DIS Auctions instead of Rent/Trade board

[wdwendyd]

I was just over at the DVC Rent/Trade board and saw this announcement:
Important Announcement Regarding This Board....please Read
Effective July 1st, we will no longer allow the general postings of Rent/Trade offers. Instead, all such transactions will have to be done through our on-line auction (DISAuctions), which launches on July 1. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up on this.

Thanks,
Pete
_________________
Does anyone have more information on this?

[ripleysmom]

Hmm....that's interesting....

[Desperado]

Bummer, I hate to see that change. The rent trade board was a nice friendly area one could look for additional points.

Did we take a survey to see what our customers perferred? Is there a general concensus that the auction is preferred over the old style board?

If I pay to become a sponsor, does that give me voting rights? Was there a survey of sponsor's only? (Which would be fine with me, I just wonder if any users were asked about this change, sponsors or not.)

Perhaps even a poll on this subject might reveal customer preferences.

[SamSam]

Hmmmmm, I hate to see the rent/trade board end. I wonder what the reasoning is behind the change.

[chris1gill]

I agree with everyone, I'm a little disappointed in this change. Does that mean that other DIS'ers (ourselves included) would have to bid on an "auction" in order to rent points?

[Peterd]

I don't sell my points, nor have I had any reason to rent additional points but I wonder how good an auction is since someone who has let's say 250 points to rent would need to be able to break the points down , or make a few separate ressies. What if a member needs say 9 points to complete a ressie, how will they "rent" these points at an auction?

[Lewisc]

I agree, in most cases negotiations will work better than a straight auction. As others have posted too many variables (only want some of the points, can you get the reservations you want, do you trust the bidder). Maybe Pete needs to charge a small fee for listing.

[mooses41]

I think things should stay the way they are. Making it an auction would only turn a great board into a place like ebay.

-But, I'm not one to be against something and not offer a solution, so here it is.

Webmasters, I understand that to keep the site up, money is needed and the rent trade board looks like a great place to make a comission by making it auctions. However, i suggest that a fee is charged to use/post on/browse he rent/trade board. Such as a yearly fee of 5 dolars. It would be like tug. Or perhaps just charge to be able to post on it, not browse. Then, you would keep the same format, but still make money. Plus, in some cases you would make more money because someon would only offer one amount of points up for a year.


Webmaster Pete or another webmaster, please post or pm me w/ your opinions on this.

[VickiVM]

I had an eloquent post about the relationships I established in making my decision to rent points from an owner...then my computer acted up and expired my page.

Anyway, the gist of it was that I don't think as someone who was a little nervous about the whole transaction I would have gone forward with it without the various posting back and forth and PM's regarding the variables of the whole process. Someone replied to my post about renting points, we emailed back and forth until we came up with a rather flexible and affordable agreement. He allowed me to put 25% down to secure the ressie (since I had over $600 tied up at WDTC for AS's), and pay it out up to 60 days out of ressie. It's now 90 & some odd days out and I finished paying out the last 25%.

It is the very nature of the kind of casual and flexible forum that the Rent/Trade board is that allowed me to take my time, ask questions and research this decision. I will probably seriously consider renting again (one of WDW's best kept secrets), but would not be comfortable in an EBay/Priceline kind of structure. I would, however, gladly pay a small fee for the transaction if the "hook-up" was established on the Rent/Trade board.

[Dean]

The other 2 threads on this topic have vanished, moved, closed; whatever actually happened. I'll post here what I intended to post on the one on this board that was "moved". I like the current rent/trade BBS. I am however a guest here and will attempt to act as such. Pete is the owner and if he decides to make changes, that is his choice. I will respect that no matter the outcome. I'd recommend others consider doing the same. At least wait until actual details are available before deciding if things are OK or not.

[Niagara2]

Rent trade has always been a friendly place to help each other. I was once Given for free, yes free, 68 points that were to expire in a week. I was at OKW, the kind DIS;er transfered them into my account and MS came through and we stayed am extra 4 days. I was so lucky and the kind person wouldn't give me his address as he knew I wanted to send him something. I was so touched that three times I have given points to members on the rent trade board that needed just a few to make a ressie. Once it was 4 points and twice 2 points. The Point is, rent trade has a difference use than auction. Maybe auctions would be good too, but I would like to see it as an addition, not a replacement. JMHO!;)

[WebmasterPete]

Okay, I hate to sound nasty about this but....

