Auction Houses and blind bidding

[drc]

My question is what is meant by 'transparency.' I'm against bidder's names being published, but perhaps what is meant is ebay-like nicknames or numbers.

I wouldn't bid at a place where my name is published. And I can understand why someone who won $300,000 worth of stuff and has a publicly available home address wouldn't want his name published. Publishing on the internet the name and address where $300,000 worth of stuff will soon be delivered-- now there's a smart idea.

And, besides, my dog has access to my computer. You could never prove the shilling was by me. Terriers are well known to be shifty.

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by drc

And, besides, my dog has access to my computer. You could never prove the shilling was by me. Terriers are well known to be shifty.

I thought Josh Evans had the only dog with opposable thumbs in the hobby. I stand corrected.

Originally Posted by drc

My question is what is meant by 'transparency.' I'm against bidder's names being published, but perhaps what is meant is ebay-like nicknames or numbers.

I wouldn't bid at a place where my name is published. And I can understand why someone who won $300,000 worth of stuff and has a publicly available home address wouldn't want his name published. Publishing on the internet the name and address where $300,000 worth of stuff will soon be delivered-- now there's a smart idea.

And, besides, my dog has access to my computer. You could never prove the shilling was by me. Terriers are well known to be shifty.

Sure the nickname solution is a good compromise, and the one that ebay went with. It still allows savvy shoppers to track bidding patterns and expose some of those who try and cheat.

Like I said there will be those who simply contradict what I say because they are too entrenched in their own beliefs that they cannot even consider another. This will always be the case, and is of no real concern as they are the small, but vocal, minority.

I've pointed out the major danger of dealing with AHs, and you would be wise to avoid them for big ticket items until they change how they work to a way that is safer for the buyer ... the above mentioned nickname strategy is a reasonable starting point.

[OTWCards]

Paul:

Do you have any concept of the people that you're talking down to and trying to "educate" about auction houses? Some of these guys' single bid increments are more than your entire collection is worth. If you honestly think that they are so naive and unaware, then perhaps you are the one that needs to open your mind and look at this from another angle.

Dismissing those that challenge you as a "vocal minority" only reinforces your general disconnect with reality. Just because you believe something to be so, doesn't mean that it is right.

Again, rather than throw accusations and embellish your assumptions, lay out a legitimate plan of action that would protect the identity of the bidder AND eliminate the possibility of shilling by either the auction house or owner/bidders. Since you obviously have it all figured out, this shouldn't be too difficult -- albeit, a request that you continually ignore.

[TNP777]

Originally Posted by bubblebathgirl

Like I said there will be those who simply contradict what I say because they are too entrenched in their own beliefs that they cannot even consider another. This will always be the case, and is of no real concern as they are the small, but vocal, minority.

Paul, serious question here. Unless you already have me on ignore, perhaps you'll answer.

What is an acceptable response to your stance? "Paul, all this time I have been blind to what AHs are doing, but you have opened my eyes. I, too, call on all AHs to have a truly transparent bidding process." (or some variation of, "you are right").

There is zero wiggle room in your position. It's either your way, or no way. Saying people are too entrenched in their beliefs and will not consider another is a bit like a pot/kettle situation. I sincerely think you have considered other positions and believe you are right. However, isn't it possible that others have actually considered your position and believe you are wrong? Sure seems that in your view, since others don't agree, they obviously must not have taken time to consider... 'cause if they did, my goodness, the heavens would open and the birds would sing.