Enron Auction Knocks Out Auction Site

(Mis)Uses of Technology

from the everyone-wants-the- dept

The first thing I did this morning when logging in was try to go to the Enron asset auction over at DoveBid to see how much the big “E” went for, and if any of the many many flat panel monitors were selling at a reasonable price. Using both the Webvan and Excite online auctions as examples, I assumed that it would be mobbed – and that people would pay way too much for stuff (often more than things would cost new). However, I didn’t expect that I couldn’t even get in to the DoveBid site. So, while I was waiting, I hopped over to News.com and discovered the auction has been so popular it’s taken DoveBid offline. I guess the only way you’ll get a bargain is if the sucker who’s willing outspend you can’t even reach the site. Update: I finally got in to the auction and have to admit it was quite hilarious to listen in for about an hour or so. The auctioneer was very funny and kept making fun of all the idiotic web bidders who had no clue what they were doing. I did log in too late, though, to listen to the tilted E get sold for an astounding $44,000.