Korok Photography: January 2024

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Censored on eBay and Updates

I recently had a customer message me through eBay telling me that he would no longer buy from me since I was not going to send him uncensored scans of nudes. I did respond to him, and explained why I (and others) might not do this. I will explain it here. BTW, both he and I were polite. I also have no issue with any customer spending his or her money where they see fit. It's their money after all.

So, eBay used to allow the listing of uncensored nudes. They had an Adult Items section, but did away with it a couple of years ago. Now, I have to censor any nudes I post there. I have gotten away with some uncensored non-erotic nudes, but on the flip side I've had eBay end listings for just a hint of penis showing. eBay monitors the messages sent between members. I don't want to risk getting suspended for sending uncensored nudes. eBay is my primary source of income. I had eBay threaten to suspend me for a customer asking if we could take a transaction off-eBay, even though I responded to that customer saying I couldn't do that. Some of eBay's policies are meant to protect buyers, some to protect sellers, and all to protect eBay's share of the sale. I don't mean that as a slam - I've benefited from eBay's policies. It can be frustrating though.

The next point is that I don't save the scans once I post listings to eBay. And even so, those scans are censored. I know it can be frustrating as a buyer, but since I'm easily found elsewhere, you can likely see that model and have an idea. I also encourage questions.

What I didn't say in my reply: I have too many photos to go through and rescan something for a customer who may or may not buy it. Especially since that customer will only buy that photo. I barely make my living on eBay, and sales of less than $15-20 don't cover my labor. Not meant to be a complaint, just sharing my reality. Art and photography are my job, not my hobby.

Now, for updates...

I have more posted in my Zazzle Beefcake store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/korokbeefcake Right now, it's mostly been AI remixes of my photos, but I will get more photos posted there too. I have been trying to offer posters, photo enlargements, postcards, t-shirts, and other products for each design. Zazzle produces quality products, so I hope that you will consider buying there.

I have physical copies of Shirtless #20, and will put them on eBay soon. It's available through Amazon, of course, and will be the last of these I post there. Amazon has taken to asking for release forms, but when I supply them, they reject the issue anyway. I'm tired of fighting it. Future 'zines will appear on Lulu and Blurb, with the possibility of taking physical copies to IndieGoGo for funding.

I get asked about new photo shoots, and I don't know how to answer that. I haven't had a new shoot for these past couple of years. I don't miss the hustle of trying to find models. I would like to work with some new models, as well as returning models. I do lack funding for photo shoots, so I don't know what will happen. The economy has been killing me in terms of business. I've also been working on non-beefcake art and writing, so there's that as well...

I am currently looking for new venues for digital product. I am on Gumroad https://korokstudios13.gumroad.com/ but haven't had any traffic there. I eventually want to move out of the country, so I need a venue for selling digitally - especially adult items. If you have suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!

I don't have any other news to share at the moment. Take Care!