Hi Bill,
Since we are off topic I will make this my last comment on this subject, but will be happy to continue as a new topic elsewhere if you wish.
I concede that you are perfectly correct in saying that if a forum member declares that he has an interest and intends to bid on a particular item, it then puts other members in an uncomfortable situation if they had intended to bid also. I feel exactly the same as you, and I would not bid on an item if I knew that another forum member wanted the item in question. So yes, I agree, it ‘s not a good idea to declare an intention to bid.
That said, I see no harm in bringing certain items to the attention of other forum members, especially if you don’t intend to bid yourself. Some of the items that come up for sale are very interesting in themselves and it would be a shame if they were not pointed out to other forum members who might otherwise miss the chance to buy something that they really want. Of course this must apply to active auction items, so that members will then have the chance to decide for themselves if they want to bid or not.
As you yourself are very aware, some of the cameras offered for sale on auction sites are obvious fakes, and others fakes, but perhaps not so obvious. I think we have a duty to protect each other by pointing out these items when we see them, but we must qualify what we say by stating exactly why we think the item could be a fake. That way the would be buyer can decide for himself whether to heed the information or ignore it as he chooses. At least he has been warned. Again this must apply to active auction items. It would be pointless and futile pointing out a fake after one of our members has already bought it.
You are of course correct in saying that it is a complicated issue, and there are many facets to the subject. At the end of the day I think we must use a little bit of common sense when referring to auction items, or items for sale in an internet shop. We just need to act in a responsible manner and think of the possible consequences before posting the subject. But it would be a shame if a forum member missed out on a much desired piece of equipment because one of us declined to bring it to the attention of other members.
But I digress. The main point I want to make is that our forums are full of freely written interesting information, comments, views, etc. It would be very sad if we were to feel inhibited in any way.
My comment about “paranoia” was in reference to the “watchers”. My view is let them watch, and to hell with them. I wouldn’t want to inhibit what I say because of these people. If we did that it means they win, and we lose.
As things are I for one really enjoy reading the excellent information, views, articles, and comments, etc from our very knowledgeable members (including your good self) and many others.
I certainly don’t want to lose any of that, regardless of who else may be “watching”.
Very best wishes, and regards, Jim.


