Pbb, I think there is a profound difference in the attitude of the average American to that of the average Canadian. Michael Moore makes light of this in his provocative film, "Bowling for Columbine". The recently released DVD version has even more Moore-thoughts on this point in the extra features. In a nutshell, while the attitude in Canada seems to be more along the lines that we're all in the same boat together and lets all help each other whenever we can, in America it is all about looking out for ones-self first and screw your neighbor and don't trust anybody. Here it's all about "ME, ME, ME!" It is capitalism gone terribly wrong. No, it certainly does not apply to every American, but sadly it is a pervasive attitude here in my experience. Why it has evolved this way is one of the key themes/questions of "Columbine". I don't know that Moore answers it definitively but it is certainly a thought provoking film, well worth seeing. It really stretches the limits of what may call "Documentary" though, as I believe it is clearly slanted and highly manipulated in order to get Moore's points across. I guess it might more rightly fall under the category of "Propaganda". If I didn't sympathize with many of his ideas I might object to his techniques more strongly. Essentially he is fighting fire with fire.
Just to briefly comment on Leftistelf's point; I think it is implicitly understood in most real estate markets where the market is overtaxed with demand that the buying process is essentially open to bidding as described, and is normally held on an auction-like basis. To compare this to the private sales of stereo gear is ludicrous. There is a forum for auctions here that is distinct from the classifieds. If you want to conduct your sales that way simply use that forum and take advantage of the reserve price. What's the problem with that?! OBO does not imply an auction-like process to me either, and Pbb described it's implications very well in his/her previous post. The conclusion of that post is hilarious and as painfully true as the scenario it illustrates. The suggestion that one should seek out a buyer according to how their 'attitude' pleases or displeases the seller is very sad indeed. To further be under the illusion that one may be able to, or should, judge another person from email correspondence related to a transaction for a piece of stereo gear is just,....well...sorry, but it's just pathetic. Again, "Land of the Free"....do whatever you want, and LIVE WITH IT.
Marco
