... rather than five minutes for two reasons, one already mentioned by Larry (the possibility that technical problems might make it impossible to bid even in five minutes). The other is that it would allow some time for reflection (perhaps even calling someone else to consult with on the bid level).

I don't understand eBay's reluctance in this regard. It seems to me that the sellers would be all for it -- the bids could only go up! Which would also mean higher fees for eBay. Surely, the programming couldn't be that difficult to set it up so that any time there is a new high bid within the last hour, the new deadline is an hour from the time of that bid. (Or substitute 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes or whatever other extension you like.)

I once suggested this to eBay and got deafening silence in response.

I also agree with Larry's observation that eBay bidding is a lot like playing poker and I have, on several occasions, revised my concept of what I thought was my highest bid price after seeing what other bidders were willing to offer, so the proxy bidding (while usually sufficient if you put in what you're actually willing to pay) is not always the complete answer.

BTW, I won't snipe the Pigeon, ever. <G> ----- jim o\-S