We’re suspending the commissions-based payment system for writers

May 30, 2009 More articles: MMS News (46)

We have just received confirmation directly from eBay that the system we have been advertising by which we pay writers for articles based on eBay commissions falls under a category of business models that eBay is discontinuing its support for effective June 1.

To that end, claims can no longer be made on open pages. You are still encouraged, however, to post your comments when you find a section that you are knowledgeable about. This makes the MMS communities much more exciting and interesting anyway!

We may still choose certain categories in the future for which we will pay for articles. Payment will likely be set at a fixed amount, not based on commissions. More details on this as we sort it out.

What about writers who have already submitted live articles? You will be paid ASAP for your articles, probably at the article's minimum amount mentioned when you claimed it. We will be sending out emails in the coming days and payments soon after; you can sort out any issues you have with the admin via this email correspondence.

Also, such articles will obviously stop accruing commissions effective immediately.

If we are able to re-implement this system in the future we'll do so, but eBay has not made this decision lightly; it affects several websites and they have decided that it's the best decision for them. MMS has been moving away from relying on articles anyway, and moving to a more community, all-inclusive approach that makes the site more useful not only for shoppers and researchers but for bloggers and general collectors and enthusiasts in a wide variety of areas.

To that end we have several features on the way soon, including discussion forums (you've likely seen some discussion areas already around the site), the ability to post want lists, the ability to post things for sale, etc. All features will remain free and easy to use.

Thanks to the writers who have participated in the article/commission system until now; your articles were great and we hope you continue to offer your expertise in whatever sections you like. We are always open to suggestions for things that would make MMS the most fun and useful to you; you can contact us with our new feedback form to let us know about any idea or suggestion you have for MMS or any of its categories.

See you in the MMS flea market!

See also:

eBay 12/7 problem fixed

About the new layout

Update on the eBay listings

Where are the eBay listings?

We're back online!

New category: Psychedelic Vinyl LPs

New, easier For Sale listings format

New layout for the site

New discussion forums layout

Old sale-specific posts removed from Mega Miniblog