I am an author of a widely accepted and respected annual catalog (Atlantic City) for the past ten years .... and I would like to offer you a different perspective about "book prices" in general.

Quite a claim to make about oneself.

1. Everyone is quite aware ebay is not the only source. Everyone is also aware it is a major source.

2. We can be certain every collector that does not own a computer does not frequent the on-line auctions. How many collectors don't own computers? A significant amount of strike sales occur online. Perhaps even a vast majority.

3. Auctions also serve to inflate prices due to competition for the item as well as ego driven bidding. Add the attraction to speculators and prices can soar.

4. Time differences with online auctions are ancient history. Sniping services and software have ended this problem.

5. I assume that the author of catalogues polls all direct sales from many different colletors.
Including the prices received by the author using only his own sales would be far too small a sample to be relevant.

6. It is becoming far more rare a strike is "missed" on ebay by anyone. The speculators
and "price be damned" bidders are experienced and less likely to miss a strike improperly listed
by category on ebay than a novice.

7. Once again auction time difference due to time zones is old news.

8. A recognized catalogue does not make it a reliable source for pricing. Catalogues that are updated only once a year can't reflect trends.
There is always the danger of a catalogue deliberately containing infalted prices to appeal to the dealers and established collectors.

9. There are also sales of a sort on ebay. Grouping of strikes, low or no reserves, low opening bids, reduced or free shipping charges all serve to enhance competition.

It seems the ommission of one's last name serves some sort of sinister purpose. One's decision to protect personal privacy is just that, private. There are many valid reasons for this. Public notoriaty is but one. The converse also seems true. Others can wait to get their full name and address out in public. Why does it always seem these types are selling something?

Tom