Since you're all so unhappy about the change, I'll leave things as they are. But when there isn't enough money to pay for these servers, you'll know why. I find it interesting that not one of the people "complaining" about this is a site sponsor. You like this site, then help pay for it, because it's getting more and more difficult each month for me to do it.

That's the reason we decided to make it auction based. The entire thing MAY have cost $5 to post and a number of aspects were brought into consideration before time. But, I'll defer to your wishes and leave the rent trade board as it is.

Nothing like people who get something for free then ***** about it afterwards.

Sorry, I've been sick for the last three days I'm tired of seeing posts like this, especially from a man who was a former moderator on this site.

Pete

[Deb8821]

I too have rented points for what I consider quite a bit of cash. I dont think I would feel comfortable bidding on points. I guess I just wouldn't do it this way. I really liked the fact I could ask the rentee questions before I was committed to the transaction. Plus I believe the current board allows for more give and take (more date and resort options back and forth) between rentee and rentor. I am not sure how this would be accomplished by an auction. I am open to watching how it works but I dont quite get how it will work at this point. I guess we just have to wait and see . . . . .

[Richyams]

I haven't commented because while I rarely, not in many years, use the board, think it is great the way it is, I fully understand the cost of running this site. MuffinPC, my company has begun to host, Pete, maybe I could offer a deal:jester:


I have been meaning, but never gotten around to, to become a site sponser. One of the reasons(rationalizations) that I haven't is that I was afraid that people would think that the only way I could be as 'contreversial' as I am is because I was a site sponser. Pardon me while I get around to it.

How soon do I get the thingy under my name??????

[Richyams]

Lets see if the thingy under your name comes up right away.

[Richyams]

I guess not.....

[Richyams]

By the way, Pete, why don't you post more like you used to?

Is it me????

[wdwendyd]

I'm going to become a site sponser, too! I was kind of waiting to see how this auction thing was going to go. So since you are being kind enough to keep this board the same, I better show my appreciation and "put my money where my mouth is"! :)

[Richyams]

Let's see who's thingy shows up first.

I bet there are others who have been holding out or procrastinating(me). I have been on this site since nearly the begining. I really do appreciate what Pete has put together for us.

I do hope to meet him at a WDW DISmeet one day.

[kem330]

Pete, give people a chance to show you the money! I think it's great you are keeping the board as is, but isn't there a way to charge a user fee? Equivalent to what the auction would bring in? How complicated is it to set up a subscription to the Rent/trade board? I am computer illiterate, so if it's too costly to set up, maybe you can restrict postings to site sponsors only? I appreciate the great service you provide, sorry I procrastinated as well on signing up as a sponsor. Maybe this will remind us all!

[rtp-resident]

I think if people are reminded - most will respond. This board is too valuable an asset to lose!

Just think about the last time you saved money on your WDW trip from reading some suggestion on this board. You SURELY saved more than the cost of a sponsorship. I'm not even talking about your total savings over the years - I just mean your last trip!!!!!

I'm relatively new on the board, but I know I saved more than $40.00 so far.

Here's my contribution from the savings - Pete

Thanks for the work that you do.:D

[Kick it up a notch!]

I have been away for the last few days, but I really don't see where anyone has the right to tell Pete how to run the site. Instead of complaining about it, how about coming up with other ideas about generating cash flow to pay for the site. I happen to work for a networking company and the equipment costs alone are staggering, never mind thecost for access to the internet for bandwith substantial enough to keep it going.

This site has been a source of enjoyment for many, many people. I have been discussing a donation to the site with my wife for about a month now and we have decided to donate, we just haven't decided how much. Our donation will be soon since it seems that a sense of urgency is required and I beleive others should develop the same sense of urgency and make a donation. Five dollars, twenty five dollars, one hundred dollars, I am not preaching how much, just pleading with all of those who are outraged to put your money where your mouth is and help out.

I'm sure any donation people make to Pete will be appreciated and applied to run the site in a responsible manner no matter what the size.

I am asking everyone to please apply all of this energy in a positive way and make an effort to help pay for the site, whether it be with an idea, or a donation.

That's my two cents!

[Kick it up a notch!]

How about charging a set fee for posts, say like $5 each instead of auctioning the points (only on the rent\trade board)???

[chris1gill]

I also like the idea of paying a set price in order to post on the rent/trade board... five or ten dollars, whatever it may be...

Now I'll go get my credit card out & see how quickly I get the thingy under my name... I've been here an awful long time myself...

