[Milsurplus] eBay

[Radioman390 at cs.com]

With a thousand or so transactions, most (for me) have been positive, and I'm talking about two or three. 

I don't think enough has been said about two "services" which eBay provides, but its management probably doesn't realize.

1) Providing a marketplace for hobbyists' radio gear after their passing. Normally most collections would end up in the landfill, but now widows and children are aware that maybe these items have value, and the growth of "Selling assistants" who handle the details (albeit for a fee) will probably ensure that prized radios end up in the hands of someone who will enjoy it. I've seen several instances where "helpful" hams glommed some really nice gear for a pittance from a distressed widow, whereas an Ebay offering would have maximized the return.

2) EBay has increased our collective knowledge of "what is out there"; missing parts and assemblies show up in the strangest places (look sometime at the seller's "other auctions": mixed in with cutlery and Hummel figurines, there'll be an electronic rarity.