[Premium-Rx] Proposed Policy Change re eBay

[Carcia, Frank A. HS]

I agree, so we can help each other find stuff.

-----Original Message-----
From: Barry Hauser [mailto:barry at hausernet.com]
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003 11:10 AM
To: jfor at quik.com; Greg W. Bailey
Cc: premium-rx at ml.skirrow.org
Subject: Re: [Premium-Rx] Proposed Policy Change re eBay


John wrote

....
> If someone spots something choice on eBay (or the like) a posting of
'hey...
> look at this' might be permitted, as long as that person is NOT the seller
or
> owner.
> Comments ?

Not a good idea for at least 3 reasons --

(1) The "don't do me any favors" principle -- Anyone shopping for a piece of
vintage or premium gear is probably already tracking the unit.  Calling
attention to it can only serve to activate additional bidders including
those not originally in the market and stoke up the final price.  So, in
effect, you put things out of reach for the list members you're likely to be
trying to "help" or perhaps, substantially increased the cost for winner. In
other words, it's one of those favors that, more often than not, is not a
favor at all.  Whenever I see one of those "Hey, look at that Zorchtronic
5000 on e-pay", I think "Well, forget about that one.  Thanks a bunch,
fellah!"

(2) Impossible to police the "NOT the seller" proviso.  Easy to have a third
party do the post.  It is bad enough with the shill bidding that goes on

(3)  Not to worry about ebay -- everyone knows about it -- they have a heck
of an ad budget including radio and TV spots, and those with special item
interests (like premium receivers) know to keep an eye on it -- if they are
willing to buy this way.

If  you do notice something, then it's best to simply alert one person only.
You can privately notify two or more people -- but think about that
situation for a few minutes.  Of course, there are people who intentionally
do that sort of thing, who also like to sit by the sidelines and watch the
sparks fly.

"Wow folks, there's a Screetchmachina 2240 up for auction now -- only $200
bucks.  Just thought I would let you all know if you want to get in on it. "
(with reserve not met, $5,000 "Buy it Now" and 6 days to go).

"Hmmm ... I see a Watson-Sherlock 9900 there.  What are they worth?  It's at
500 GBP's -- what are those?  There's 4 days to go and I'm thinking of
puttting a $749 bid on it.  Advice anyone."

The exception I would suggest:  If there is something of interest about an
item, refer to it after the auction closes, as in "I saw a 6790GM with an
orange front panel with black polka-dots on e-pay (Item #, etc.) -- went for
$950"  Reply:  "No, silly, that's a big ceramic ladybug - the seller
replaced the photo with one for his current auction, but didn't change the
filename or link."

Well, maybe not -- you can still go wrong, even after the thing closes.

Barry










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