Goldin lots still open 1/2 he after nobids

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by AGuinness

There's probably a slightly more than subtle difference between a bar tab and the auction items that could get into five or six figures (although there are those tall tales about people throwing down at bars, too). If auction houses and their clients (consignors and bidders) were all completely comfortable with a system that used pen and paper to determine auction outcomes (with bidding information obviously out in the open for the auction house representatives), that system would probably be used - much cheaper than software, etc. But I don't think I'd want my maximum bid known by the auction house, much less scribbled down in someone's handwriting that might look like chicken scratch.
Taking a step back, something like this kind of seems like a first-world problem. We are so used to having regularly occurring auctions that offer a wide range of desired items (including many expensive ones, scarce pieces, etc.) that we can track, bid on and critique all while in our pajamas with the TV on in the background. And without the hassle of interacting with a live person (who the heck wants to do that?!). Most of the time, these auctions happen without a hitch. I didn't have any skin in this one (or any others that have been hacked), but I'm not sure a little delay in the final bell is such a big deal.

I think any discussion of paying money for pieces of cardboard likely falls into the very overused "first world problems" canard, regardless of auction irregularities.

Do you realize that some auction house employees can bid on items? And do you know what happens in auction houses as items are closing? Consignors call up and piss and moan about how poorly their items are and how they are getting killed. And this is the last time I work with you kind of stuff. I think it's a huge issue when "irregularities" like this seem to be increasingly the norm these days.