Ship of Fools: Auction introduction and questions

Thread: Auction introduction and questions Board: Auctions / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

This week sees the signing-up of our 10,000th member. To celebrate the occasion, we're holding an online auction in aid of the Ship of Fools Organ Fund, which exists for shipmates to help keep the ship afloat.

The 10,000th member auction invites you to bid for 15 low and interesting membership numbers – this is the first time these numbers have become available since they were first registered.

The auction begins at 12 noon (UK time) on Thursday 18th August, and the bidding currency will be US dollars – click here for a currency converter. The rules and procedure for the auction will be posted here later today, but meanwhile, post any questions or comments on this thread.

Please note that all the numbers we're auctioning are drawn from our stock of memberships that have either never been used, or were only ever used for a handful of posts more than three years ago.

You are welcome to bid for the number of your choice, and if you're successful, your existing board identity will be moved across to your new number, complete with your name, your login details, signature and post count. You'll be able to keep your existing avatar and title, or choose a new set.

Please remember this is an auction in aid of the ship. Adventurous bids welcome!

[ 17. August 2005, 15:44: Message edited by: Simon ]

Posted by Chapelhead (# 1143) on :

I had guessed at some of the numbers that might be auctioned, but 1662 wasn't one of them. [Smile]

Will there be any trans-atlantic rivalry (in the very friendliest manner) between 1066 and 1776? Somehow I think the latter is likely to prove more popular.

Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :

Having looked at the categories, and done a quick search, 1492 belongs to someone with 0 posts and 911 to someone with about 5 (since 2001)... Unless you're afraid of flooding the market?

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :

I guess they've got to keep a few back for when the 20,000th member registers...

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

We considered 1492, and quite a few other dates, but these are the five we're putting up for the foreseeable future. Thanks for 911, though -- hadn't thought of that.

Posted by Curious (# 93) on :

777 - my favourite airplane! Must count out my pennies, ready for tomorrow!

Curious

Posted by Qlib (# 43) on :

Hmmmm.... auctioning 911 - a bit tasteless?

Posted by starbelly (# 25) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Qlib:
Hmmmm.... auctioning 911 - a bit tasteless?

They were no worse than Take That really.

I think if 999 is up for grabs it's only right that we have 911 too.

Neil

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :

911 is what you dial in an emergency in the US, Qlib. We say "nine one one" and write "911" for that and "nine eleven" and write "9/11" to refer to September 11, 2001--so no, not tasteless at all.

Posted by Matrix (# 3452) on :

How will the auction run? will we see others' bids on the thread? will the flood control be disabled on this forum to enable quick bidding? How long will the auction last?

M

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

Patience, dear Matrix. I'll be posting the procedure for all this shortly, which will answer your questions and lots more besides.

Posted by Mad Geo (# 2939) on :

Very fun stuff here.

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :

Can a winner submit an animated .GIF for their avatar, Simon?

Posted by Bronwyn (# 52) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Simon:

The 10,000th member auction invites you to bid for 15 low and interesting membership numbers – this is the first time these numbers have become available since they were first registered.

The auction begins at 12 noon (UK time) on Thursday 18th August, and the bidding currency will be US dollars – click here for a currency converter. The rules and procedure for the auction will be posted here later today, but meanwhile, post any questions or comments on this thread.

Please note that all the numbers we're auctioning are drawn from our stock of memberships that have either never been used, or were only ever used for a handful of posts more than three years ago.

Um it was May 2001. My brain is sore but isnt it 4 years?

Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Bronwyn:

quote:
Originally posted by Simon:

...Please note that all the numbers we're auctioning are drawn from our stock of memberships that have either never been used, or were only ever used for a handful of posts more than three years ago.

Um it was May 2001. My brain is sore but isnt it 4 years?

Which is more than 3 years! [Biased]

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

Some of the registrations date from later in 2001, which is why I've said "more than three years ago". The criterion for this auction was that we wouldn't auction anything less than three years old.

Posted by Traveller (# 1943) on :

911 makes me think of Porsche sports cars rather than anything else, but I'm just a petrolhead... [Big Grin]

Posted by jlg (# 98) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Gort:
Can a winner submit an animated .GIF for their avatar, Simon?

IIRC, this was discussed some time ago and only Simon is entitled to an animated avatar.

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Gort:
Can a winner submit an animated .GIF for their avatar, Simon?

