In further researching Intellectual Property type stuff, I'm in the clear. There's a difference between trademarked items like company logos and characters (Lego and Disney) and stuff that lives in the public domain like street signs and license plates. Plus, when adding digital rights into the mix, it's understandable how folks might feel a certain way about it.
That said, I'm not asking Etsy for business advice. I'm asking them why they disabled my ability to reply to customers. My account isn't disabled. I'm still making sales. Which means I'm still paying Etsy fees.
So, to reiterate, Etsy is still getting their fees, however I'm getting less of a service in exchange for those fees without an explanation. We all pay to use this service. It's not free.
Imagine paying for a car wash but they suddenly decided not to use soap. Sure, they rinsed off the car with water, and the car is cleaner, but that's not what you paid for. Then, when you ask why, you have to resort to talking to other people getting their car washed (these forums) and not the folks in charge of the car wash. Some of those customers respond with answers like "your car was too dirty" or "maybe you should research what a car wash really is".
I'm working under the assumption that everyone means well, but, well... It. Is. Frustrating.
