I was coming to say this. One is a classic online event of whoever is the fastest wins. The other is seller will get the most for his/her goods. I prefer fixed time as well even though I usually forget to do the last minute frenzy and not get much.
I liked the rest of your post but disagree with the last part.
I'm really struggling to see how popcorn bidding is more fair vs a fixed end time since either way, you can just enter the maximum amount you want to pay. The problem I see with popcorn bidding is that it preys upon people who might not have enough self-control to stick to the maximum amount they are willing to pay (or can afford). This can land people in debt or unable to pay for the auctions. We know this is happening because people are being offered 2nd chances because the winning bidder backed out.
Sniping doesn't change the maximum bid that someone is willing to pay/ the proxy bid that's been entered. It just preys on people. This is very similar to what it's like for people with gambling addictions.
I don't see this as a point that should carry much weight for two reasons. First, only 13% of R2R voters actually prefer moving end-time auctions(and clearly R2R voters are the most important
). Second, this is literally the point of proxy bidding. Why have the proxy bidding feature at all then? isn't true at all. As a case study example, look at eBay, it's grown tremendously even with snipers.
You make some solid points.
it would create a neutral party that can oversee who is bidding. if someone creates an account with the same address as the vendor, that would be a red flag. if someone is bidding up auctions and not paying, that's a red flag.
im just an employee, im not paid any commissions or by how many they sell or don't sell, so it's not personal. My comments are based on having setup, run and then analyzing thousands of online auctions. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, i was just trying to give you a different perspective to consider. The fact that we are having this conversation at all gives you some idea of how popular these have become and are probably here to stay for a while.
ive never seen this happen, thats new.
When I use that word i consider it as an action not as a derogatory term but that's what it was referred to in the first post so i was trying to stay on point... but i see what ya sayin.
I guess the counterpoint is that proxy bidding exists for this very reason. But there is indeed an advantage to being present at the end of an auction. It can also be a double-edged sword for the impulsive and/or competitive types though.
