Reply to "Why such a long lead"

quote:

I think all of the replies miss the point

You’re the one that introduced the phrase “picked off”, which appears to be inaccurate.

quote:

the nearer the end of the auction that the snipe occurs, the more effective it is as a tool.

No argument, other then as one gets closer to the end of the auction the probability increases that the snipe will be too late.

Here’s the options:
1. Don’t use AS because there is a possibility that instead of placing a five-second snipe it places a thirteen-second one. This assumes that the user would rather have an “on-time” snipe at the risk of a “not-in-time” one.
2. Use AS because there is a possibility that ebay could be running slow and five-seconds won’t allow enough time for the snipe to be placed. This assumes that the user would rather have an “in-time” snipe than risking a “not-in-time” snipe.
3. Use AS with the expectation that all snipes will be both “on-time” and “in-time”, and occasionally you’ll wonder why the snipe was placed 8 seconds early.