I don't blame Goldin for running the auction, or even for deciding to extend it for another day. What's particularly frustrating to me is the fact there was no communication until afterwards. If the site was stalling or slow before 10:00, they should have sent an email noting that and indicating they would potentially be extending the bidding for another day. I also don't understand why they didn't use some of the approaches to auction closing that they've used over the last few auctions after there were issues. With 8,000+ lots, they could have split it over 3-4 days etc.
Regarding communication, all I'd want is:
- An email in advance that says something like, "in the event that the site is down for xx amount of time within xx amount of time of auction close, it will be extended for another day."
- Updates if there are slowdowns
- A banner on each auction page that shows "auction has been extended" if that is the case.
Ironically for me, the slowness of the site meant that I couldn't raise my bid on an auction I was going after in the overtime tonight, so I didn't win it. Paid an extra $50 on the one item I won, so no huge impact, and not particularly bothered by the item I didn't win (but was winning last night). But the idea that extending was "fairer" is disingenuous. It is better for the sellers, which I get.