Second, I don't know if you've heard, but Smashwords sent out an email to all authors, agents, and publishers of erotica letting everyone know that they had only a few days to pull stories involving psuedo-incest, bestiality, and rape for tittilation. Paypal is forcing the issue. If the titles aren't pulled, they will no longer do business with Smashwords and Smashwords cannot simply stop using Paypal. I understand that. Personally, it shouldn't impact me at this very moment since those are not the stories I write. However, Smashwords has already stated that they may pull stories by mistake if they believe the content meets the new definition of prohibited content. Since they cannot possibly read all of the stories, I have yet to figure out how they will pull off the stories that authors don't voluntarily pull. I guess we'll see. I suppose one thing that concerns me is that I realize in the future, Paypal may decide that they will no longer do business with anyone who buys or sells erotica. I personally don't like the type of stories that are currently being banned but I don't like that Paypal is refusing to let people buy them and make the payment using their service. They are simply too big and powerful and they know it. What happens when they won't let people buy or sell erotica? I like erotica and I know I'm not the only one. It bothers me a great deal that a company will decide what is morally acceptable for me to read and what is not. Oh, did I mention that as I understand it, it's only the erotica category that the changes apply to? If similar content shows up in a story in any another genre, it does not currently have to meet the new standards. It's all fiction folks. Now, do I think Smashwords can find a solution to this? Not in three days. Eventually, maybe. Yes, Smashwords makes payments by Paypal, but I opted for the good old fashioned paper check. I don't necessarily trust Paypal to actually give me my money. I've heard stories about them holding onto payments for one reason or another and yes, I realize those stories may not be true. I have no way of knowing, but I still prefer the check. My decision is a personal one. I've elected not to do business with Paypal unless there is simply no other way to make a payment. Yes, Paypal was easy, but I cannot personally support them if I can avoid it. Nearly every online store I normally order from will also take credit card payments. I know my business is so insignificant that Paypal won't care one way or another but I'll know. If you want to find out more, try TechCrunch. They picked up the story and also have a link to Smashwords. I'm not sure all of their information is correct but it's close.
Casey