@ Marcheline:

I don’t think you understand how auctions work. First, yes, the reserved bidding price DOES affect the final price – there are people who might want a piece no matter what, but they will bid at the lowest acceptable starting point because – you’d better be sitting down because this might be a shock to you – people want to get the best price for something!! What if there is only one person who really wants the piece; if the bidding starts at $1000, they bid $1000 and get it at that price. If the reserved price is $500, all the fangirls bid $500-508, s/he bids $509 and the charity is out $491.

And if you think the organisers don’t consider the feelings of the donors, you’re naive. I’m not saying they absolutely did in this case, but it is frequently, frequently the case – and the more notable the donors are, the more carefully and deferentially they are treated, no matter what their reputation for good politics may be.

@ Bella

No, I’m not delusional, but I CAN spell it!

@ trelawney’s second

You said it. “It’s not about what’s best for the fans.”

@ Medea C.

Not only do I understand how auctions work, I’m a wicked-good ebayer. I can tell that you are a certified, card-carrying Charity Auction Price Setter, because only someone so experienced would know that organizers kissing celebrity arse is “frequently, frequently the case”. It was that second “frequently” that tipped me off.

@ Everyone else

It’s interesting to see how my initial post, which was completely polite, about my thoughts on a charity auction have resulted in people calling me names. So far I’ve racked up delusional, naive, and my capability of understanding simple concepts has been called into question.

It’s even stranger considering the fact that I never said anything derogatory about Alan Rickman (unless calling him rich is an insult), nor about anyone posting their opinions on this site.

I know how auctions work. I know what charities are for.

I think it sucks that the real fans will have no chance to even bid on these movie memorabilia items, because the starting price is so high.

- M

Quote: “I trust he’s not walking the floor at night, wringing his hands and hoping the price goes up.” AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (with alll due respect, this statement did make me laugh; it just sounded so funny) Good one.

I must say that is a very becoming picture of him. I think I have a bit of a crush now, really. I guess Cho and I got over Cedric pretty fast ;p

oh excuse me I typed one to many “l”’s- boo frickedy hoo- ( Dr.Evil)

@Joy

It’s nice to know someone around here has a decent sense of humor. Besides me, of course. (heh) Thanks for the return chuckles.

I developed a crush on our Mr. Rickman when I saw “Sense and Sensibility”... it only got worse when I saw him as Snape. Oh, my!! I do so love him in all his batlike gothic garb! And no one has a voice like his – perhaps with the exception of Lawrence Fishburn, one of my other crushes…. ever see him in Othello? Swoon!

- M