It is unarguable that the findings and statements concerning reselling in the marketplace is strong.
Admittedly, reselling is unavoidable. However, intent is very important.
It is okay to resell a service sourced from a seller that is outside BHW. But establishing, overseeing, or promoting a reselling rig to skew the dynamics of sales in the marketplace is unfair to other sellers and buyers.
Let us not get started on the rules. Breaking the rules comes with the territory in IM. Running stealth PP, AdSense, eBay, Fiverr accounts even when it is against their respective rules is a mainstay practice. With that said, it is up to the Admin to stamp their feet on what they want the marketplace to represent.
Fiverr has a very lose check on who run services there, and coupled with other factors, it is now a dumpster of sort for most service types. I'm not sure the folks at Fiverr give a rat ar** anymore, they have a huge incentive to leave things the way they are, and most buyers already know what they'll be getting in advance.
The BHW marketplace is a different kettle of fish altogether. I must say that two years after registering here, I still have solid reasons to continue using the forum (aside the service I run obviously). Many here make jokes of WF and WSO's with a straight face. It will be a shame if the joke is now on BHW.
When buyers come here, I'm pretty certain they're not looking for a Fiverr experience. Now, powlow's case is consequential: Nonetheless, it is an aching symptom of a problem that is growing by the day.
The BHW Admin team is terrific as far as I know and I agree they have persistent challenges and a bludgeoning workload. However, I think (and I believe a lot of members agree) that it is about time this problem is addressed before it eats deeper, creates a backlash (negative news spread faster), and cause people to avoid the marketplace like a scourge.
I propose that the Administration state their non-partisan official stance on this issue, make a strong statement, and if possibly embark on a cleansing scourge to prove that they indeed see this as a problem, and are committed to reducing its efficacy.
