As you've suggested, Adam, I've downloaded IRC software and will try it out.

One of the reasons, frankly, that I've conducted these auctions first on Prodigy and now on AOL is that many of our members are not (believe it or not!) very computer literate. Some have enough trouble finding their way to an AOL chat room without a compass, let alone navigating IRC.

And there are more members on AOL than on any other service, it's that simple.

Please understand, I conduct these auctions as a service to collectors, both consignors and bidders. There are no commissions, and I make nothing from them. I'll do what I can with the limited amount of time I have (after working on "The Information Booth," "The Professor" book review column on Chequers, and working on "The Chip Rack" and "The Gaming Table."

Michael