Ebay: Very Old IBM Model 705 Tube-type Logic Module

On Wed, 20 Jan 1999, Good Samaritan wrote: OK, since Marvin obviously feels compelled, nay, Destined, to advertise for eBay, I feel compelled to dissect this particular example to describe why this is such a Bad Idea. 1) The current bidder on this item is/was a list member. Of course, Marvin may not remember the email address. 2) I have been watching this particular item all week. Of course, Marvin could not possibly know this. 3) I knew that this item was squarely in Mark's domain -- he collects a bunch of old IBM and Univac stuff among other interesting bits. I debated notifying Mark or bidding on it myself. 4) I chose to wait and nab it myself if Mark didn't find it. He found it. 5) He obviously wanted it. You may have noticed that (3) bids were registered, but only one bidder. This typically means that a bidder has rebid to increase his max -- he really wants it. 6) Within minutes of Marvin's Good Samaritan Advertisement, another list member placed a bid -- the net effect was to increase the price Mark will have to pay by at least $26. Thanks so much for this fine service, Marvin. -- Doug