Hi Jim ----- Re your observation:

>How about this one? I place the "rare" piece in auction. Meanwhile I have my
>friends bidding on it to drive up the price. One of my friends gets the piece
>at a high value. I buy it back from him so he doesn't get stuck. I now wait a
>period of time and than offer this "rare" gem <G> at less money

This practice is also prohibited on eBay and is grounds for being banished.

As for occurrences at the club auctions, I have unfortunately not yet been able to attend a convention, so was unaware that such underhanded practices were occurring. I personally think it not only unfair, but despicable. I hope I never become aware of this occurring during an auction at a convention I attend, because I will object/complain on the spot, interrupting the auction if necessary. I would not consider this a time to "shut up", nor would I consider it a laughing matter.

Perhaps I am also naive, but I generally consider club members more trustworthy than non-members. I am sorry to hear that I may have to reevaluate that attitude. ----- jim o\-S