[chris1gill]

Okay, everyone that was unhappy about the Auctioning of points, go pony up your 20 or 40.00!! Here's the link, took a couple of minutes to find it...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/dis-sponsor/index.html

[rtp-resident]

Checking on my symbol

[chris1gill]

Hey, my Silver thingy came up!!! yours should come up quick rtp-president

[Niagara2]

You are right Pete - alot of us gain so much info and save dollars.....I too am guilty of procrastinating and not signing up as a sponsor....well you gave me the reminder I needed and looking forward to the thingy under my screen name also. Again Thanks Pete for all you do for us with this site. ;)

[maryp]

Ok, I just signed up, threw in my 2 cents. Although I don't post often, I'm here at least once a day, and would miss these boards terribly if they were to discontinue. Sorry about the complaining Pete, and I should have signed up weeks ago. I still haven't forgotten a message you posted for me one day on these boards when I was busy feeling sorry for myself!! Thanks so much for everyone's hard work!!

[Laurabearz]

I gotta say..... I was really very curious to how the auction thing would work, with points. Now I may never know...... :(

Pete..... I love this site. I am so sorry if any of us made you feel bad. I would be lost without The DIS........... Thank you very much!
.

[kel3420]

Thanks for the reminder on becoming a sponsor. I just signed up.

[Deb8821]

I am glad this whole issue came up. I have used these boards and gained tons of info and saved alot of $$. I guess I never really relized how this sponsorship worked and what to do. I am happy to pay for such a great site. If this was the reason behind changing the rent/trade board I wish I had known and would have sponsored sooner. I guess I did not really know how to go about it and what to do. Thanks for posting the link to sponsoring I took care of my support right away. Sorry I didnt do it sooner!! This is a fantastic resourse and I appreciated Pete's efforts.

[ktbugsmom]

Thanks for keeping the rent/trade board going... I just signed up to be a sponsor to show my gratification... :)

[Johnnie Fedora]

DW and I just signed up as sponsors. Something we've talked about for a while, and finally did. These boards have been an invaluable asset during our numerous DVC decisions, and trip plannings. We hope the rent/trade board is remains available (even if there is a fee associated with posting on it). We may be wanting to rent points to purchase our Dreams Unlimited Disney cruise next year.:D Sometimes, a "just the facts" plea encourages people to participate.

[Kelly&John]

Thanks for keeping the rent/trade board. I never thought I would need to use it but I have - twice in the last year.

These boards are a great resource. I'm sorry it took so long to become a site sponsor. I guess I just needed that extra ******* push.

Kelly

[Ralph&Pam]

Add me to the list of folks who needed a gentle reminder that it takes money to provide this outstanding forum. I'm glad that I'm now a site sponsor.

Thanks, Pete.

[Jenzebelle]

Unfortunately, some of us have to worry about things like whether or not they are going to get laid off, whether or not they are going to lose the roof over their head, etc... and can't scrape up the money on their all ready maxed out credit cards in order to sponsor this site.

I understand that running this site takes money. I do appreciate the effort and finances that go into this place. And I don't mean to start anything- I just want to point out that many of us would like to contribute but can't :(

[CyranoJones]

Nothing like good customer service skills, I always say. :rolleyes:

[caverill]

I must admit, I hadn't signed up either.

This thread was enough to "push the button".

I think this board is a great resource and I am very pleased to assist in supporting it!

Thanks for the great job!

[melanieewr]

I too needed a little "kick in the posterior" to get me going. Now that I am reminded just how great these boards are, I am going to be a sponsor also since I can afford to do so. I know I would not have liked the auction but I realize there are costs involved in maintaining this board and I have benefited greatly from the rent/trade board.

Thanks Pete and forgive our procrastination!

Melanie

[Dean]

I too must admist I'm curious as to the possible auction posibilities. Also, thanks for the reminder to do the sponsorship, I had been putting it off.

[Dumbo]

If you don't mind my rambling, I would just like to add my humple opinion to this thread.

I think the auction site will be great. I think it is an excellant idea. I look forward to it's launch and expect to participate in it.

However, I didn't think the DVC rent/trade board was to be eliminated as a result. I believe many DVC members have benefited from it, includeing myself. Personally I believe the renting or tradeing of DVC points via an auction would be too hard to accomplish. However, I believe that any DVC reservations already confirmed with Member Services, that a DVC member wishes to rent out, should be delegated to the auction board for bid and not on the rent/trade board.

In closing, I would like to thank Pete for keeping the DVC rent/trade board active and as a token of gratitude I have become a sponsor and supportor of the DIS boards.

