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I have been using AS for some months now and have always used a minimum snipe lead time of 3 seconds. This has worked very well with only a very small amount of missed snipes [UK user - maybe less traffic than US]. However of late I have lost several auctions which when I review the bidding the winning bid was placed a second later than mine. I have tried to modify my bid lead time and reduce it to 2 seconds. I am unable to do this in either the modify snipe entry or the setup of general account options. It says you can enter a lead time between 2-120 seconds BUT IT WILL NOT ALLOW 2 ONLY 3. Can someone inform me if they have changed the selectable minimum and not revised the contextual help? Thank you.
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Many thanks for the link - I have read the whole thread thoroughly. I would tend to agree with Steve that users should be able to set whatever lead time they like, certainly the pop up saying 2-120 secs is now misinformation. I bid in a very competitive field [laptops] and feel that to keep up with the competition I have to be able to snipe in the same time frame even at the risk of loosing the odd auction through bids not being placed on time. AS policy is of course commercially driven and designed to cosset new inexperienced users. This does not suit me nor from what I have read many other users - perhaps it would be better to keep the default at 7 seconds but allow users to over ride this to their own choice by double affirmation [saying yes to the change twice] and then employ one of those charming pop ups to inform the user that the default has been over ridden. If I can't personalise my snipe lead time, I will have to find out what sniping service my competitors are using and join them. Regards..............
I would hazard to say that when under ten seconds, such as you were, the winning bidder was planning to snipe, just as you were. (Who knows? Maybe he even used AS! Wink) When one is talking a difference of a second or two, it was not a matter of reaction; it was a planned bid.

Even if one has a higher bid loaded in a separate window, with password already verified and ready to go with one press of the ENTER key, you can be sure that the other bidder did not see your bid, hit ENTER and have the bid registered at ebay, all within a single second.
Sorry I don't see the point you're making - I have suggested a way that AS users can select the snipe time - why does nobody reply to that? If we are all incompetents and AS looses money because inadequate snipe times are selected then surely we would loose the auctions we are wasting our time bidding on and sniping. It is not the same for everyone I think a lower lead time works much better here in the UK as there is not the same volume of users - by the way will someone please tell Bill Gates there is no such thing as English {american} as set for default on the operating systems {perhaps Americans don't know that it is English they speak]. To quote from Auction Snipers own advertising: Place your bid exactly when you want … seconds before the auction closes! the only thing is you can't because you are nannied to a minimum time by the system.

quote:
Originally posted by Chatter:
I would hazard to say that when under ten seconds, such as you were, the winning bidder was planning to snipe, just as you were. (Who knows? Maybe he even used AS! Wink) When one is talking a difference of a second or two, it was not a matter of reaction; it was a planned bid.

Even if one has a higher bid loaded in a separate window, with password already verified and ready to go with one press of the ENTER key, you can be sure that the other bidder did not see your bid, hit ENTER and have the bid registered at ebay, all within a single second.
quote:
I have suggested a way that AS users can select the snipe time - why does nobody reply to that?
Because you’re right. AS doesn’t allow less than a 3 second lead-time (recent change). For me, that isn't, nor would it have ever been, a problem. Fair to say, that that’s also the case for all the regulars on this forum, or they wouldn’t be regulars. (we’re somewhat bias).

There have been others that feel they must be able to use very low lead-times and that AS not pad these lead times during peak periods. AS has decided that 1 and 2 second lead times can’t be used and they pad lead times because they feel that more users would rather have their snipe placed early, then not at all. I go along with that thinking, but then, I’m a regular.

There have been suggestions to provide users with an option to control whether to pad or not, but AS feels that for new users, that would be too confusing.

quote:
To quote from Auction Snipers own advertising: Place your bid exactly when you want … seconds before the auction closes! the only thing is you can't because you are nannied to a minimum time by the system.
It’s worse than that. Look at the text with the AS logo at the top of the forum page. I’ve already suggested AS change that, but maybe that’s some special copyrighted thing.

