Last weekwe posted an eBay auctionwhere the marketer — an ex - employee of Apple — was sell a broken step from the Fifth Ave New York Apple store . threaten with legal activeness , he was forced to remove it . Here ’s his fib .
https://gizmodo.com/broken-step-from-apples-new-york-store-on-sale-at-ebay-5476997
Hi . IʼmMark Burstiner . I host a show called The Circuit . Iʼm an all around geek , Iʼm a project manager on a freelance basis , and I confer in digital strategy . I want to peach to you about a story thatʼs still spread .
It may seem stock , but for me , itʼs about the rule at this detail . I also want to thank Gizmodo for taking this storey , and allow me to publish it in my own words . Multi billion dollar tummy should not be able-bodied to boss around an innocent ex - employee into cooperation , particularly when the corporations are at fault .
A class and a one-half ago , I was an Apple employee at the Fifth Ave flagship store . In that time , there was a silly , inauspicious accident . A woman came down the magnificent spiral stairway , and dropped a Snapple bottle . Yes , a Snapple bottle . After bouncing once or doubly , the bottle severely crack one of the step . Since these whole step are so well organize , the structural integrity of the footstep was n’t compromised , but it was certainly a cosmetic problem . Later that calendar month , four or five very braggy men came to replace the footstep with a young one . After they were finished , and the steps that were replaced were out on the kerb , I left the store . Off the clock and in civilian clothes , I asked the contractors who were there on behalf of Seele , the maker , if I could have a pace . “ It could be a payable some day , ” I said . They , of course , saw no job with it , and even collectively helped me arise it into a vehicle . That is the story of how I come to be in possession of a stride from the spiral staircase at Apple Fifth Ave .
tight forward to six day ago , February 20 , 2010 . Iʼve been cleaning up my flat , because Iʼm going to be move before long , and I realized I really did n’t want to move ( for the third time ) with this whole step . It should be about time I put it up on eBay , see if anybody need it and see if I canʼt make some cash to help with be active at the same time . That makes common sense , right ? I mean people end up with rarified memorabilia all the clock time . After all , I did procure it through all legitimate mean value . I asked for license from the mortal whoʼs will power it was in . They assist me bring up it into the vehicle for chrissakes . We should be all hunky dory , right ? faulty .
The very next solar day , the eBay posting got a lot of pressing , and iteven end up here on the Giz . Not 24 hours later , the stair was up to $ 255 , dozens of eBay questions , and 200 + watchers with 9 days to go on the auction . thing were looking respectable until I was reached out to by a Seele VP . This gentleman inform me that Apple has caught wind of this and is quite unhappy . He requested I remove the eBay list so that we may do work this out when we both had more time . Of course , Iʼm a reasonable guy , so I comply immediately .
Later that same day , we speak again . He check me he was doing me a favour by extend to out to me and quest that I take away the posting and return the glass step . He repeatedly made the point that if I complied that he would be so tolerant as so email Apple and order them Iʼve been cooperative . “ Oh , how magnanimous of you , ” I thought to myself . As tempting as it might be to resign what is now my holding , I passed on the offer .
The VP continuously jeopardize me with “ thousands of clam in effectual fees ” because both Seele and Apple would not hesitate to take sound military action . Even after repeated explanation of how I come into possession of the step , he go on to mitigate for Apple and attempt to make the point that it was Appleʼs side that since I was on Apple payroll as an employee ( part - time , non - exempt , off the clock , out of uniform ) , that request the footmark was on par with giving a lineal order to the contractor . That , if you will excuse my speech communication , is bullshit . I donʼt corrupt it . He proceeded to assure me that Apple would take the place that anything that begin in its shop is Appleʼs property . Frankly , Apple can take any stance they like , it does n’t change the fact .
This man then attempt to convince me that if I were to move forward with not relinquishing the step , that it would be my responsibility in a court of law of law to show that I had not steal it . This , again , is bullshit . In the United States , we are unacquainted until proven shamefaced . If Apple would like to assay to leaven that I managed to wrestle a 250 pound footprint from the five very large men handling it , then they are on the good drugs , and I want to know where I can get some .
The next sidereal day , we spoke once more over the phone . Again , I learn the same points from the piece , but this fourth dimension I did not take a peaceful feeler . I made it quite absolved that if he wanted the tone , heʼs more than welcome to purchase it from me , or enter in the eBay auction . He made me an offer lower than the most recent command on the auction , and I declined . At this power point , Iʼve lost time and money due to dealing with this . Not to refer , now that the step has seen some pressing , the demand is growing . ( Iʼve been receiving eBay messages all the way up until this morning . ) He see me if I did not comply , my information would be forwarded to Apple , and the conversation end .
As far as Iʼm mindful , I have done nothing illegal . I have not stolen . I have not deceived in any elbow room . The step is not confidential , and it is not IP . The step is the very same that any New Yorker could see by walk into Apple Fifth Ave . The only thing I am guilty of is taking the risk of cast off out my back through having to move the footstep multiple time . I saw an opportunity , I asked for permission , have it , and proceeded . I wonʼt allow a major corporation to bully me into a corner . At the time of this posting , it has been seven full twenty-four hours since I put the listing up , and I havenʼt take heed from Apple directly a single meter . I have every right to trade my property , and I contrive to do so .
Hereʼs what Iʼm going to do . Iʼve put the tread back up for auction bridge , but have shorten the auction sale period from 10 day to 3 , starting at the same $ 200 price full point and Iʼm drop the buy - it - now option . I just want to get rid of this thing . If it sells for a great deal , great . If it sells for a small , whatever . Either fashion , Iʼll keep you posted if I hear from Apple or on any other developments .
I realise this has been long - winded , but it was authoritative to me to partake this . I just donʼt think itʼs mighty for corporations to take casing that might otherwise be put across off as trivial and plow them into a week - long ordeal , all for the sake of paranoia . If youʼve read through all this , thank you . I take account your attention and time .
AppleEBay
Daily Newsletter
Get the good technical school , scientific discipline , and culture intelligence in your inbox daily .
News from the future , delivered to your present tense .
You May Also Like