Be part of the solution, not the problem. (http://www.wdwinfo.com/dis-sponsor/index.html)

Dumbo

[Richyams]

I think that since I was the first one to take this as a reminder to finally become a sponser, and since it was obviously me who prompted this long list of new sponsers.....I should get a cut!!!

Or at least the ability to customize my title with a few extra characters.

A man, A legend, a way of life..

Is too many characters, it looks wrong the way I have to smoosh it into 24 characters.....its the least you could do.

Thanks in advance

[Dumbo]

What a waste of bandwidth.


Dumbo

[chris1gill]

Originally posted by Richyams
A man, A legend, a way of life..

And not to shy to admit it huh? ;)

But, hey, we got our little thingy's at the same time, so don't take all the credit!!!

[GrammieMame]

Just signed up. When I think about all the "stuff" I throw on my credit card without even thinking, I'm embarrassed that I didn't sign up immediately. I get so much pleasure out of visiting this site that I'm more than happy to contribute to keeping it going.

[maryp]

I say....GO, DVC'ers!!! Anybody figured out how much money this board has contributed today? And we still have tonight! Let's hope for a nice grand total by midnight!

[POLLY ANN]

Well, I went to sign up and I guess I'll have to sign up another day!

I can't find my credit card! Oh, brother! I hope it's somewhere in this house!

I hate life right now. :(

[Muushka]

I have been on these boards for a very long time, and saved a pile of $$ (although my husbands hints that I had to SPEND a lot to save it ;) ).

I appreciate all of the work that goes into running them. While I am at it, I would like to thank Doc, who always gives me a thoughtful answer to my questions.

I did not read this thread until tonight because I thought it was another bashing of sorts, but what a surprise. Well, you guys (DVC'ers) are all just great. And I knew that I should sign up also, but just needed that gentle reminder. Thanks Pete!

[manning]

I believe that buying /renting points is the better way than an auction. May I make a suggestion? Pete, may I suggest that you ask your potential customers what they feel is fair compensation for your service. And you tell them what you think would be fair. Then we can come up with an agreed upon price.

Pete offers a valuable service and it cost him money to provide it. I do not believe it should be offered free or the service would eventually disappear.

One of the reasons I decided to buy DVC was knowing I had a relatively easy vehicle to dispose of any unused points. I believe that negotiating builds trust, and will result in more success and faster results. It is also more flexible. No one has to wait for the exact required points to be offered. I also believe everyone will be more incline to return.

Perhaps we can turn this into a win win situation

Can anyone else add to this??

[kem330]

I signed up this morning but no thingy yet- how long does it take to be on your avatar?

[DisneyMeMa]

As Dean said, we are all Pete's guests on this site. I am one of the ones that has neglected to thank our host and tell him how much I enjoy being here. The DIS really is a great source of information and entertainment...Heaven forbid if we should all have to get our information from an official Disney site. Even though there is a lot on the DIS I do not use, including the rent/trade board, I am glad it is here. I have complete confidence Pete will do the best thing for all of us. IMHO "the boy has done good." Thanks Pete. Hope you feel better soon.

[nydizfan]

thanks pete .. this site is numero uno........ dave. hope u are feeling better..... :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[Shontell_Crawford]

I just returned from a Concierge Collection exchange to the Tanque Verde Ranch or I would have replied earlier to this post. (E-mail me if you would like a trip report!)
As most of you know, I have been visiting Pete's site since I started reselling the Disney Vacation Club with The Timeshare Store in 1997. I encouraged Pete to go commercial back then and have always thought this was one of the best resources for Disney information without the Disney "stronghold" over opinions.
I have used the rental boards here and two other places as well in the past year and had success with all. I truly appreciate the forums and the service they provide. I signed up for sponsorship as soon as I saw it being offered even though I am no longer with The Timeshare Store.

Pete, have you considered having a corporate sponsor for the rental boards like you have on the DVC Discussion boards? It might be an alternative that would avoid the controversy being brought up in this thread.
I don't know if I can afford it since my business is just beginning, or if it would be a conflict of interest with The Timeshare Store, but you know I provide the best service possible for my clients and would welcome the opportunity to sponsor the rental board if it is within my budget.

I have always appreciated the service you and this site provide and would gladly continue to help any way I can. Yes, it benefits my business, but it also benefits me as a DVC member and for that I am truly grateful. I have learned more from this site, the internet and my clients than anyone can imagine. As a cast member, my knowledge was minimal compared to what it is as a guest today, thanks to this board and the dialogue it entails.

Regardless of how this all works out - Thank you for the rental board, the DVC discussion board and the hard work you have put into this site, which I know happens to be your business, but was first something you loved.

