eBay has agreed to pay a $3 million fine to settle charges of harassment against bloggers who criticized the company. According to court documents, eBay executives sent live spiders and cockroaches to Ina and David Steiner, who were targeted for producing a newsletter that the employees did not like. The couple suffered emotional, psychological, and physical distress as a result of the harassment.

Jim Baugh, eBay’s former senior director of safety and security, led a campaign to intimidate the Steiners. This included sending live insects, a foetal pig, and a funeral wreath to their home, as well as installing a GPS tracking device on their car and creating posts on Craigslist inviting sexual encounters at their address. The employees responsible for these actions were fired by eBay, and Baugh and six associates were charged and sentenced to prison.

Baugh’s lawyers claimed that he was pressured by former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to target the Steiners due to their negative coverage of the company. However, Wenig has not been charged in the case and denies knowledge of the harassment campaign. The US Attorney’s Office described eBay’s conduct as “absolutely horrific” and aimed at silencing the Steiners’ reporting and protecting the company’s brand.

This case highlights the importance of respecting freedom of speech and the consequences of using harassment and intimidation to silence critics. It also serves as a reminder that individuals in positions of power should be held accountable for their actions. eBay’s agreement to pay the fine demonstrates a recognition of the harm caused and a commitment to rectifying the situation.

Original news source: eBay pays $3m fine in blogger harassment case (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article and then write a summary of the key points. Encourage them to focus on the main events, the parties involved, and the impact of the harassment on the Steiners.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Have them discuss their opinions on whether eBay’s actions were justified or not. Then, have each group take a poll within their group to see how many agree and disagree with their opinion. Finally, have a class discussion where groups share their findings and reasons behind their opinions.

– Sketch It
Instructions: Assign each student a specific scene or event from the article. They must then sketch a visual representation of that scene or event. Afterward, have students take turns presenting their sketches to the class and explaining what they depicted.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Create a list of key words from the article (e.g. harassment, intimidate, freedom of speech) and write them on separate slips of paper. Divide the class into small groups and give each group a set of the slips. One student from each group must draw a picture to represent the word on the slip, while the other group members try to guess the word. The group with the most correct guesses wins.

– Two Truths and a Lie
Instructions: Have students take turns sharing two true statements and one false statement related to the article. The other students in the class must then guess which statement is the lie. This activity encourages critical thinking and listening skills as students analyze the information presented.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What were the methods of harassment used against the Steiners by eBay executives?
2. How did the harassment affect the Steiners emotionally, psychologically, and physically?
3. Who was the former eBay senior director responsible for leading the campaign of intimidation against the Steiners?
4. What were some of the items sent to the Steiners’ home as part of the harassment campaign?
5. What actions did eBay take against the employees responsible for the harassment?
6. What defense did Jim Baugh’s lawyers use in the case?
7. What was the US Attorney’s Office’s description of eBay’s conduct in this case?
8. What does eBay’s agreement to pay the fine demonstrate?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

eBay has agreed to pay a $3 million fine to settle (1)______ of harassment against (2)______ who criticized the company. According to court documents, eBay executives sent live spiders and cockroaches to Ina and David Steiner, who were (3)______ for producing a newsletter that the employees did not like. The couple suffered emotional, psychological, and physical distress as a (4)______ of the harassment.

Jim Baugh, eBay’s former senior (5)______ of safety and (6)______, led a campaign to intimidate the Steiners. This included sending live insects, a foetal pig, and a funeral wreath to their home, as well as installing a GPS tracking device on their car and creating posts on Craigslist inviting sexual (7)______ at their address. The employees responsible for these (8)______ were fired by eBay, and Baugh and six associates were charged and sentenced to prison.

Baugh’s lawyers claimed that he was pressured by former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to target the (9)______ due to their negative coverage of the company. However, Wenig has not been charged in the case and (10)______ knowledge of the (11)______ campaign. The US Attorney’s Office (12)______ eBay’s conduct as “absolutely horrific” and aimed at silencing the Steiners’ reporting and protecting the company’s brand.

