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15 replies

Blowing the cover off a posting ID...

S shirleyMember
Completely hypothetical question, I promise! But I'm curious...

I know several (most?) people on forums like these use a posting ID instead of their eBay bidding ID, but I've also seen lots of discussions where the poster gives an auction number so everyone else can see the auction they're talking about. So if they're using a posting ID, they've just blown their cover.

In most cases the questions aren't asked until the auction is over, since the snipe doesn't happen until the end. But occasionally the auction is still going on. And occasionally, the poster will mention their max bid, especially if they're a newbie looking for help. And occasionally, you might run across someone who is asking about the same sorts of things you like, and take a look at the other items they're bidding on...

Have any of you ever taken advantage of a situation like this?

Or is this a question that everyone will plead the fifth on?
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falcongalfalcongalMember
Until recently, I was using my eBay bidding ID for posting to the eBay boards and for posting in this forum. Then I got a new ID to use on the eBay boards and tried it out in here but it was too long, so I changed it to this one. The main reason for the changes was because people were saying that they'd had problems with people messing with their auctions or sending them annoying e-mails because of posts they'd made.

Most of the people who come into this forum are pretty nice and I wouldn't worry about them. It's always possible for a lurker to pick up on someone's buying/selling ID because of a post in here, but it would be unlikely that this would cause any problems. First of all, most people don't snipe. Out of those who do snipe, only a fraction use AS. And out of all the AS users, only a few come into this forum. And then that person would need to see and remember the user ID, and posts get buried pretty quickly around here. Even if someone did find out a person's user ID in here, chances are high that they don't bid on the same types of auctions anyway. And I really doubt that someone would become interested in bidding against you on an auction because it was brought to their attention in this forum. So it's a relatively safe place to ask questions.

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bartelbybartelbyMember
quote:
Have any of you ever taken advantage of a situation like this?


I havent, but there hasnt ever been an opportunity for me too. From what I have seen of auctions that have been listed in the forum, there hasnt been anything I am remotely interested in. But then again, I dont bid on 1 particular type of item, LOL, depends on my mood, what I think I need that week. I dont buy collectables or have any particular interest to pursue, well except all things Robbie Williams, and noone else here (cept R2) has any idea who he is LOL.

Lexie
mrsmmrsmMember
Shirley, I had a small problem a few months back( I was using my Ebay ID in here) with a gentleman coming in here and harrassing me and emailing me also. It was short-lived. I decided to change my posting id at that point. Mainly so that I could not be traced thru my activities. However, when you post on any of the Ebay posting sites, you not only post with your Ebay id, but it lists a link to your auctions. I have never had a problem there. I think it was just a one and a mil thing. Not a big concern. Roll Eyes

rickrickMember
Shirley,

If you have a very unique ID, then google (and maybe other search engines) will bring up this forum, and other forums that you used that ID on. It doesn't seem to link much with ebay forums. Google, won't get a hit if you only link to an auction, or even give your ID in a post. It only links on the actual ID.

Doing a search on something like Shirley will get so many hits that no one (at least I hope no one could be that obsessive) would take the time. But if you used Shirley1968_at_kinky_gardens_in_Bermuda then any hits that google found would probably be yours.

I'm a somewhat private person (understatement). If you have a unique ID and if you post to other forums, then someone can easily make the connection. I'm not sure what they would do about it.

I have seen a couple of people get teased because they were asking questions about adult auctions, but that appears to have gone with the "good old days" - at least I hope so.
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S shirleyMember
Rick, my ebay ID is unique, but not quite THAT unique! I'll have to keep your suggestion in mind... (grin)

From what I've seen on the ebay community boards, most of the sellers who roam the boards as resident experts (self-named or otherwise) use posting id's. That's why you get these long posts from people who talk about all their auction experience even though they have a 0 feedback rating. Makes sense to me on the ebay boards, because (at least the way they tell it) any looney with a grudge can do major damage to a seller if they get into a flame-war on the boards. Less likely here, since this is such a specialized forum and most questions are asked after the auctions are over, but it's something I wondered about when I saw all the "click here to see what I'm talking about" links. Some of the ebay community boards I've read are VERY protective about that kind of info.

Oh, and BTW, I didn't mean to imply that this wasn't a safe place to ask questions -- I'm not concerned for myself. Like I said, just curious.
T theothersteveMember
I've been on eBay for a very long time, so for a while my eBay id was my email address - I changes that after a while, and then used it (my eBay ID) here on the forum to start.

But that was confusing - so just went to my name - but with Steve here changed it to who I am today.

But now that Steve isn't arouind any more, maybe I should go back to just plain Steve.
bartelbybartelbyMember
Thanks Steve - glad someone knows who he is - but I must correct you on something.

He isnt from downunder (ohh dont I wish!!) he is English, but he lives in LA at the moment.

Amazing song in Finding Nemo - he was born to do swing but doesnt do a bad job on ballads and a mighty fine Rock Song...ohh I am gushing again!!

quote:
If you decide to add a picture, Lexie can be most helpful.

pffffffffffffff!!!! I just stole your instructions with the Code buttons!! You are the sig pix king Smile

Bye!

Lexie

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