I'm afraid not, Gort. But stay tuned... we should have some news on that subject in September.

Posted by RooK (# 1852) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Traveller:
911 makes me think of Porsche sports cars rather than anything else, but I'm just a petrolhead...

You and me both, amigo. Especially since I'm trying to obtain one of said Porsches.

Posted by Zeke (# 3271) on :

Do you get the avatar the number is shown with, if you like it?

Posted by anglicanrascal (# 3412) on :

How will Shipmates whose currency is not US dollars be able to pay?

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Zeke:
Do you get the avatar the number is shown with, if you like it?

Yes. There are three options here, actually. You can keep the avatar, or you can move in your existing avatar, or you can send us a new avatar of your choice.

quote:
Originally posted by anglicanrascal:
How will Shipmates whose currency is not US dollars be able to pay?

We'll look at the exchange rate on the day the auction closes and quote the winning figure in UK pounds, or Australian, Canadian or New Zealand dollars then.

Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :

Looks like you could also auction 411 if you wanted, and 0800 ("I'm free!") and 192 (though the latter doesn't have quite the associations that 411 has, and even less so now we've got 118 - which no-one can remember, but which is also available).

OK, I'll stop now. I'm getting number-fixated [Paranoid]

Posted by Chapelhead (# 1143) on :

quote:
Originally posted by chukovsky:
OK, I'll stop now. I'm getting number-fixated .

Careful, or you'll become 404 - an error message.

Posted by anglicanrascal (# 3412) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Simon:

quote:
Originally posted by anglicanrascal:
How will Shipmates whose currency is not US dollars be able to pay?
We'll look at the exchange rate on the day the auction closes and quote the winning figure in UK pounds, or Australian, Canadian or New Zealand dollars then. [/QB]

Cool - that bit I understand. How exactly will we be able to pay?

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :

quote:
Originally posted by anglicanrascal:
How exactly will we be able to pay?

I suspect the same way you're currently able to support the Ship through the Organ Fund. Follow the Organ Fund link on the side menu and you'll find a way of giving to the Ship in several currencies.

Posted by Pyx_e (# 57) on :

I suspect most people reading this will have access to the internet. Some of you may even bank online. If you are not entering the auction (or enter but are priced out of the mumber market by all these highly waged gits) why not set up a small monthly standing order? Say the price of a couple of pints or cake. You will not miss it, and over a year it adds up to the cheapest cost per hour of just pure fun you will see this side of the pearly gates.

Go on what is a couple of quid/dollars an month?

You know you want to.

P

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

quote:
Originally posted by anglicanrascal:
How exactly will we be able to pay?

We'll be opening a special online payments page a couple of days before the end of the auction. It'll all be clearly signposted. People will be able to pay online (credit card) or via a cheque/check in the post.

Posted by strathclydezero (# 180) on :

Can we bid for a number to put it out of use? Say, for, 1966? Or if you win a bid do you have to adopt the number?

Posted by Lady Alicia of Scouseland (# 7668) on :

quote:
Originally posted by strathclydezero:
Can we bid for a number to put it out of use? Say, for, 1966? Or if you win a bid do you have to adopt the number?

Just picked a number off the top of your head eh Strath? [Snigger]

Posted by Bonaventura (# 5561) on :

Too bad that 1204 is not available, otherwise it could have been sold to either Fr. Gregory or Mousethief [Two face]

Posted by Callan (# 525) on :

Or 1054. [Big Grin]

Posted by Matrix (# 3452) on :

quote:
Originally posted by strathclydezero:
Can we bid for a number to put it out of use? Say, for, 1966? Or if you win a bid do you have to adopt the number?

Aren't they selling the year that Scotland won?

oh...sorry...

M

Posted by strathclydezero (# 180) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Matrix:
Aren't they selling the year that Scotland won?

1967 would have been eligible, but it isn't one of the lots.

Posted by Ancient Mariner (# 105) on :

No doubt Strathclydezero would want 1967, M...

[Roll Eyes]

(crossposted with Strathclydezero - I wasn't wrong was I?)

[ 18. August 2005, 14:59: Message edited by: Ancient Mariner ]

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :

How about considering a thread for people to request specific numbers? There may be some more that you could make available. (I.e., I checked my birth year, and it's a very, very, very old number with only two posts.)

