In a message dated 10/8/2003 10:35:28 AM Eastern Daylight Time, JohnBirkin@aol.com writes:
<< This sort of posting is really annoying. No indication of what the items are. So are we expected to spend our time looking just in case there is something interesting? I just hope that nobody bothered and that nobody encouraged this sort of thing by bidding. John Birkin Sussex, England >>
Dear John:
I think I understand your opinion here but I need to let you know that the style of Nick Z's message, in it's brevity, is seen to be polite and considerate by most of us. A short, uninvolved message, simply indicating that he has things for sale, is seen as a courtesy to those who are not interested in buying things at auction. Conversely, people who are active buyers, are encouraged to take a peek. Rather than be annoying, Nick sought to be considerate.
Also at play here is that Nick Z is a long standing member with an excellent reputation and most members do not mind having to "spend our time looking just in case there is something interesting."
I acknowledge that you see this differently, but I must remind you that the CR rules do require that negative opinions or criticisms should not be sent to the at-large CR list... If you have a gripe or specific complaint, it is proper form to tell me, the list owner, and let me take action as appropriate.
Now, after saying all that, maybe your point should be taken as illustrative of how others might feel. Perhaps the way Hilary Stone does it is best in his CR announcements, with a bulleted list of what items are at auction. I don't think anyone would object. I am posting this response to the whole list in hopes that folks will see it and adopt this style...
Thanks for your participation in the CR list. Sincerely, Dale
Dale Brown Greensboro, North Carolina <A HREF="http://www.classicrendezvous.com./main.htm">ClassicRendezvous.com</A>