Klarinet Archive - Posting 000035.txt from 2002/05

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Bad behavior on eBay auctions
Date: Thu, 2 May 2002 11:28:23 -0400

I just sent this e-mail to eBay, reporting what I consider actions of very dubious morality:

<<I want to report some behavior which will, if it continues, stop me from buying on eBay.

Twice in recent auctions, I was out bid, in the last 20 seconds of the auction, by someone who had never bid before.

By the time one notices this, even when hitting the F5 key repeatedly, to refresh the screen every 5 seconds or so. It is too late to bid again.

Surely this is NOT what was intended when your service was put into place. A real auction has a "going, going, Gone" warning for serious bidders.

This lurking behavior, bidding only in the last few seconds, I view as immoral, dishonest and disgusting.

I think that eBay needs to find a way to block this kind of behavior.

Walter Grabner
991 Wildwood Lane
Highland Park, IL 60035
847.266.8644>>

I know some people think this is smart or clever behavior, but it is really p*****g ne off! Has anyone else had this experience, and if so, what have you done?

Walter

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