dixie I have a few thoughts about your post, you state "The real reason that the names are scrambled on eBay is that Ebay is trying to cut down on the folks who contact each other and make deals on the side. "
The current message system allows you to contact: any seller via the "ask seller a question" link in all auctions, it allows you to contact any member you know the user name of can be contacted via their feedback page via the "contact member" link. Are you suggesting bidders would want to contact each other to make "deals on the side"?
At one time when the names wa displayed you could click on their name, then click on veiw their auctions and if they had a auction going at that time contact them through whatever they had for sale Currently any bidder who's user name appears (on bidder list) can be contacted via their feedback page via the "contact member" link.
I don't like the names being scrambled because when I am bidding on something I liked the way I use to be able to research what the other bidders hostlry was. Many time I found bidders just running up bids and never buying. are you suggesting shill bidding? ebay does not allow shill bidding and will remove any member it finds shill bidding, if you suspect a seller of shill bidding report them, ebay will investigate and hand it. If no shill bidding happened then nothing will happen to seller. If on the other hand you often see a bidder bidding on similar items but not winning them, they may just be smart and not be willing to over pay.
I have been an eBay memebr since the begining of time and I for one do not like what it have evolved into. as I stated I sell on ebay for a living (for over 5 years) and have been a eBay member for 9 + years, I have at least 150 items on ebay at all times and although it is not perfect it is the largest, safest, online auction site. When I call ebay customer service I am able to speak to english speaking reps who are well informed and helpful. so until someone else comes up with a better alternative I’ll be selling on eBay.
Thanks,
MEGA