... well, as is (often) the case, what seemed like a simple idea probably wasn't! <g>

To clarify my original concept regarding the club's use of eBay as an auction venue, I was actually not thinking so much about putting the annual convention auction on eBay as I had in mind a separate series of auctions, run by the club, on a more-or-less ongoing basis, as a means of (1) generating some additional income and (2) making the club better known to chip collectors who are not yet members.

The source of material for use in club eBay auctions could be three-fold:

1) Items donated to the club for that purpose (as has happened in the past for the annual convention auction).

2) Items consigned to the club for that purpose, with the club and the consignor sharing the profit of the sale on some as-yet-to-be-determined basis (and perhaps to be determined on a case-by-case basis).

3) Items purchased by the club specifically for sale on eBay. This might be primarily current issues, but could also include club items otherwise already available for sale (e.g., convention memorabilia, chip & medal sets, wooden nickels & dollars and other items).

The two possibilities presented here by Robert are outside the scope of my original idea.

At first blush, putting the annual convention auction on eBay would seem to have some logistical problems which might or might not be easy to overcome. Other than simply placing each of the lots as a normal eBay auction and having only normal eBay bids, it would seem that considerable discussion with eBay would be necessary before this could be accomplished. However, I see no particular reason why we couldn't have such discussions to see whether or not it would be practical to do this.

As for the "Good Chip Collecting" seal of approval for chip auctions, I hadn't thought of that at all, though the concept would fit my general belief that the club can and should take a more active role in raising the ethical standards of the hobby. Michael Par's response to Robert's post raises some significant practical and philosphical questions. My initial reaction to this proposal is that I would be receptive to having a small group of members (I hate to use the word, but a "committee") examine the practical considerations for the purpose of making a recommendation to the club's board of directors on the subject.

BTW, I think this kind of discussion is very good for the club and the hobby, whatever the ultimate outcome. ----- jim o\-S