Your cynical view is not borne out by past eBay practices, Robert. eBay does want transactions that result from posting on their service to result in a commission. However, I've seen no evidence they are violating any trusts to search out those who do private deals. Reading email than they have agreed to forward and have stated will remain private would open them to considerable liability. With the pack of lawyers in this country ready to jump to the defense of every supposed 'victim' and do a class-action lawsuit, they would almost certainly lose more than they could possibly gain in commissions.

I don't think we have to worry about privacy in this area. I also understand they are working with an outside company to do the mail forwarding. There's no reason why the email should be delayed as I agree some of their auction confirmations are today.

DonL