Wow, now I remember why I hesitate to post to the list...pretty rough stuff. But I'm feeling bold this morning, so here it goes:
Its been years since Logic 101, and the only formal deduction I've done lately is the IRS kind, but I do remember that the best arguments are predicated on strong, factual premises. The trouble with arguing (in the formal sense Brandon is referring to) is much of the basis for our discussions is opinion and emotion and personal experience, not factual truths. This turns the whole process into debate and not logic. (Campagnolo Vs Shimano Vs Suntour, Old Vs New, ad nauseum...know what I mean?)
We are adults lusting after (and probably spending an inordinate amount of time discussing) of all the things in this world: bicycles. How can we be objective and rational when so much of our thought process is clouded by emotion? Now I dislike specious arguments too, but not everyone has the same high standards when BSing about bikes and life in general. Maybe I'm not very cerebral, but my life is contentious enough without having to defend every thing I say as empirical fact or logical truth.
Would most of you agree that logic doesn't apply to prices on eBay or at auctions in general? It only takes two bidders to really want a specific item, extra rare or not. Sometimes it seems crazy, but I never really know the whole story, so my "obvious" conclusion may not be true. It may be the provenance of the item, the color, the size, the history of the bidders, the rarity, the timing, or the depth of the bidders' pockets or whatever. And often there is a vast difference in price between NIB/NOS/uncirculated and used. Think certain coins and stamps instead of Krates and Paramounts and you'll see the real apples and oranges analogies here. (Joking...please don't rip my head off!!!!)
I agree that its worth whatever the bidder pays. Let him deal with buyer's remorse if he overpays, or let him think it was the best deal ever. Just don't think the result of the auction automatically sets the new market price for NOS Paramounts. But I don't mind if someone puts it into perspective of what other bikes (similar or not) are selling for. I always like to think where else the money could go. My soapbox comment: Our local animal shelter buys 40 pound bags of dog food from a kindhearted distributor for under $5 each. Hmmmmm...spend wisely.
Enough of your time, thanks...
Ed Kasper Detroit MI
Where three German shepherds are sleeping behind me...and my 'pet' peeve: one is snoring loudly.