Posted by strathclydezero (# 180) on :

Keeping the list of numbers short concentrates the bidding. Less numbers with higher bids makes for less work than more numbers just over the reserve. [Biased]

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :

True. Maybe their could be a post-auction auction. [Smile]

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :

I want 1977, if I don't get 37.

(which I won't)

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

Grits... we won't be expanding this auction, but if it's successful, we might consider something to follow it. Let's see how this one goes first.

Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Bonaventura:
Too bad that 1204 is not available, otherwise it could have been sold to either Fr. Gregory or Mousethief

Whew! A near miss for me.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

Having won (which I'm sure I will because dead rock stars have such an infinite and therfore inflated supply of do re me) can I donate my win to a ship (and pillow) mate?

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :

Yes, I'd also like to know if we can bid on a number, and then give it to someone else if we win.

Posted by jlg (# 98) on :

Simon implies here (not sure how to take the question mark) that it would be possible to transfer one's winning bid to another shipmate/person as a gift.

ETA: Though perhaps only in the situation where one person won two numbers. Obviously Simon will have the final say on this.

[ 18. August 2005, 22:17: Message edited by: jlg ]

Posted by strathclydezero (# 180) on :

My question still lies open too ...

Posted by jlg (# 98) on :

And Simon, while you're pondering that, think also if you would accept more than one source of payment for a winning bid?

Grits' question made me think that some of us aren't actually seriously in pursuit a new number, but would be happy to throw in something in favor of a fellow shipmate. If this were allowed, it would be easier (and more reliable) if payments could be made directly.

-------

OK, having thought a bit more about this, it makes the whole process much more complicated. But perhaps an idea for a future auction?

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

quote:
Originally posted by strathclydezero:
Can we bid for a number to put it out of use? Say, for, 1966? Or if you win a bid do you have to adopt the number?

If you win, no one is going to make you use the number as your identity.

quote:
Originally posted by Zappa:
... can I donate my win to a ship (and pillow) mate?

Yes. The person you donate it to will then have the same luxury treatment, e.g. choosing a custom avatar and title for their new identity, etc.

quote:
Originally posted by jlg:
And Simon, while you're pondering that, think also if you would accept more than one source of payment for a winning bid?

If you mean a group of shipmates forming a syndicate so they can bid collectively, then I think that's worth considering. I guess people might want to form syndicates for several reasons: for the fun of staying in the bidding wars; to win a number for another shipmate; to win a number and decide later which syndicate member gets to keep the number. Since this is a fundraiser for the ship, all of that sounds healthy for the auction... but what do people think?

Maybe some shipmates are already doing this!

Posted by jlg (# 98) on :

We are hearing tales of financial woe from shipmates who have reached their dollar limits (or had such a low limit as to have never been in the running).

On the other hand, we have shipmates throwing large sums around quite casually. I don't know what Sine is using, but I'm blowing off bits of inherited money that should have cushioned my senile years but will probably be devastated by my kids' college tuition.

Would it be possible to have a thread where the poor but worthy high-number shipmates could grovel, beg, blackmail, and otherwise attempt to strike deals with those of us with a bit of disposable income? I'm sure it would become quite, um, interesting. And so much easier than actually organizing a private behind-the-scenes consortium.

Posted by Sine Nomine (# 3631) on :

quote:
Originally posted by jlg:
On the other hand, we have shipmates throwing large sums around quite casually. I don't know what Sine is using, but I'm blowing off bits of inherited money

Me??? What about Chapelhead?

But, as to "large sums" of money - this is just me, of course - but I feel I should give the Ship monthly what I give my church weekly. That's what it means to me. And through laziness I haven't done that in quite a while.

So I'm trying to pay up my arrears. If I get a fun new number, that's great. The Ship will get the money regardless.

Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :

I think there should be some mechanism to avoid ebay-type last second sniping. Otherwise this will be boring right up till the last day of the auction. I don't really know what to suggest though... Maybe some sort of "auctioneer's tax" that increases the closer we get to the end? Or maybe rather than ending all auctions on a fixed date and at a fixed time, just pick the closing point at random from a number of days and times. That way as soon as we get into "end range" people will bid for fear of having the auction end without their bids. Other ideas anyone?