I think AS is a great service. They have 4+ dedicated sniping-servers placing redundant snipes to better guarantee that the snipe gets placed. They are close to ebay to minimize problems. But, they might not be right for you.
quote:
by the way will someone please tell Bill Gates there is no such thing as English {american} as set for default on the operating systems {perhaps Americans don't know that it is English they speak].


Actually, there is a difference (however minor) between the "Queen's" English and "American" English; for examle:

English = harbour...American = harbor

Notice the lack of the 'U' in the American spelling. I believe this what the robber baron is referring to in the default. I once set my default as " English (Australia)" and didn't notice any difference; so it may be a moot point.
Dave

thanks for your reply - but not being able to spell correctly does not make it another language. Mr Gates in that situation does not give an alternative such as English [English] or English [United Kingdom]. I find the most common example is the misspelling of favourite as "favorite" - this largely I believe has arisen due to laziness - why if spelling is hard lets take out the difficult letters! I think English is the languge spoken in England by the English [often misspoken] not by our once colonies with only a 200 year history. Hope nobody takes offence at this friendly fire Red Face)) Regards...........
quote:
Originally posted by dd101:
Yes I was looking for that quote "bid at the last second"
If they just add an “s” to “second”, then it would be more accurate.


quote:
Originally posted by Dave:
Notice the lack of the 'U' in the American spelling. I believe this what the robber baron ...
Shouldn’t that be roubber baroun?


quote:
Originally posted by dd101:
not by our once colonies with only a 200 year history
Any idea what tomorrow represents in American history?


quote:
Originally posted by dd101:
Hope nobody takes offence at this friendly fire
Everyone is probably use to it. (region2's post)
dd101, yes I do find it offensive! I do not come on here saying anything offensive against your country, which I am sure you love, or anyone's country or the way they speak or write! Several members of my family, including myself, have stood in harm's way for our country and young as it might be, we are free and proud!

Now...back to the orginal subject...
quote:
Originally posted by Serenity:
dd101, yes I do find it offensive! I do not come on here saying anything offensive against your country, which I am sure you love, or anyone's country or the way they speak or write! Several members of my family, including myself, have stood in harm's way for our country and young as it might be, we are free and proud!

dd101 (who is also this thread's original poster),
Oops. Spoke too early. Well, let me change it to, “Most everyone is probably use to it, and doesn’t take it seriously.
It's well documented that many British troops have been put in harms way by American yahoo fire - still this is probably not the best forum for political opinion - it was a fairly light hearted comment on the Americanese language. I should have known the worlds mightiest superpower would come in flag waving - well shut ma mouth!
This is the actual radio conversation (released by the chief of naval operations) of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995.


CANADIANS: "Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision"


AMERICANS: "Recommend YOU divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision"


CANADIANS: "Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision"


AMERICANS: "This is the captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course"


CANADIANS: "No, I say again, you divert your course"


AMERICANS: "This is the Aircraft Carrier USS LINCOLN, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic Fleet. We are accompanied with three Destroyers, three Cruisers and numerous support vessels. I DEMAND that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that's one-five degrees north, or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship"


CANADIANS: "This is a LIGHTHOUSE. Your call"
British Hospitality

So this Texan who visits the UK to sample Wadworth's 6X and other fine beers is in London and decides to explore the city on his own. He wanders around, seeing the sights, and occasionally stopping at a quaint pub to soak up the local culture, chat with the lads, and have a pint of bitter.

After a while, he finds himself in a very high-class area...big, stately residences... no pubs, no shops, no restaurants, and worst of all... NO PUBLIC TOILETS. He really, really has to go, after all those pints of bitter.

He finds a narrow side street, with high walls surrounding the adjacent buildings and decides to use the wall to solve his problem. As he is unzipping, he is tapped on the shoulder by a London Bobby, who says, "I say, sir, you simply cannot do that here, you know."

"I'm very sorry, officer," replies the American, "but I really, really HAVE TO GO, and I just can't find a public toilet."

