Breaking up is hard to do - and not necessarily pretty when it comes to business.

An online-auction industry chat board is hosting a downright ugly exchange involving primary players of Ethical Technologies LLC, a company that offers tools and services for eBay sellers. Accusations run the gamut, from drug abuse and financial impropriety to marital infidelity and corporate espionage, dragging many well-known eBay sellers and eBay-related services into the scrum.

The schism occurred after a funding deal fell through and a disagreement ensued over the direction of the company. Scott Samuel, a co-founder and managing partner at Ethical Technologies, confirmed he was involved with a gaming chat-board site Rune HQ. He said he was exploring how to monetize the site through affiliate marketing programs, but he said he was unsure if he would pursue the business through Ethical Technologies. Samuel had sold his eBay-counter company Honesty.com to Andale in 2000.

Ethical Technologies is still a viable site, Samuel said, providing eBay selling tools and with several licensing agreements in place. He said a forensic accountant is wrapping up an investigation into possible financial improprieties at the company.

Bill Bogardus, Chief Operating Officer, and Lou Didona, VP of Product Development, who have been suspended from the company, sharply disagree with Samuel's assessment of Ethical's affairs. The two, who each own 12% membership interest in Ethical Technologies LLC, are participating in the posts on the Ross Board, an auction-industry gossip board.

Warning: graphic language

http://p077.ezboard.com/fross98289ross.showMessage?topicID=3995.topic

http://www.sneakydave.com/content/view/112/

Updated link:
http://therossshow.com/showthread.php?t=2292