Shontell

[grimgrinnin]

I just subscribed also. I'm on these boards at least once a day, and $40 a year is nothing compared to what I spend on cable.

Thanks Pete.


grim

[erikthewise]

This thread also pushed me subscribe as I had been meaning to do for some time. It wasn't so much the issue itself as seeing all the other people subscribing told it was time to do it.

Though I may never actually use it, I like the "open marketplace" feel of Rent/Trade board.

[luckytso]

I just signed up for the sponsorship too. Without this board, I probably still will not buy into the DVC program. I convinced my DH that I can always rent out the unused points on the Rent/Trade board. Otherwise, he was very against it saying that he could not imagine we would go to WDW that frequently.

In the past several months, I have become so addicted to this board and got so much entertainment and information about DVC. I am even in the process of renting out the points that I cannot use.

I hope all the money that are going to the Disboard will be sufficient to keet this Board going for a while.

Thanks, Peter, for providing such a wonderful place for all the Disney lovers.

[mgilmer]

Hey Pete!

I have been reading your site for several months now and I just signed up as a member and ponyed up the money to be a sponsor. I can understand your angst, however I appreciate you keeping the DVC points board the way it is. I recently was able to find a great deal to rent some points thru it. It is a great asset. I hope my sponsorship helps defray the costs. Now for all you other trolls outthere -- SIGN UP & BECOME A SPONSOR!!!

Mike Gilmer
DL in 1957
WDW in June, 2002
Going to WDW again in December, 2002

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[DVC-Don]

I'm another one who was on the fence about to sponser or not to sponser. I took the plunge a couple of days ago. I got a lot of DVC info here in the past year and a half. (had another log on name that I dropped last December)

[Muushka]

Hey, does this thread remind anyone else of "It's a Wonderful Life"???

[HookdonWDW]

Pete,

I am another fence sitter, who read your message, and realized that it was time to put my money behind supporting a site that has helped me so much. This site was the thing that finalized our decision to purchase DVC.

Thanks for offering such a great service!

[nuthut]

Just joined as site sponsor. I never new this was available until I read this post. Now Pete, you need to offer these auctions in addition to the rent/trade board. It costs me about $5 to list and about $30 to sell a DVC time on ebay. The rent/trade board decreases the value of points as too many people are unloading encumbered, etc points. Even at $12 a point, everyone can save up to 60% off Disney's rate with no tax. I would sure be willing to try this site for DVC auctions. Do remember that the end consumer (renter) ultimately pays all the costs!!

This site has saved me enough on airfare for one trip to become a lifetime member. Cheers for Pete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dean]

Joined through Paypal last night but it isn't showing up yet. Thanks for the reminder. I was wondering how long it usually too for the banner to show up.

[HeatherPage]

Some people don't view using the rent/trade board as a "commercial" venture or as a second income. They just may need to rent out points that otherwise would be lost anyway. I needed 10 points about two years ago for a one night stay and a gentleman on the rent/trade board was kind enough to rent them to me for $6/point as he was probably not going to use them anyway. He could have tried to ask for more but he showed a great amount of generosity. If I can do that for someone one day I hope I can. Not everyone needs to gouge their fellow man/woman all the time.

[rtp-resident]

Dean - There may be a glitch with the paypal system. Have my paypal email receipt and went through the registration process on DISboard. I signed up the other night and have not shown up on the sponsor list yet. One of the Webmasters took care of the symbol but I am apparently not in the system yet. I think it is being worked on.

[robinb]

First of all, thank you Pete. I'm glad that you left the rent/trade board the way it is.

Second: I became a 2 year Gold site sponsor weeks ago. I figured I've already received $100 of "enjoyment" from the site and I was happy to pay and help out :).

Third: I'm happy that a lot of fence sitters are becoming sponsors. If you have enough money for a computer and an internet connection and you are a regular poster, there is no reason not to become a site sponsor, IMO. The DIS is entertaining and it is not unreasonable to pay for your entertainment.

Last of all: On a down note, I am upset at the following remark made by Pete: I find it interesting that not one of the people "complaining" about this is a site sponsor. You like this site, then help pay for it, because it's getting more and more difficult each month for me to do it. I hope that was just a sick, grumpy Pete talking. I know that I can be a real ***** when I am sick :). Nevertheless, to insinuate that only those people who have ponied up $$ to become a site sponsor really have a "say" is wrong.

