I think everyone seems to have missed the point. I don't really care about the increments, I care about the amounts of the increments. $5 on $50 is 10%. Even eBay's increments start at 2%, then decrease. 10% is really friggin high.
Ron - As someone who has helped with running quite a few LIVE auctions for our local herpetological society, I can tell you that this increment amount is not out of line. And the flip side of your argument is that bidders who are REALLY interested in a particular item aren't going to quibble over a larger bid increment. If the difference between $50 for a nice plant and $55 for the same nice plant is too much for someone, then don't bid! But there are plenty of people out there who are willing to follow these rules. I have ALSO had people walk out of live auctions, and it was very plain that the reason they were walking out is because of what they considered 'nickel-and-dime' increments made by some bidders, which made the entire auction run slower.
I also think you're missing the big point: the entire goal of the auction is to raise money for the NASC...a non-profit organization that wants to make a difference!
You know, I would join the NASC and come to the meetings and take this up there blah blah blah, but I guess this is one of those "pick your battles" things. Yeah it pisses me (and some other people) off, but having to pay to join an organization, put in lots of man hrs, etc (with probably no results) seems like overkill and a waste of my time. Judging how NASC does things sometimes, my complaint would probably get cuaght up in a bunch of red tape, and then ultimately after months of waiting and working, nothing would happen.
Man, you sure didn't mind touring my greenhouse last weekend, and seeing the fruits of many NASC volunteers' labors. I guess I should count myself as fortunate that there ARE people out there who feel that this cause (or whatever cause they believe in) is worthwhile. Otherwise everyone would just sit in front of a television to learn about Sarracenia. Of course, by that time, they will be seeing video footage of bogs that don't exist any more.
As far as your complaint getting caught up in red tape, that would most certainly NOT be the case. We (the NASC Board of Directors) discuss things fully, and invite input from all who attend the weekly meetings...member or not. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that the decision will go the way any one person wants it to go. That's why we have a 9-member BOD, and not just one person who is making all the decisions.
I'm not sure what the real issue here is, but I think your comments
about the NASC - an organization that you have no personal knowledge of, and that you are not involved with - are not relevant. It's kind of like someone complaining about the way a US president is running things, but then not voting when the next election comes up. If you don't like things, no matter what they are or what organization they involve, GET INVOLVED!
I apologize in advance if anyone finds my comments inflammatory. But it really bothers me when someone wants to sit back and complain about things, but not become involved and try to change things. Especially when that person doesn't mind coming out and taking pictures of plants that the NASC is raising, and that NASC and other volunteer groups have freely given of their time and efforts to help raise.