This case highlights the importance of respecting freedom of speech and the consequences of using harassment and intimidation to silence critics. It also serves as a reminder that individuals in (13)______ of (14)______ should be held (15)______ for their actions. eBay’s agreement to pay the fine demonstrates a recognition of the harm (16)______ and a commitment to rectifying the situation.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on eBay’s actions towards the bloggers who criticized them?
2. How would you feel if you were targeted for producing content that a company did not like?
3. Do you think it is acceptable for a company to use harassment and intimidation to silence critics? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever experienced or witnessed harassment or intimidation in your own life? How did it make you feel?
5. What do you think should be the consequences for individuals in positions of power who engage in harassment and intimidation?
6. Do you believe that freedom of speech should be protected at all costs? Why or why not?
7. How do you think this case will impact eBay’s reputation and brand image?
8. Have you ever been a victim of online harassment or cyberbullying? How did you handle the situation?
9. What steps do you think companies should take to prevent harassment and intimidation within their organization?
10. How important do you think it is for individuals to hold companies accountable for their actions?
11. Do you think the $3 million fine is a sufficient punishment for eBay’s actions? Why or why not?
12. How do you think the Steiners’ reporting will be affected by this incident? Will they continue to criticize eBay?
13. Have you ever faced any negative consequences for expressing your opinion or criticizing someone or something? Can you share your experience?
14. Do you think this case will serve as a deterrent for other companies who may consider using harassment and intimidation to silence critics?
15. What do you think individuals can do to protect themselves from harassment and intimidation in the online world?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. harassment
2. criticized
3. executives
4. psychological
5. distress
6. intimidate
7. insects
8. foetal
9. wreath
10. GPS
11. Craigslist
12. sentenced
13. horrific
14. silencing
15. accountability

Meanings:
(A) Aggressive pressure or intimidation
(B) Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
(C) The act of preventing someone from expressing themselves
(D) Individuals in high-level management positions within a company
(E) A circular arrangement of flowers and leaves, typically used as a decoration or memorial symbol
(F) Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used for determining precise locations
(G) Related to the mind and emotional state of an individual
(H) A website known for classified advertisements and community forums
(I) Extremely terrible or dreadful
(J) Expressed disapproval or negative comments about something or someone
(K) Declared by a court to serve a punishment, often time in prison
(L) To frighten or coerce someone into doing something
(M) Pertaining to an unborn offspring still developing in the womb
(N) Small arthropod animals, often considered pests
(O) The obligation of an individual or organization to take responsibility for their actions
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did eBay executives send to the Steiners as part of the harassment campaign?
(a) Flowers and chocolates
(b) Money and gift cards
(c) Apology letters
(d) Live spiders and cockroaches

2. Who led the campaign to intimidate the Steiners?
(a) Devin Wenig
(b) Ina and David Steiner
(c) Jim Baugh
(d) eBay employees

3. What actions did the employees responsible for the harassment face?
(a) They were fired by eBay and charged with crimes
(b) They received promotions within the company
(c) They were given a warning and allowed to continue working
(d) They were not held accountable for their actions

4. Who claimed to be pressured by former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to target the Steiners?
(a) Jim Baugh
(b) Ina and David Steiner
(c) The employees responsible for the harassment
(d) eBay customers

5. How did the US Attorney’s Office describe eBay’s conduct?
(a) “Justifiable”
(b) “Understandable”
(c) “Absolutely horrific”
(d) “Unimportant”

6. What does this case highlight the importance of?
(a) Silencing critics
(b) Respecting freedom of speech
(c) Protecting a company’s brand
(d) Using harassment and intimidation

7. What does eBay’s agreement to pay the fine demonstrate?
(a) Denial of any wrongdoing
(b) A lack of accountability
(c) A disregard for freedom of speech
(d) Recognition of the harm caused and a commitment to rectifying the situation

8. What should individuals in positions of power be held accountable for?
(a) Their opinions
(b) Their actions
(c) Their wealth
(d) Their reputation

