I've notice many users who are anti-2% are against it because they liken it to a Tax, or at least use that as their reasoning for it being unlawful to do.
I have a few points I would like to bring up to the populace. I have two reasons for doing this in my journal instead of a thread. One: Site Feedback is full of flamers and I'd rather not have to deal with that, thanks. Two: Journal pages are pretty. razz
And now... A comparison between the 2% Marketplace Fee and a Tax
Taxes - Are pooled into a government fund that is doled out to staff members to spend on various things
MP Fee - Vanishes away into the Database, much like when items are purchased from the NPC stores or a GGN is created
Taxes - Are used towards things like schooling, road improvement, construction, etc.
MP Fee - Isn't. In fact Gaia hands out college degrees for completing levels of a crossword puzzle, and has a child send volunteers out to clean up the streets of trash!
The definition of Tax is as follows:
–noun
1. a sum of money demanded by a government for its support or for specific facilities or services, levied upon incomes, property, sales, etc.
Taxes - Vary in percentage upon income and value of property
The MP fee - is a static 2% no matter HOW valuable the item you sell is.
The definition of 'fee' is as follows:
–noun
1. a charge or payment for professional services: a doctor's fee.
2. a sum paid or charged for a privilege: an admission fee.
You are paying for the specialized use of the Marketplace, when you could easily just facilitate the Trading Services which will still be free and make an Exchange Thread, which will earn you gold.
In short: The marketplace will now charge a 2% fee for it's services. Not a tax.
Stop calling it Taxation without Representation. You're NOT being taxed.
 Syndrama · Sun Sep 02, 2007 @ 12:15am · 2 Comments |