[ 22. August 2005, 04:52: Message edited by: IngoB ]

Posted by Mousethief (# 953) on :

Yes. The solution is to bid what you are willing to pay. Then if somebody outbids you (and it matters not a whit when they do it), it is because they were willing to pay more than you were. Which is how an auction should work anyway: the person willing to pay the most, gets the goods.

I don't see any problem. People bidding at the last minute on eBay are morons. If they bid more than they're willing to pay (or less than they're willing to pay, if they really really want the item), that's stupid; and if they bid what they are willing to pay, it shouldn't matter when they do it.

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :

What? Change the rules in the middle of the game? [Devil]

Get ready for The Battle of the Broadbands! I wonder if my 6/mbs cable can smoke your 33.6/kbs dialup? Let's see.. better check the ping rate and trace route.

Response in .086 second, 8 hops [one through a sattelite no doubt] I'm thinking the locals in the UK might have a few millisecond advantage being closer. *sigh* What's a geek sniper to do?

Posted by Chapelhead (# 1143) on :

The people with the biggest advantage in the last few minutes are likely to be the Australians, for whom it will be late evening, prime surfing time (except for those logging in from work). For the Brits it will be midday (not too bad if you have work access) while for the Americans it will some time of day that generally I don’t want to be awake at. But there’s nothing to be done about the time zone issue.

And if folk are here just to win and get a number I don’t think there a lot to be done to stop a last minute rush, apart from post-auction mockery.

Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :

Mousethief, the difference between theory and practice is rather costly on ebay. Why don't you try the free and excellent JBidWatcher for a while and then come back and tell us whether sniping is actually useless or not...

Posted by Not Too Bad (# 8770) on :

Can I pay by Paypal?

Posted by Mousethief (# 953) on :

quote:
Originally posted by IngoB:
Mousethief, the difference between theory and practice is rather costly on ebay. Why don't you try the free and excellent JBidWatcher for a while and then come back and tell us whether sniping is actually useless or not...

An auction is not a game. It is a way of purchasing merchandise or services. If somebody else wants it more than I do, and it willing to pay more than I am, then they should win it, whether they bid the same day I do, or in the last 30 seconds. I don't at all understand what your complaint is. Not at all. Zip. Zilch. Zero. What's the problem?

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :

Can we make joint bids, or help someone else out as a way of contributing?

For example, say it becomes obvious that persons A and B are the only ones bidding on a certain number, and it's got to the level of value that no-one else can compete with.

Can we gang up and join in, with various people bidding extra on top of person A's highest bid, and others trying to help B out by pledging an extra amount to B's bids ?

Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Mousethief:
What's the problem?

Mousethief, ebay auctions are not contested by isolated "rational" players making one bid according to their judgement of the value of an item. Somebody will see your bid and react to it. He may think "Oh, it's apparently worth more than I thought. Maybe I should bid some more." Or he may try to outbid you just for the joy of winning. For that matter, maybe he would have overlooked the item completely if you had not put your money on it. Sniping is all about making such reactions impossible by lack of time, it's about turning ebay into a blind auction by removing information about other bidders from the bidding. Sniping, in fact, turns ebay from what it actually is to what you think it should be.

Posted by The Coot (# 220) on :

I think sniping works as a bit of an equaliser because of the difference between what someone offers and what they are able to pay.

Eg. A person offers what they're prepared to pay, when in fact they could probably offer more. We don't all have equal means, so what Person A is prepared to pay may be very near the maximum of what Person B is able to pay. Thus Person B hangs around waiting to snipe. If Person A really wants the item they can make it happen... [Angel]

That's the message guys, if you really want the number. Bid big.

Simon already suggested that forming a bidding collective was acceptable and would prolly be healthy from the Ship's perspective.

Personally I find watching sniping very entertaining and have taken the odd snipe on Ebay. (And of course Neopets. [Snigger]

)

Posted by jlg (# 98) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Not Too Bad:
Can I pay by Paypal?

It doesn't appear to be one of the options on the Organ Fund pages.

Posted by Mousethief (# 953) on :

When I see an item I want on eBay, I consider what I am willing to pay, usually add 10% (give or take) and make that my bid. If I don't win it, it's because somebody else was willing to pay more. I'm not going to overbid my already-too-high bid just because somebody else finds it a psychological come-on to outbid me. Thus the whole sniping phenomenon is irrelevant to me. If I'm willing to pay $20 for an item, and bid $25, and am outbid, then I'm going to wait for the item to come up again, or do without. I'm certainly not going to hang on the edge of my seat and bid even more than I'm willing to pay just to keep some other jerkoff from winning the auction. I consider it a purchase, not a challenge to my testosterone levels.