[HeatherPage]

Welll....I would like to become a site sponsor but I literally do not have the money at the moment. My husband gets paid tomorrow and I get paid on Friday and after bills and diapers and formula and food we have about $35 to last us until next Thursday. We were given our computer by my father-in-law and I also post on the one at work so just because you own a computer does not mean your rolling in dough. We are not normally as tight as this (or we obviously would not own at DVC) but husband's work has been cutting everyones Friday for the past four weeks (that's basically about $400 less a month than we usually get). However, I did go to the sponsor board to give a paltry $5 until we could afford more but the minimum is $20 that I saw. This isn't a post for sympathy but just to let you all know that some people really enjoy these boards and would like to donate, but cannot at this very moment. So I guess my alternative is wait a few weeks until I can donate or quit frequenting this site. And Robin I second your comment above -I hope Pete can look past the harsh comments generated over the past few days and realize that he has touched peoples lives with this site- the well off and the just scraping by.

[zulaya]

I feel bad posting on this thread because I can't do the sponsorship level I want until I get paid either.

I agree with robinb and HeatherPage.

Also, perhaps the need for support can be shared more openly on other forums as well. While I don't read every board, the ones that I do read don't have any kind of thread like this. I realize this thread was a reaction to a change, but perhaps if the readers of all the other forums had the same reality information about the cost of keeping this site functional, then more fence-sitters or lurkers would take the plunge and sponsor too.

[Richyams]

I saw the new policy for the restaruant board, Pete is going to start a restaruant review auction site. You are only going to be able to review meals that you bid for.

Maybe this new policy is actually designed to get that board's patrons to remember the sponser thing.

[Chris C]

Holy Cow!

Look at all that traffic you just gave the Restaurant Board Rich! Talk about a major bandwidth spike! ;)

[WebmasterDoc]

In the past, Pete has made it clear that sponsorship is NOT a requirement to enjoy this site and no one should feel...or be made to feel...that they are not welcome here regardless of their ability to contribute financially to the DIS.

I think of this like Public television and the sponsorship programming they conduct each year. Those who are able to contribute are encouraged to do so and those currently unable to do so are more than welcome to contribute their knowledge and experience thru posting.

No one was disagreeing about the value of the Rent/Trade Board, but as a low volume Board, it could certainly be expendable should cut backs be necessary in the future. The inclusion of that aspect in the DISauction program was intended as a means to allow those who benefit from the Rent/Trade - either as renter or rentee- to contribute to the operational costs of the site as a whole.

Pete's comments were an observation that, of those who had offered their criticism about a program which had yet to even begin, none were providing any support to the sustenance of the site. Several forums- some even busier than the Rent/Trade- have been discontinued in the past without outcry from anyone. The sudden response this week about the Rent/Trade was most unexpected.

Sponsorship does not "buy" anyone a voice in the operation of this site, but is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Laurabearz]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc

Pete's comments were an observation that, of those who had offered their criticism about a program which had yet to even begin, none were providing any support to the sustenance of the site. Several forums- some even busier than the Rent/Trade- have been discontinued in the past without outcry from anyone. The sudden response this week about the Rent/Trade was most unexpected.
Thanks!

Gosh how do I say this........ I think what bothered me most about the switch notice was the way it was presented...... We are switching the way we do it but we are not telling you how it is going to work. The DISAuctions arent even up and running yet so the WHOLE thing brings up questions........ Of course this is the first time I mentioned my thoughts about it.

I am also one of the few who thought this might be a good idea.... I kinda like a third (and trusted) party involved when I exchange/trade points. And really would of liked to hear more about how this might work.

I hope when all this settles down, we once again can look at the auction posiblity with questions answered and bugs worked out.

Now can we move on to another HOT topic! Like what ever happened to my teeth?? -------------> :)

[ncligs]

Just signed up for a sponsor. It is well worth it!!!!!!;)

[drtpaper]

This auction idea is a good one and should move forward, but the board should remain as well. I understand the cost of the server is an issue. I have used your board to sell excess points. I would be willing to pay for the service. I suggest that you do 2 things:

1. Auctions be made available at a cost - I would recommend you use an ebay dutch style auction so people can split out points and prices.

2. Offer posting on the board to members only who have sponsored the board or paid a posting fee.

The boards offer services an auction can not. I could not auction points due to the quick turnaround you have to make on points, resorts, and dates. The board also acts as a trading post which wouldn't work well in an auction format. I also would not "auction" points for less than current value. It appears you want to take a cut of the transactions and this is only right since your service is not being compensated. There are many ways to do this without having to remove the things that make the board a great place.