008 [2 favorites]
People died for his right to make a joke, too.
posted by MegoSteve at 3:55 PM on October 1, 2008 [2 favorites]
Hey, I don't come up with these trite jingoistic lines, I just pass 'em along.
posted by GuyZero at 3:59 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by GuyZero at 3:59 PM on October 1, 2008
Any better engagement would require a merger.
So, what's your point?
posted by pompomtom at 4:25 PM on October 1, 2008
So, what's your point?
posted by pompomtom at 4:25 PM on October 1, 2008
so if mccain wins, ebay will pick up all the juicy contracts left behind by halliburton?
posted by lester at 4:32 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by lester at 4:32 PM on October 1, 2008
----=======+++++++L@@K!!! PUTS COUNTRY FIRST!!!!!!+++++++++======------
posted by DU at 4:38 PM on October 1, 2008 [4 favorites]
posted by DU at 4:38 PM on October 1, 2008 [4 favorites]
It might help to have more open bid contracts at the federal level.
posted by blue_beetle at 5:15 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by blue_beetle at 5:15 PM on October 1, 2008
Can we sell Alaska back to Russia, Palin included?
posted by kirkaracha at 6:15 PM on October 1, 2008
posted by kirkaracha at 6:15 PM on October 1, 2008
- Lost my job. Losing my house. Can't go to doctor. Kid died in war.
Buyer: Joe_Lunchpail66 ( 99) Sep-28-08 07:22
On Oct-01-08 seller added this note - 911! Terrorists! Terrorists!
US EXECUTUIVE OFFICE VG CONDITION VINTAGE!!!! PATRIOTIC INTEREST (#20003479491) US$32,895.99 View Item
posted by louche mustachio at 6:57 PM on October 1, 2008
Buyer: Joe_Lunchpail66 ( 99) Sep-28-08 07:22
On Oct-01-08 seller added this note - 911! Terrorists! Terrorists!
US EXECUTUIVE OFFICE VG CONDITION VINTAGE!!!! PATRIOTIC INTEREST (#20003479491) US$32,895.99 View Item
posted by louche mustachio at 6:57 PM on October 1, 2008
Just to be clear, I intended it as a joke.
Oh, understood; I thought it was funny, don't get me wrong. I figured I'd share that info since I was unaware until I actually saw the original story. It makes sense when you think about it, but I will profess my prior ignorance.
posted by Dark Messiah at 8:14 PM on October 1, 2008
Oh, understood; I thought it was funny, don't get me wrong. I figured I'd share that info since I was unaware until I actually saw the original story. It makes sense when you think about it, but I will profess my prior ignorance.
posted by Dark Messiah at 8:14 PM on October 1, 2008
I think McCain might be on to something here, especially in the housing market. Who says it's hard to sell?
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 2:03 AM on October 2, 2008
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 2:03 AM on October 2, 2008
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posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 2:48 PM on October 1, 2008 [7 favorites]