OT - Ebay going captcha crazy right now. Watch your snipes.
 

I noticed it happening to me on Ebay and went to the Ebay boards where it appears to be a widespread issue.

Ebay forcing users to input security captcha numbers on a regular basis. For some users it's at a very annoying rate........like on nearly every refresh.

This is bound to wreck havoc with the snipe programs I imagine.

I'm one that is on a "nearly every refresh".

I have debating about driving my head through a concrete wall.

I decided against it.

Wonder what the flags are that causes this, the only time I have to enter a captcha is if I'm sending someone a message.

In theory sniping keeps eBay's cut lower than it might otherwise be. I wonder if this is an attempt to increase their top line.

Sean,

Good call. Please don't put your head through a wall. I can't imagine it would do anyone any good.

Sorry to hear that this issue is affecting you in such a severe manner.

Best regards,

Eric

I'd err on the side on incompetence in this case. Maybe if they banned sniping altogether that would do it, but as it is, so many people use it for auctions it is only hurting themselves and sellers.

I don't think to many people are going to start early bidding wars with each other because of captcha issues. On higher end stuff, it might not matter. People will wait out until the last second to see how it's going.

What it hurts generally is the middle of the road and bottom rung stuff. (i.e. my stuff :D)

Maybe if they were coming up with their own sniping program to "capture the market" it might make sense, but I see no evidence of that.

IMO, if you are deciding to kill the snipe programs, you need to go to a more traditional "soft" auction ending like auction houses do. You get a bid, 1 more minute, you get a bid, 1 more minute.........or something similar.

I've been asking them for that for years. Can't understand what the down side would be. It would make them more money for sure.

Think about what captcha impacts. Auctions? Yes. BINs? Not much. Incompetence or intentional? Pondering.... ;)

Considering I spend 12 to 16 hours a day on the website, it is rather frustrating.

I can't imagine the person cleaning up my mess would be happy.