Over the past few years, both gamers and nongamers alike have been baffled by the premium prices commanded by in-game items in Second Life. So-called "gold farming"--the practice of creating In-Game Currency for real-world sale on auction sites--has become so prevalent, sweat shops devoted to it have opened up in China and other Asian countries.

Over the weekend, though, the most popular auction site on the planet began removing listings for in-game items--with one major exception. Though it now prohibits the selling of in-game items for World of Warcraft, EverQuest II, and other massively multiplayer online role-playing games, eBay will continue to allow sales for items and property in Second Life.