only Doug, To do this all in one post, first let me reply to Marcus when he says... "Ebay takes 5% of the bid regardless of whether or not the reserve was met. So if last time the bids went up to $5000 - Ebay has billed him $250 + $2". Marcus, When I need information relating to the history of microcomputers I go to the experts. Doug Yowza is an example. So, while certainly not an Ebay expert, I'm a very experienced Ebay seller and you can rely on my understanding of Ebay's terms. Ebay charges a seller from 25 cents to $2 to list each item (determined by the dollar amount of that item's minimum and/or reserve). If the item does not meet the reserve there is absolutely no further fee charged by Ebay. If the item sells, the commission charged by Ebay is as follows... 5% of the amount up to $25. $2.5% of the amount between $25 and $1000. And only 1% of the amount above $1000. The Altair seller has been charged a total of $2 by Ebay, at this point. If the Altair were now to sell for $10,000, the total of fees and commisions he would pay to Ebay is an additional $115.62. Now, Doug, you ask "what's with the first momentum setting bid"? You have (and I suppose understandably so) jumped to a wrong conclusion. If you have read all my words to the readers of this list it should be apparent that I have been very candid with you. I have no interest in "establishing a momentum". The fact is that I had tentatively made a sale on one of my Altairs. That sale was never consummated. With all of the mention of list subscribers contacting the parties involved in the auction - I think it is possible that may have contributed to my losing a sale and may influence the seller in question. For that reason, I placed a bid that is the highest I am willing to pay (Yes I will pay $2500. If anyone wishes to sell me his Altair, contact me directly). If the seller is told by those outside of his auction that his expectations are silly then I am hoping he will sell me the computer for that amount. It costs me nothing to try. But, Doug, now that I have answered your question, you have failed to answer mine. I would be very interested in hearing your answer. Bob Wood ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com