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Baugh and six associates were charged and sentenced to prison for their involvement in the harassment.
2. eBay has agreed to pay a $3 million fine to settle charges of harassment against bloggers.
3. Jim Baugh, eBay’s former senior director of safety and security, led a campaign to protect the Steiners.
4. Baugh’s lawyers claimed that he was not pressured by former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to target the Steiners.
5. The targeted couple, Ina and David Steiner, suffered emotional, psychological, and physical distress as a result of the harassment.
6. The US Attorney’s Office described eBay’s conduct as “absolutely horrific” and aimed at silencing the Steiners’ reporting.
7. Court documents conceal that eBay executives sent live spiders and cockroaches to the bloggers who praised the company.
8. The appreciation campaign included sending live insects, a foetal pig, and a funeral wreath to the Steiners’ home.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What actions did eBay executives take to harass the Steiner couple?
2. Who was the former eBay executive responsible for leading the campaign against the Steiners?
3. What were some of the items sent to the Steiners’ home as part of the harassment campaign?
4. What claims did Jim Baugh’s lawyers make about his involvement in the harassment campaign?
5. What does eBay’s agreement to pay the fine demonstrate?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The methods of harassment used against the Steiners by eBay executives included sending live spiders and cockroaches to their home, as well as installing a GPS tracking device on their car.
2. The harassment affected the Steiners emotionally, psychologically, and physically, causing them emotional distress, psychological trauma, and physical harm.
3. The former eBay senior director responsible for leading the campaign of intimidation against the Steiners was Jim Baugh.
4. Some of the items sent to the Steiners’ home as part of the harassment campaign included a foetal pig and a funeral wreath.
5. eBay fired the employees responsible for the harassment.
6. Jim Baugh’s lawyers claimed that he was pressured by former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to target the Steiners due to their negative coverage of the company.
7. The US Attorney’s Office described eBay’s conduct as “absolutely horrific” and aimed at silencing the Steiners’ reporting and protecting the company’s brand.
8. eBay’s agreement to pay the fine demonstrates a recognition of the harm caused and a commitment to rectifying the situation.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) charges
(2) bloggers
(3) targeted
(4) result
(5) director
(6) security
(7) encounters
(8) actions
(9) Steiners
(10) denies
(11) harassment
(12) described
(13) positions
(14) power
(15) accountable
(16) caused
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. harassment
Answer: (A) Aggressive pressure or intimidation

2. criticized
Answer: (J) Expressed disapproval or negative comments about something or someone

3. executives
Answer: (D) Individuals in high-level management positions within a company

4. psychological
Answer: (G) Related to the mind and emotional state of an individual

5. distress
Answer: (B) Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain

6. intimidate
Answer: (L) To frighten or coerce someone into doing something

7. insects
Answer: (N) Small arthropod animals, often considered pests

8. foetal
Answer: (M) Pertaining to an unborn offspring still developing in the womb

9. wreath
Answer: (E) A circular arrangement of flowers and leaves, typically used as a decoration or memorial symbol

10. GPS
Answer: (F) Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used for determining precise locations

11. Craigslist
Answer: (H) A website known for classified advertisements and community forums

12. sentenced
Answer: (K) Declared by a court to serve a punishment, often time in prison

13. horrific
Answer: (I) Extremely terrible or dreadful

14. silencing
Answer: (C) The act of preventing someone from expressing themselves

15. accountability
Answer: (O) The obligation of an individual or organization to take responsibility for their actions
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did eBay executives send to the Steiners as part of the harassment campaign?
Answer: (d) Live spiders and cockroaches

2. Who led the campaign to intimidate the Steiners?
Answer: (c) Jim Baugh

3. What actions did the employees responsible for the harassment face?
Answer: (a) They were fired by eBay and charged with crimes

4. Who claimed to be pressured by former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to target the Steiners?
Answer: (a) Jim Baugh

5. How did the US Attorney’s Office describe eBay’s conduct?
Answer: (c) “Absolutely horrific”

6. What does this case highlight the importance of?
Answer: (b) Respecting freedom of speech

7. What does eBay’s agreement to pay the fine demonstrate?
Answer: (d) Recognition of the harm caused and a commitment to rectifying the situation

8. What should individuals in positions of power be held accountable for?
Answer: (b) Their actions
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Baugh and six associates were charged and sentenced to prison for their involvement in the harassment. (Answer: True)
2. eBay has agreed to pay a $3 million fine to settle charges of harassment against bloggers. (Answer: True)
3. Jim Baugh, eBay’s former senior director of safety and security, led a campaign to protect the Steiners. (Answer: False)
4. Baugh’s lawyers claimed that he was not pressured by former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to target the Steiners. (Answer: False)
5. The targeted couple, Ina and David Steiner, suffered emotional, psychological, and physical distress as a result of the harassment. (Answer: True)
6. The US Attorney’s Office described eBay’s conduct as “absolutely horrific” and aimed at silencing the Steiners’ reporting. (Answer: True)
7. Court documents conceal that eBay executives sent live spiders and cockroaches to the bloggers who praised the company. (Answer: False)
8. The appreciation campaign included sending live insects, a foetal pig, and a funeral wreath to the Steiners’ home. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