"Ah, yes," said the Bobby, "Just follow me".

He leads him to a back "delivery alley", then along a wall to a gate,
which he opens.

"In there," points the Bobby. "Whiz away Sir, anywhere you want."

The fellow enters and finds himself in the most beautiful garden he has ever seen. Manicured grass lawns, statuary, fountains, sculptured hedges, and huge beds of gorgeous flowers, all in perfect bloom. Since he has the cop's blessing, he unburdens himself and is greatly relieved.

As he goes back through the gate, he says to the Bobby, "That was really decent of you... is that what you call "British Hospitality?"

"No sir", replied the Bobby, "That is what we call the French Embassy.
quote:
it was a fairly light hearted comment on the Americanese language.
It was VERY light hearted.

quote:
I should have known the worlds mightiest superpower would come in flag waving

It’s unfortunate that some Americans get so easily offended. There are one or two “Ugly Americans” on this forum. Poor Dave – he’s the one that started the conversation in that light hearted direction.

P.S. Liked the jokes, dd101.
quote:
It's well documented that many British troops have been put in harms way by American yahoo fire


It appears some forget the Faulkin Islands, WWI & WWII when it's convenient to do so. Seems to me it was your prime minister that put your troops 'in harms way' as you put it. Not that I'm a big fan of the current war - just dislike pompous asses even more.

And, as the french would say, 'un porc est un porc partout où ils vivent'.
Our troops were not killed by "the enemy" nor by our prime minister [who in my opinion is a Bush sychophant and just wants his name in lights] they were killed by American fire - funny how the British were the grunts on the ground in advance of the mighty American military.

Yes I remember the Falkland Islands [or are there others called Falkin~?] they were invaded without warning by Argentina what has that to do with America you gave and offered no support.

Yes I also remember WW2 - a truly democratic country - that held out for years against tyrants and dictators defending the rights and liberties of those who were attacked - America only jumped on the bandwagon once it had been attacked itself - just in time for the cake slicing - In typical stars and stripes fashion - nothing was given - we are still paying war debts to America after 60 years - sheer commercialism - please don't preach.

I also remeber Afganistan and China and Cuba and the Philippines and Nicaragua etc. etc. yes "free" - free to bully others.

I've been to the South - when are you going to free your slaves - hardly a diverse multicultural society.

It seems some people easily take offence at the truth.

I have already said that my initial comments were lighthearted. I am appalled by the jingoistic, ill educated comments of some contributors. Get off your high horses and read a little history - might does NOT make right!

That's enough from me on this subject - thanks for those that have offered assistance on the original topic, the way it has been hijacked and turned into self righteous indignation by nationalists is quite frankly amazing.

Thanks for your comments Rick - let's let the "Ugly Americans" get back to lobbying for mandatory firearms for five year olds.
quote:
Originally posted by Serenity:
quote:
quote:
by dd101
well shut ma mouth!

Excellent idea!


Smile



VERSUS


quote:
Originally posted by Serenity:
quote:
"You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love." -Henry Drummond




What happened to the following?
quote:
Originally posted by Serenity:
Now...back to the orginal subject...
Hiya dd101,
This is a strange forum...at times...well most of the time.

Humour on this forum can be a hard nut to crack and alot of the time there is no such thing as *light hearted*.

I (an Aussie) didnt take offense to your comments, but we tend to follow the Queen's English with an Aussie twist...so I get the frustration with default settings (I hate having s's replaced with z's all the time Wink )

I am sorry your first experience with AS's forum was unpleasant, hope you dont let it drive you off.

Oh - and I had a chuckle at your *Lighthouse* story. Razz

Back to your OP.....

We have seen many threads/comments regarding the override of AS's leadtime adjustment (padding as Rick calls it)..I for one have supported the suggestion, but then again....We dont have the traffic of ebay US either.

I think a check box allowing an override is a great idea, with the default setting letting AS adjustment lead times were it sees fit.