[ 23. August 2005, 13:55: Message edited by: Mousethief ]

Posted by Chapelhead (# 1143) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
say it becomes obvious that persons A and B are the only ones bidding on a certain number, and it's got to the level of value that no-one else can compete with.

Can we gang up and join in, with various people bidding extra on top of person A's highest bid, and others trying to help B out by pledging an extra amount to B's bids ?

You're not thinking of any number in particular, are you? [Paranoid]

Posted by Mad Geo (# 2939) on :

Mousetheif,

Clearly your testosterone challenged then. [Biased]

(Totally kidding)

[ 23. August 2005, 13:57: Message edited by: Mad Geo ]

Posted by Mousethief (# 953) on :

Yes, I have learned to chill. It's taken me a long time and it was a hard-won fight (o! the paradox!).

I should add that I made $100 off sniping in one of my own auctions, so as a seller I'm delighted it happens. As a buyer, however, it doesn't affect me at all, except in terms of inconvenience (waiting for another item to come up that I've been outbid on).

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :

I'm considering wait until closer to the end of the auctions. (We still have a very long way to go, you know.) Then, if someone I really like is struggling to maintain their lead in an auction, I may PM them with an offer of additional funds. That way, I can contribute something (since I'm not interested in the numbers), and someone I really like may end up with the number of their dreams.

Will that be acceptable?

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :

I think there's already consortiums at work. [jlg?]

I may be wrong but I don't think Sine needs help, Grits! [Biased]

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :

We all need help, Gort. [Smile]

Posted by jlg (# 98) on :

Moi? Consortiuming? Who could think such a thing!

Posted by Chapelhead (# 1143) on :

I'm inclined to think that if consortiumifying is going then it's time to get out - there are limits to my wallet! [Eek!]

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Chapelhead:

quote:
Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
say it becomes obvious that persons A and B are the only ones bidding on a certain number, and it's got to the level of value that no-one else can compete with.

Can we gang up and join in, with various people bidding extra on top of person A's highest bid, and others trying to help B out by pledging an extra amount to B's bids ?
You're not thinking of any number in particular, are you?

No but I was just thinking it might be a way for those of us who can only contribute 30 or 40 dollars to join in the fun when the prices get too high for us.

(when ? [Killing me]

now that the prices are too high... [Help]

)

Posted by jlg (# 98) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Chapelhead:
I'm inclined to think that if consortiumifying is going then it's time to get out - there are limits to my wallet!

I'm not playing games. Yet.

As I already pointed out, I'm just having fun risking some of my son's college tuition money. [Big Grin]

Posted by Chapelhead (# 1143) on :

quote:
Originally posted by jlg:
As I already pointed out, I'm just having fun risking some of my son's college tuition money.

Money well spent, then. [Smile]

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
Can we make joint bids, or help someone else out as a way of contributing?

quote:
Originally posted by Grits:
... if someone I really like is struggling to maintain their lead in an auction, I may PM them with an offer of additional funds. That way, I can contribute something (since I'm not interested in the numbers), and someone I really like may end up with the number of their dreams. Will that be acceptable?

The answer to both questions is yes. Consortium bidding or PMing someone to offer financial help is ok by us. However, please note that the person placing a winning bid takes responsibility to buy the Lot and must arrange payment within seven days of the close of the auction. In other words, the bidder alone takes responsibility for his or her bid, even if it's being funded by several people.

Some considerations if you're thinking of forming a consortium:

> Appoint one bidder to avoid confusion.
> Agree a ceiling price in advance, and set a new ceiling if you all decide to go higher.
> Work out how you're going to pay.
> Decide from the start who is going to get the number you're bidding for, or how you're going to choose who gets the number.

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :

The scenario I was envisaging was as follows
A and B are "fighting" over a number.

A's highest bid was $250, and B has trumped that by bidding $265

I wade in, saying that I will back up A's highest bid to the tune of $30, making the value of the lot $280.

But then person X might come to the defence of B, and raise B's bid - so the value of the lot has gone up, but it means the original players are not spending any more money. Cue confusion as lots of other people with small budgets "take sides"
[Two face]

Alternatively, I could offer my $30 help to whoever PMs me with the best reason why I shold help them

Posted by jlg (# 98) on :

That's what I was thinking, too.

