My family has had a good time for the last few weeks, teasing me about my "gambling problem". That's because PayPal froze my account on suspicion that I was running an illegal online gambling operation. So my father now refers to me as his "bookie" and asks to "put some money on the ponies". Fortunately I was able to convince the customer service representative at PayPal that what our community refers to as a lottery isn't really a form of gambling. My account was restored, but I was told I would need to remove all references to "games of chance" from my website.
I'm still not sure how this is going to change how I sell my work, but it's clear that whatever is done the website needs to be changed. I'm using the opportunity to reorganize the site and do a few updates. I am not brave enough to do a complete redesign, but I hope to give it a little more logical structure.
With that goal in mind, I have been working on a blog index of sorts. I've had the blog for three years, and have generated hundreds of posts. Some of them are even useful! I've tried several times to get Blogger's tags to work so people can better find the useful ones, but tags continue to allude me. So I am working on a page for the website with links to blog posts by topic. That way those looking for them can find all the posts on moldmaking, or all the posts on horse color, or glazing, or treehouses and catapults.
4 comments:
Ooh! More Lesli goodness on the way! Hurray!
I periodically "visit" the web site, just to enjoy the ponies and remind myself about the articles; I also use the "what is possible" chart there, because I only carry my printed one with me to shows. Now to have an index of posts will be uber-helpful, since I refer to many of them often, and I agree: they are hard to find (at least quickly, when I want to show someone something fast).
Sorry about Paypal, but in this particular case, it likely isn't their fault! Blame the state and federal regulations on gambling! I got into some very sticky wickets when I tried to hold a raffle at ZEBRA, which as you remember was on federally-operated property! Yikes!
you have got to be kidding me! they froze your account! hmm .. now I wonder how they even know you used the words lottery on it?.. Im thinking someone must have ratted on you or something just to cause problems..I mean ..or do they ck out everyones websites to make sure were not all gambling? or doing illegal stuff? how they heck did they know you used the word lottery on your website..? thats just weird .. I think its more likely a rat someplace trying to cause you problems?.. some people.. geeze.. good luck on the updated website! Im having mine redone. no way do I think I could do one right now..I did years ago and I hate it.. lol good luck!
Rebecca Turner
www.solticeartstudio.blogspot.com
No, it wasn't anyone turning me in, at least not intentionally. A customer used the word "lottery" in the memo line of the payment. That flagged the transaction, which was tied to the website (it's a business account). PayPal is just trying to ensure it doesn't get dragged into some kind of illegal online gambling investigation.
And it's not just me. I've since found out this has been happening a lot lately to artists that hold lotteries and shows that hold raffles. I can only imagine that PayPal has had legal issues with gambling regulations and is cracking down because of it.
oh ok good then.. was hoping there wasn't some jealous person out there trying to make trouble for you.. you just never know... so.. yea I wondered because I have bought tickets for lotteries via paypal before... guess they have to be careful.. we can all call it something else in the hobby.. like .. hmmm. hot horse deals? lol jackity jobber gobs? googlsnick tickets? lol.. ok haven't had my tea this morning yet.. lol
Rebecca Turner
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