I guess AS is kind of looking after its hip pocket, if you dont allow it to adjust your lead time, AS may potentially lose income because of lost snipes (Not In Time) but is still using resources to place your snipe.

I would like to see an *Advanced Settings* in AS, but then I would also LOVE to see Contingency or Reverse Bid Groups Big Grin
Hmmm....a few snide anti-American remarks turns into a full blown anti-American tirade! Me thinks dd101's thin veneer of politeness is not sufficient to cover deep seated USA hatred!

The litehouse/American/Canadian story -- urban legend, I think -- I've heard several versions.

I did like the French embassy tale!

Interesting history <here>. Quite a commitment from a bunch of cake slicers!
quote:
Originally posted by I'd rather be shopping:
quote:
Originally posted by Rick:
SUGGESTIONS FOR AS:

quote:
I would like to see an *Advanced Settings* in AS, but then I would also LOVE to see Contingency or Reverse Bid Groups


I have been on my knees pleading for "Contingency" bids. I guess I am pleading to the wrong person Razz


Do you think if we plead enough that eventually someone will take notice Shop?? Big Grin
quote:
I have been on my knees pleading for "Contingency" bids.
The strange thing is that this was one of the selling points for Buyer’s Management, which was (now out of biz) a service owned by the same folks that supply us with AS. So, I would think they (AS) would have access to this software. Grant it, BM wasn’t a sniping service, but it would seem that some of that code could be cannibalized and made available to snipers.
quote:
I got back a nice message that they do not get enough requests for contingency.
That sure doesn’t explain why they would go to the trouble to put that feature in Buyer’s Management. Even Sara liked the idea. Of course, more people might be interested in it if they knew it was possible, or available. Nobody was interested in Sony’s Walkman until it was “invented”.
Sorry I've not attended to this forum for a few days - and then there has been the bombings, but on a happier note I think the G8 has been a success [limited] and I'm glad we won the Olympic bid [I live in NE London very close to where most of the facilities have/will be built and staged].

As I said I won't engage in more nationalistic banter. Just to answer Jabbergah:

    There is no "thin veneer of politeness" I am polite, I was well brought up and educated.

    Hardly a tirade, just answering points and inaccuracies thrust on this forum by others. It seems to have an opinion other than the gun toting, flag waving, apple pie brand of patriotism is very much frowned upon.

    I don't hate the USA at all, I have an American ex girlfriend [we're still close]. I have spent quite a bit of time both in Florida and California, I have met many warm sincere intelligent people - but also lots of idiot Redneck McCarthyites who are too blinkered to look beyond their own backyard, have never traveled and have no knowledge or understanding of the rest of the world. [Much like Bush really]. Must be all the puritans and criminals we sent over Smile Like everywhere there is good and bad.

    By the way, a "lighthouse" is an illuminated maritime warning beacon. I'm not too sure about a "litehouse", I presume that's some kind of minimised house - probably what we would call a bungalow, or is it a beer like Bud lite?. It's exactly this kind of inaccurate lazy erroneous spelling that aberates meaning and destroys a language, just the point I was attempting to make before the hecklers crept in. Still I'm sure Bill Gates [the rouber baroun - now that was funny!] spells it that way.


I think it would be an excellent idea to have an opt out of the default lead time setting, perhaps a few mails to support advocating that choice would promote the idea. Regards to all Dave [dd101]

Jingoism (Appeal to Patriotism):

The argument attempts to persuade by calling on ones community spirit, specifically on ones love of country. Alternatively, the argument may attempt to refute a position by calling it treasonous or unpatriotic.
Well, Dave, I hope you stick around. Couldn’t agree more with you. If you’re interested, you came up in another topic. It’s in the “ebay, General” forum and it’s titled “London”. If you do hang in there, I thought you’d like to know what you’re dealing with. Maybe this is standard with forums?

A ways back, I didn’t see any need to be able to turn off AS adjusting lead-times. But, I like Lexie’s idea about putting that function in an “Advanced Settings”. It appears to be one of the more voiced complaints on this forum.

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