I watched a friend lose to a sniper last night.....

I've lost a couple of times recently, with at least three snipers (me included) popping up at the last second(s)...

Seems it's getting popular.

R2

R2,

GREAT apostrophe, or comma.

Depends on what level you approach it...

R2,

You know I'm going to say this - English 101?

I have to chuckle whenever I hear some people (usually not on this forum) complain about the philosophy and practice of using a system like AS for sniping ... as though it's some evil plot, snatching something valuable away from those who want something really badly (and I'm not saying your friend is one of those folks).

But it's a competitive world! I'm not someone who is a total Darwinian, but hey ... look at nature. Watch squirrels compete for nuts on the ground, watch crows compete for crumbs by the road. That's just the way it is (Hey! Someone should write a song about that!). On any given day on eBay, there are plenty of items that LOADS of people may desire to own. And frankly, unless one lives in an Oregon commune, drenched in patchouli oil and disapproving of competition in any form, isn't the competition aspect of auctions part of the fun?

I think it has now dawned on your friend that there are smarter ways to play the auction game. Sometimes it may involve using AS, sometimes not. It may involve using AS in combination with proxy bidding, or single bid "nibbling" ... a deliciously psychological game of smokescreens and out-foxing your fellow bidders. Hey, maybe it could even be the next rage in reality shows! "Survivor: Auction Snipers."

But seriously, anyone who is interested in things that may prove harder to find in local settings or even just those who like to try and find bargains should research all they can regarding auction strategies ... and that includes adding AS to their toolbox. Some of my most prized possessions have been sniped.

Obviously, things like these are all important: researching the item, asking questions about condition, asking for additional pics, finding out market value, checking seller feedback ... but I think some people can often do their homework in these areas but not give much thought to auction strategies. I've seen auction "moves" almost guaranteed to bring in unwanted interest and competition, or to drive the price up in a way that benefits only the seller (But oh, how I love that when I'm the seller! Hee hee!) ...

So, bottom line: I think your friend has "gotten hip" and will do better in the future. And I hope she has lots of success with her future auctions, ummm ... except if she's bidding against me! *wink, chuckle*

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Originally posted by coralbelle:
I have a friend on another message board who was bidding on a nice camera. She and I were posting messages back & forth and she mentioned she was watching an auction she was bidding on and it was ending shortly. She really, really wanted this camera. I started watching the auction out of curiosity. Sure enough, the auction was sniped in the last 7 seconds of the auction and she lost! ...(edited) ... I guess she decided she doesn't want to lose anymore auctions to snipers!

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I'm with you keesowa !

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complain about the philosophy and practice of using a system like AS for sniping ... as though it's some evil plot, snatching something valuable away

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I'll be sending folks like that to >> This Site <<. They pretty much cover all the bases.

Keesowa, That's a great post!

Puppy, That's a neat site!

I have nothing to add!

Jabbergah                                                    

Hi Jabber.

I'd like to take credit for finding the site, but can't. Copied the link from another post here on the forum... Just can't remember who posted it.

Oh well, another senior moment.

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Originally posted by Rick:
You know I'm going to say this - English 101?

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Rick, I was referring to the two levels of the apostrophe and the comma, the apostrophe being high up in the air and the comma being at ground level. Not having a reference point for the image, it could be either.
Back to your question - Yes, I am English, but No, I'm not 101...

R2

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Originally posted by region2:
Rick, I was referring to the two levels of the apostrophe and the comma, the apostrophe being high up in the air and the comma being at ground level.

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