You make some very good points, Paul. Along with Bob's concern about shill bidding, I see this a very complex issue indeed. Much more complicated than simple counting <g>! I think this has been a very interesting and enlightening conversation, starting with Pete's post on eBay "loyalty." I now see it is wise to be very cautious about embracing private auctions.

EBay is a new and valuable "tool" that allows individuals to sell things to a market that previously only businesses had access to. Like any other market, in the long run the "customers" will dictate what are acceptable sales practices and values. Like anything new, it will suffer growing and learning pains.

We, as online representatives of the club, have an opportunity to educate both buyers and sellers, but we cannot control how the medium will be used. I for one think we are doing a very good job. As was said in a long ago thread on eBay policing, if we the collectors don't protect our investment in our collections, who will?