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Man Attempts to eBay Himself

by Tim Stevens on April 9, 2007 at 10:05 AM



Sadly it seems eBay is getting a bit stale in its old age. According to U.K. Sunday paper The Observer, Cambridge student Dean Robinson listed himself for sale, only to have the auction pulled by eBay for breaching its "No Item policy." This policy prohibits the sale of intangible things like ghosts and, apparently, potential. Unlike Michael Hault, the Aussie surfer who auctioned off all his worldly possessions, Dean Robinson was effectively selling the option to hire him after his graduation. He was pushed into this decision after finding himself unable to cover school fees. Cambridge requires that students maintain a bank account containing £12,600 (about $25,000) as proof that they can afford tuition, room, and board. Robinson, who is actually a few thousand quid in the hole, created his auction with an initial bid of £12,603.33.

After about 1,500 views (but no bids), the auction was removed and Robinson was left somewhat distraught, calling the policy "completely pedantic and draconian." However, eBay spokeswoman Vanessa Canzini seemed to leave the door open to Robinson and his life being relisted, saying "He needs to be clearer what the buyer could expect." Perhaps he should offer more specific body parts?

From Guardian Unlimited

Tags: australia, ebay

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