Now I am reading with a much clearer light. The bid made must always be within one's current means. Somehow, the part on "30 minutes after the end of the Auction..." manages to derail me. Thanks for the clarification, Chief.

A game of skill, hmm, I can foresee more fun on the way. *grin*

Chamonix,

The rule "A bid is invalid if the bidder does not have enough KPs to cover it from the point of making the bid till 30mins after the end of the Auction when the payment must be made." is exactly the opposite of what you said.  It means that from the time you make the bid until it is time for you to pay up, you must have sufficient KPs in your account to pay for the item.  We do check the bidder's KPs at the point of the bid to ensure compliance.

Actually, this discussion is good because it helps clarify various assumptions that people have on Auctions.  It is never easy to give things away to people, that's why most organizations simply put everything to a game of chance... ie. have people draw lots and see who pick the winner.  We prefer to give it away in a more competitive manner, a game of skill instead.  Naturally, there will have to be more rules to ensure that people play fair.

Wah...this afternoon's auction so complicated ah?? Need jury and verdict somemore...

Hi CKS, just to clarify this particular rule -

"A bid is invalid if the bidder does not have enough KPs to cover it from the point of making the bid till 30mins after the end of the Auction when the payment must be made."

Does it mean I can offer a bid beyond my means anytime during the auction? As long as I can make payment half an hour after the auction ends, I wouldn't be considered as infringing any rules. Did I get it right?

Not sure if this can be considered as a loophole. For instance, if I bid 300 kps beyond my means and happen to be successful in the auction, I can always put up 3 blog posts within the half an hour to earn the missing 300 kps. Would that be considered as a foul move? Similarly in Jedamum's case, if I'm the second highest bidder, am I entitled the same privilege as the winner, i.e half an hour to make up my shortfall (should I offer a bid beyond my means)?

Could only do the first bid...need to rush off for work...aurgg...lunch time auction really not a good time for me...

Congrats RRmummy for your maiden win in this afternoon's auction...FINALLY! (phew!) Am really happy for you! 

Verdict:

It is clear that you will need to consider the tax of +500, given your previous win, when making any bid, it is to be assumed that your every bid in the auction is a serious bid with every consequence of a chance to win. And should RRMummy's bid (after closing of the auctions) be considered an invalid bid, yours is actually the next highest bid Chief Judge will consider. Which in this case, you did have an invalid bid.

However, in view of the current situation, RRMummy did make a valid and winning bid, and your bid came only after RRMummy. So, yours is only a volation of rule 1.

However, become me is an 'almost' involved party in the afternoon auction.

My verdict is almost null and invalid...

Awaiting for Chief's verdict.

... is that the bidders bid to win.  That's why it is imperative that we stick to the principle that when we bid, we must have prepared to lose the amount we bid.  The tax amount is to be added on every bid that the bidder makes, and if the final bid wins the Auction, so be it.

However, on the account that this point may not have been made clear at the beginning of the Auctions, we will waive jedamum's 1st timer status and reinstate her right to bid in tonight's Auction.

Supper sounds good though.  That's exactly what I'd be having while you guys are sweating away :) .  Enjoy yourselves, everyone.  The Honorable mincy will be presiding over the battleground for the LAST Besta.

It's a clear non-infringement. If anyone can convince me that my above explanation is flawed, I'll take that time to go out for supper tonight .

In any case, members of the jury should not have any vested interest in the matter at hand - in such case, only moderators have this right to be in the jury.

Anyone?