good analogy, rich. i definitely think the auctioneers intention is about getting the ball rolling (or the cards dealt). where it becomes tricky with posters is in cases where you have the 'opening bid' by the house win an item which establishes a value precedent for a poster which (a) it doesn't warrant, having not been subject to genuine market forces and (b) will then soon re-enter the market in some form. This is not crucial in the lion's share of auctions, but with items of high value that are pursued by only a small number of people, it can warp that niche market. The house player at the poker table performs the function of getting the game started and the cards dealt but his presence during the game (and after he leaves the table) doesn't change the odds. n
--- On Sat, 23/7/11, Richard Halegua Comic Art <[email protected]> wrote: From: Richard Halegua Comic Art <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [MOPO] Heritage does $1.3mm in last weekend's Signature Auction To: [email protected] Date: Saturday, 23 July, 2011, 1:07 > I'm happy to accept that this practice is probably almost entirely benign, > but it potentially gives off the wrong impression and creates unnecessary > opportunities for doubt and innuendo where there needn't be any. I agree with all of Neil's post, most especially this part. However I'll add, as a Las Vegas resident & poker player I understand the need for a house player to start a game (this is where the casino has an employee who sits in a game to make enough players to begin playing where they may not otherwise be a table for those ready to play) and so I understand that starting the action is comparable to this. But I know that the auctioneer is present, he announces his presence before any auction in accordance with the laws in whichever state they are licensed, so it is neither a surprise, nor completely objectionable Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [email protected] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [email protected] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
