Trade Me fans fear worst

The people who "make Trade Me what it is" have hit out at the $700 million buy-out, fearing it will ruin New Zealand's most popular website.

The site has become more than an internet auction house with an online community of thousands of people regularly holding cyber discussions on anything ranging from music to dealing with depression.

Yesterday the message boards were running hot on one subject - Trade Me's new owner. Some even threatened to boycott the site.

One message read: "Now we have a corporate owning git and things will never be the same!! Good for you Sam, but I will never use this site as I did before."

Chief among the fears were the future plans of the new Australian owners Fairfax, removal of message boards, advertising levels and a hike in the fees.

"Actually I think we should get a reduction in fees, as we ARE Trade Me!! Without us there is nothing!" read one message.

Trade Me members have become increasingly powerful in the running of the website. A decision whether to remain global or become New Zealand and Australia only was put to the vote and owner Sam Morgan went with the majority.

Another decision on whether concert tickets should be sold online was also left to members.

But many of those people were yesterday afraid that the takeover by "Fearfax" would change that.

"I hope it still stays a Kiwi thing, I think TM is a Kiwi icon," said one message.

Others were angry at the sale.

"Nothing is sacred when wads of filthy lucre are waved under your eyes," said one.

Most, however, were supportive of Mr Morgan, with many messages of congratulations for his achievements in building up the site over six years.

Michael Carney, author of Trade Me Success Secrets, believes the fears are largely unfounded.

Fairfax had bought a "significant and successful operation and they would more than tinker with it at their peril".

Among those who could be most affected are the growing number of full-time professional traders.

But Mr Carney said the sale would be a positive thing for them, with better resources leading to greater improvements such as making it easier for people to sell in larger volumes.

"Some of the things in the 'we wish we had time and money to do that basket' are likely to get done now," he said.