Oh man, would this ever be hilarious. Fact of the matter is you're correct,
Sylly. By selling items on E-Bay, a real world valuation of virtual items
has been created. In some states this would be enough to charge the person
with theft. It gets worse by far though. Because the theft took place
across state-lines, unless all parties involved live in California, there
are also several federal laws that would be violated. Imagine the scene in
San Diego were the FBI to burst into Verant headquarters with warrants to
seize evidence in the form of computer log files, backup tapes, etc. I
believe you're right Sylly, eventually someone will take real legal action
and actually bring something like this to trial somewhere. The can of worms
this will open will likely shake the MMORPG worlds up pretty bad. Every
time Verant fails to police this on their own, they accelerate the coming of
that fateful event.

Kit

From: "Sylly Songsynger" <jgs@...>

I would love to see someone who is a real life attorney or has some bucks to
hire one go after these loot item stealers. Subpoena Verant for the real
life name of the loot thief and file both criminal charges and civil suit.
That sot's local newspapers would have a field day with a story like that.
The thieves (and/or the farmer's) have established "real - life" value of
these items by selling them for cash on e-bay. "Your honor and esteemed
members of the jury, I beg your patience in this matter but I must show you
what grievous mental anguish my client would suffer if she were to have to
endure another Ykesha camp. Now this may take a few hours so get
comfortable and watch....And remember she had TWO of the items stolen! OMG!
Lord with a Sword!!!"

It's only a matter of time before this will happen.