Genies for Sale

[RemieV]

I sent this to Randi the other day... I still just... can't... believe... it...


I was browsing through ebay, and came across a section that has genies for auction. As if that wasn't strange enough, people are actually bidding on them. And the prices are over a hundred dollars. The first I saw has nine bids so far, and is here

A second is here

A third


And a fourth

The fifth is the most interesting for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it has ten bids, which makes it unlikely it's the seller just boosting their own price. Secondly, it's the most expensive - it's at $315 right now. The part I cannot fathom, however, is that the seller has 100% positive feedback even though the store they run on ebay is called "Authentic Haunted Metaphysicals".

So I went to their feedback section, and these are some of the comments:

Seller,pendant,energy,gift,shipping and everything are really perfect. Thanks

*POWERFUL MYSTICAL GODDESSES RING*AMAZING GEM COLOR DANCE*MAGICK IS REAL*

The ring & special gift, was an amazing surprise!You can feel the power! Luv Ya!

SO BEAUTIFUL! I CANT WAIT TO WEAR IT! FEEL THE ENERGY AS SOON AS I TOUCHED IT!

The seller also says:

Okay. You’re human. You might be inclined to question the validity of these claims. All I can tell you is: they are true, and if you truly believe, you will receive in equal measure. Just this week, I received two e-mails from clients who just received their jewelry last week and are already getting the results they desire! Pls. read the testimonials below- the first two are the ones of which I am speaking! MAGICK IS REAL, whether you choose to believe in it or not.

If you scroll down far enough (and it's really far, so I'm doubting anyone actually gets there) in the listing description, it says this:

Legal disclaimer: Also be aware that all items proven to be paranormal may or may not manifest activities such as ghostly appearance, or ghostly sounds related activities and are proven for paranormal activities. Such Activities may or may not occur depending on the situation. By bidding you agree that activities may or may not occur and that we are not responsible of any related issues. You must be 18 years of age to make this purchase; you solely agree that your purchase is subject to your own interpretation. Law requirement states that Readings, Spells and paranormal objects are for sole entertainment purposes only and that this object has been tested as being active as I cannot be held responsible for any related behavior that may occur.
BY PURCHASING THIS ITEM, YOU ARE DOING SO AT YOUR OWN RISK, AND AGREEING THAT I AM NOT LIABLE FOR AND DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY MAGIC FROM ANY OF MY ITEMS.

I just... ten bids... I cannot believe it...

 

[grayman]

I was wondering what Barbara Eden's been up to...



ETA: Winning bid was $405.00 for the fifth one.

Winning bidder: User ID kept private

 

[RemieV]

Yep, I would totally believe all the bids were fake, because almost all are private auctions and don't show the winner... but then they leave feedback... and it's all different users.... Somehow this can't be real. IT JUST CAN'T BE REAL. I don't live in a world where people bid on genies... right? RIGHT???

 

[fuelair]

Yep, I would totally believe all the bids were fake, because almost all are private auctions and don't show the winner... but then they leave feedback... and it's all different users.... Somehow this can't be real. IT JUST CAN'T BE REAL. I don't live in a world where people bid on genies... right? RIGHT???

Well, they could be fake, but they would have to go through paypal (mostly that's how e-bay works, and ebay would get their cut. It should show up if all same source, etc.

 

[grayman]

I just checked. It seems a J.R. of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida purchased all the genies.











Just kidding.

 

[CFLarsen]

Why have a legal disclaimer if the product exists?

 

[thomps1d]

Why have a legal disclaimer if the product exists?

While I've also been amazed at how many people actually bid on junk like this, there is a pretty simple and obvious answer to your question:

Many states and/or countries which an eBay seller could find himself shipping to have laws stating that any sort of magic/witchcraft/paranormal things are illegal. Most make an exception for entertainment purposes, but not all.

So, even if this fellow genuinely believes that he's selling genuine genies, he would be forced to include such a disclaimer to avoid being prosecuted. And although common sense tells us that this seller isn't likely to really believe that he's selling genies, a quick scan of the MDC challenge applications will show that all sorts of people believe all sorts of things that most of us would believe are patently false.

 

[LawnOven]

Dude, genies totally exist. I'm about to sell one on ebay if anyone wants it.

He was bound to the January 27th of 2005 issue of Rolling Stone against his will.

 

[CFLarsen]

While I've also been amazed at how many people actually bid on junk like this, there is a pretty simple and obvious answer to your question:

Many states and/or countries which an eBay seller could find himself shipping to have laws stating that any sort of magic/witchcraft/paranormal things are illegal. Most make an exception for entertainment purposes, but not all.

So, even if this fellow genuinely believes that he's selling genuine genies, he would be forced to include such a disclaimer to avoid being prosecuted. And although common sense tells us that this seller isn't likely to really believe that he's selling genies, a quick scan of the MDC challenge applications will show that all sorts of people believe all sorts of things that most of us would believe are patently false.

That shows the weakness of such legislation: Throughout the page, the seller makes all kinds of claims, that only the deluded and/or desperate will fall for - but putting a disclaimer suddenly makes it OK?

It protects the scammers, not the public.

 

[JonWhite]

.... and to think that I threw my bag of "Patented Miracle Pixie Dust" away. Could'a made a fortune. Dagnammit!!!

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The first one makes a claim that "This ring is over 800 years old." Granted, my only real knowledge of antiques comes from Antiques Roadshow, but I do watch it faithfully, and would certainly think that could be verified and could amount to false-advertising if it's not an antique.

My knowledge of genies is considerably less so I can't really make any comments as to the legal status of genies. I do wonder, however, if immigration should be called.

 

[thomps1d]

It protects the scammers, not the public.

That's precisely what I hate about the "entertainment purposes only" clauses in such pieces of legislation. Imagine if other crimes had similar clauses!

"So is it true that on March 29, 2007, you pulled a gun on Mr. Smith and robbed him?"

"Well, yeah, but it was for entertainment purposes only. I totally told him that."

"Say no more, say no more. Have a pleasant day."

 

[fuelair]

.... and to think that I threw my bag of "Patented Miracle Pixie Dust" away. Could'a made a fortune. Dagnammit!!!

Put a box of jello powder into 20 or thirty small vials, sell as magic PMPD with the usual disclaimer. Refer to the weight/mass in a unit unlikely to be normally used by the johns, use the word vial. Make money!!!

Try to feel bad about this for at least five minutes every Sunday.