Penny auctions give me things I need everyday.
1. Certainty; I know that when I bid I am certain I will have fun. The competition and rivalry that occurs during an auction can be viscous. As personal and viscous as it
could be while remaining almost completely anonymous anyway.
2. Uncertainty; this is where life is most fun, isn't it? I mean we all know what it's like. Battling for an HOUR, clicking away at that bid button like it's a red-headed step child, and then! "3... 2... 1... Going... Gone.
ENDED"
You stroll from your computer, no,
your battle station a victorious warrior-champion. Confidence boosted, ego uncontainable, swagger untouchable, you are on top of this small world. "You've got mail" (Ok, I know NO ONE has AOL anymore, but work with me here)
"We regret to inform you that Auction #332 that you won has been
VOIDED...blah blah... Happy bidding!"
What?!!? Then you check out the goings-on on the PAW forum...
You log in, click the "New Posts" tab and see your favorite PA forum has new activity... Furious and anxious to know just what caused this victory to be robbed from you, you click the link,
you big bad warrior you...
Oh, surprise surprise...
The resident power bidder, Bid-"tutu"-win, has video evidence that the bid butler misappropriated 3 of his bids, which obviously "changed the landscape" of his bidding strategy, thus irrevocably tarnishing the entire auction's "integrity".
(j/k BTW)
3. Drama. I no longer read the Enquirer or Star magazines. Come to think of it, PA have helped me reduce my carbon footprint.
4. Illusion of superior intellectual prowess over my friends. Scenario: "Hey Shenanigans (all my friends call me this now) I just got a Wii on Black Friday for $150!" My response: "I got mine on 'Penny Tuesday' for $2.55, sorry it was the only one at that price" (This effect only works when you leave the area quickly to avoid further scrutiny.)
5. Value. Where else can you get all of this for less than a buck?
The best thing about penny auctions is PAW, and all the good people I have been able to meet along the way! Thank you all, hope everyone has a great & prosperous New Year!