The last movie I saw was called "Shattered Glass." It's the true story of Steven Glass, a writer for "The New Republic," a very well-known political magazine. In 1998, Steven was involved in a scandal because most of the writing he had done for a magazine was made up. As a rising star, he made up some or all of the facts in dozens of high-profile articles for national publications.
Steven's world came crashing down when Forbes magazine reporter Adam Penenberg found out that the article "Hack Heaven" was made up. He was fired from the Republic after he made a fake website, a fake voicemail account, and fake notes to trick the people who check facts.
Steven recently wrote "The Fabulist," a biographical novel in which he explains how and why he fooled his employers, friends, and the public with his dream weaving. He's been on 60 Minutes and other shows for interviews. Even now, he still makes money from what he did.
It would be a huge understatement to say that eBay has been and still is a place where things are always changing. Since eBay started in 1995, I've been selling there. Early on, I called eBay for tech support. From the receptionist's desk, I was put in touch with the "server room." Pierre answered the phone, and I found out later that he was the founder. There have been a lot of changes since then.
Most of my day is spent on the internet. Selling things. Writing books. Putting up websites to make money. But doing research takes up by far the most of my time. Trying to get information so I can improve my current projects or start new ones. Trying to make my own little oasis on the internet today is like trying to find my way through a vast desert.
When you say the name "eBay," people almost always have something to say about it. If you ask my mom, she'll tell you all about it, even though she doesn't have a computer and has never used the internet. It's just amazing. One thing that will be in every opinion is a dollar sign. Money means eBay. Many people think that they can quit their job at any time and start making money on eBay right away. I don't know how we got here, but whoever is in charge of marketing is doing a great job.
Don't get me wrong. eBay is the place to go if you want to clean out your attic. No problem if you want to check out a few garage sales and make a couple of "C" notes. But if you want a full-time job that pays your electric bill and gives you health insurance, you should stick with Wal-Mart.
When I saw "Shattered Glass," it made me think about how eBay is doing right now. Every month, I buy eight to ten eBooks that teach me how to make money. I can reach the $39.95 book "Auctions For Income" that's sitting on the shelf right here. Almost every book I buy has something in common with the other books I've already bought. They are ideas and information from the past. Good thoughts? Yes. Ideas that still work? No.
People who make a lot of money on eBay don't talk about how they do it. Did you? They kill their horse by riding it. Then, they write an eBook telling people that for only $29.95, they too can make money. When people want to tell the truth, it's hard to get them to do it. The stories about eBay are hot, and so is eBay itself. Most people buy lottery tickets because they want to get rich and famous. It's why no one ever bothered to check if Steven Glass's stories were true. Dreaming in his world was just too much fun.
There's no doubt that you can make money on eBay. There are definitely people today who make a living on eBay. But the days of getting rich fast without having to work are over. From now on, good old-fashioned business principles will be the rule of the day. You should do this every day: find a niche, work that niche, and look for the next one. Do good business, and when you get a break, be thankful.
Don't believe a lie just because it sounds good. Don't talk about pie in the sky.
