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[KyotoMecca]

OK, I remember there was a thread on GAF a few months back (which I just can't find) relating to a bunch of Dreamcast BETA GD-R games on Ebay that were going for $100-200 a pop, which I found astounding.

However I can't find any GDRs on eBay any more (save for one "blank" one, not actual p/review builds). Meanwhile, on eBay's prohibited and restricted items page (http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/ia/prohibited_and_restricted_items.html) there is a section specifically http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/beta.html states:

Beta, test, and evaluation copies of software are preliminary copies of software distributed by software developers strictly for the purpose of evaluation and troubleshooting.

eBay's Policy on beta software:
Do not list beta, test, or evaluation copies of software on eBay.

Warning
Listings offering beta, test or evaluation copies of software may be ended early by eBay. Multiple violations of eBay's beta software policy could result in the suspension of your account.

So if this is the case how was it possible for anyone to list that beta stuff? I mean it's years old now and nobody cares but it would still appear to be against ebay policy. Furthermore they are even saying "evaluation copies" which I guess we as media would call "promos" -- but there are plenty of those listed right now (of the Euro styled whitelabel variety) right now http://search.ebay.com/dreamcast-promo - and these are for the specific purpose of reviewing / evaluating.

It would be nice to know what the actual deal is because if people are still paying that kind of money for DC BETAs then frankly I want to make a killing. Any insight / feedback / opinions?

 

[Funky Papa]

I am really interested on this topic. I have a buttload of PS2 and Xbox games that I need to get rid of (well, not really, but it's money for nothing )

 

[Musashi Wins!]

The story on eBay is this. You can list pretty much anything on there, unless someone makes a stink about it, they don't care. Seriously, just in video games I can't tell you how many items of questionable legality I've seen listed in the open. If too many people report you for it, they'll pull the auction and send you off an email. But since collector's are pretty much the only people looking for them, etc. the sale just goes through. Your happy, the seller is happy, and eBay gets their slice.

 

[KyotoMecca]

The story on eBay is this. You can list pretty much anything on there, unless someone makes a stink about it, they don't care. Seriously, just in video games I can't tell you how many items of questionable legality I've seen listed in the open. If too many people report you for it, they'll pull the auction and send you off an email. But since collector's are pretty much the only people looking for them, etc. the sale just goes through. Your happy, the seller is happy, and eBay gets their slice.

This is wanted to hear.

I noticed that right now you can get debug Xboxen and an NR reader on there as well.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

I almost bought a Treamcast (sp?) on there from a dealer who was selling them pretty regularly. You know, some items, more attention. Less is better beyond the core people who would be interested.

 

[KyotoMecca]

I almost bought a Treamcast (sp?) on there from a dealer who was selling them pretty regularly. You know, some items, more attention. Less is better beyond the core people who would be interested.

And what would you suggest a good way is to get the message to the CORE people without getting it to OUTERCORE people who might blow the whistle? I would be hard pushed to think what kind of creature would even want to pay $200 for a Dreamcast BETA let alone know ehere to find it.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Dreamcast Beta X in your title is probably fine. It's a bit of a gamble, but the worst that happens is that this particular item gets pulled, you get an email, and you do it again later.