I am writing regarding the surplus computer auction recently held at the Woodhull School.

In order to ensure that the students have access to the latest technology, the Fire Island Union Free School District buys new Macintosh computers every couple of years (or possibly sooner).

This year, 4 iMacs, 12 Macbook Pros and and 24 Macbooks were offered for sale via a silent auction. Interested parties were asked to make a separate bid for each computer and to include a check for 10% for each bid in a sealed envelope. So far, so good.

However, it turns out that more experienced bidders have figured out how to "game the system" and virtually guarantee that they will get the computer of their choice.

Here's how. These bidders submit multiple bids – there is no limit. And if they bid a high to low range for virtually identical computers the odds of them winning at least one computer are terrific and the chances are also very good that multiple bidders will win multiple computers. (One person made 14 bids.)

They can then select which computers they wish to take and reject the others without penalty even though they made the winning bid. Their 10% deposits will be returned.

This doesn't seem fair or ethical. In order to level the playing field for the next auction, I would suggest that the 10% deposit be forfeited if a person submits a winning bid and then declines the computer. That will deter people from bidding on computers they have no intention of buying and give a fairer opportunity for those people who really want a computer.

If not, then consider this letter a tutorial on how to "game the system" for yourself next time.

Respectfully,

Sharon Fiyalka

Robbins Rest