Unfortunately, throwing random bids out in support of others requires Simon to keep track of who bids what in support of whom; I'm sure he has better things to do.

And offering totally unrestricted support would probably quickly overwhelm one's PM box.

Having pondered this for many days (though not much actual time [Big Grin]

) the only two workable options I see are to:

pick your favorite contestant(s) and PM him/her with a vow of a certain dollar amount of base support which that individual can add to.
pick a particular number and pledge to pay X dollars in addition to the winner, thus giving that number an additional possible cachet as a high stakes number.

Has anyone else had any ideas?

I will also point out that this is way for those of us who won't have internet access at the final hours and minutes to still participate.

Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :

I think this is the downside to a "vanity auction" - adding money to a bid actually is not about supporting the Ship. Obviously, one could simply donate that same money anonymously to the Organ Fund and be done with it.

Adding money to a bid is about supporting the vanity of the person bidding or about showing off one's generosity to the Ship publically. I think the only way of making this work is to acknowledge that this is indeed the case and to provide a public space for people to enjoy showing off just how much money they are willing to give to the Ship and/or to express their appreciation for a Shipmate publically by supporting his/her vanity...

Thus I suggest to simpy open a new auction thread where people can pledge support publically. So a post there should be like this:

number
shipmate
pledge
(optional: message)

for example:

#1066
Spiffy da Wonder Sheep, Shipmate 5267
$30
Let da Sheep conquer!

(Note: this was not an actual pledge... [Big Grin]

)

It might take some extra time to sort out the winners afterwards, but if it raises lots of extra money that should be OK.

Posted by Auctioneer (# 12) on :

Everyone is free to post in the Peanut Gallery how they are supporting other shipmates, whether by cheering them on or by contributing money toward their bids. Everyone is free -- and encouraged! -- to give to the Organ Fund, early and often. How to handle consortium bidding was thoroughly discussed before Simon made his decision:

quote:
Group bidding – consortium bidding or PMing someone to offer financial help is allowed. However, please note that the person placing a winning bid takes responsibility to buy the Lot and must arrange payment within seven days of the close of the auction. In other words, the bidder alone takes responsibility for his or her bid, even if it's being funded by several people.

It would certainly be fun to see some of the offers of financial help posted publicly, but we're going to leave the basic auction process as it is.

Auctioneer
Auctions Host

Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Grits... we won't be expanding this auction, but if it's successful, we might consider something to follow it. Let's see how this one goes first.

*bump*

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :

Desperate for another go, Ingo?
[Biased]

Posted by The Coot (# 220) on :

Were you happy with the take, Simon?

Future fundraising venturers...

Liberate Sunny!

The person who zapped :Sunny: decides on a total amount of money, that if pledged, will allow Sunny to come back into circulation.
[Big Grin]

We make our pledges, with someone keeping a running total. Then we send them in, and if it is more than the secret nominated amount Sunny will be free!!!! (I know Chastmastr will be very happy). During the pledge period we should be given atmospheric updates about poor suffering Sunny and veiled info about the likelihood it is released related to the current pledge total.

Variants:
1) Day Pass, Week Pass etc. assorted levels of pledges which will allow Sunny to be free for only a limited time to offset disappointment if the secret amount is not met.
2) Misere One or more persons who hate Sunny very much offers to match the liberation fund in order to keep :Sunny: out of circulation. [Waterworks]

(Personally I'd also like to see Ripply Vomit and Pulsing Heart back in action)

Which brings me to:
Hire a smilie!
For a limited period posters can have a smilie of their choice in one of the free smilie spots available for use throughout the boards! (Rights to choose the smilie determined by highest bid)

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :

Yes, very happy thanks, Coot. I think the auction has done very well, partly as an entertainment, and also as a ship fundraiser. The 15 Lots raised $2190 (or £1340) for the ship, which is more than what was bid, due to the generosity of one of the bidders who more than doubled the amount s/he was paying. And several people have donated to the Organ Fund, too.

So a big thank you to everyone who took part. This has been really worthwhile in lots of different ways.

Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :

quote:
Originally posted by IngoB:

quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Grits... we won't be expanding this auction, but if it's successful, we might consider something to follow it. Let's see how this one goes first.
*bump*

bump?

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