eBay Insanity Contest 2005!

[digitalpress]

It's GO TIME.

This marks the third event where we manufacture the wildest eBay auctions possible. We had 45 entries when we did this in 2003 - the Roundtable voted via a poll for their favorites. There were a number of very creative entries, and others that bordered on the utterly disgusting or utterly absurd. Who will take the prize this year?

Those of you who have won contests here before know we don't skimp out, and this will be no exception. I can guarantee a haul that will impress even the most jaded gamer, one which will represent "the collector" in all of us, a cross-system, cross-era BOUNTY of prizes. I'm not going to reveal the contents until the entry deadline. Just be sure to get in on this.

RULES:
1) Submit an eBay auction with YOU as the seller. The goal is to have the most outrageous auction of all the applicants. You'll have some tough competition.
2) The auction does not necessarily have to be a videogame item, but it should be videogame related or intangibly connected (like the Fractalus underwear or the 80's air from the 2002 event).
3) You may submit multiple entries.
4) Once your auction is online, post a link to it HERE. This thread will stay online until the contest deadline, after which it will be moved to a web page on the DP site.
5) Your eBay auction must be online by 6pm EST Sunday, January 16th. At that time, all entries will be "frozen", and a web page will be set up with the actual auction links as well as Adobe PDF snapshots (in case your auction gets cancelled).

HINTS:
-Don't start with a huge starting bid or a reserve! You'll get tagged with charges, and we're not partnering with eBay here, just using their tool as a contest platform.
-BE CREATIVE. Try something no one else would think of - or DARE.

Here was the last event's enties saved for posterity, and also to get your creative juices flowing.

http://www.digitpress.com/archives/ebay/

Here are a few more favorites from the past:

Beat 'em and Eat 'em Joystick
http://www.digitpress.com/archives/arc00139.pdf

Combat Man Action Figure
http://www.digitpress.com/archives/arc00140.pdf

Rescue on Fractalus Underwear
http://www.digitpress.com/archives/arc00141.pdf

[PapaStu]

Just to make sure, these should be done with new accts, so that someone doesnt get NARU'd or something by Ebay, if the joke doesnt sit well with them correct?

[digitalpress]

Just to make sure, these should be done with new accts, so that someone doesnt get NARU'd or something by Ebay, if the joke doesnt sit well with them correct?

This is entirely up to you. Many of the past event's users used their standard eBay ID's and there hasn't been any problem (other than a few of the auctions getting closed). Keep in mind that that last contest was nearly two years ago, however - maybe eBay has gotten more strict about this since then. If you have any reservations at all, play it safe with a new account.

[thehistorian]

Is there any reason this has to actually be on eBay? Seems to me an HTML template could easily be made and hosted just about anywhere without messing with our eBay accounts...

[digitalpress]

It's NECESSARY that it's in eBay, sorry.

The fun in the contest is that it's LIVE. Again, if you're afraid your eBay account is going to get squashed, create another one or just don't play.

[thehistorian]

Thanks for the clarification. Now I'm off to brainstorm a bit..

[Daria]

Are we allowed any sort of disclaimers saying something isn't real?

[digitalpress]

Are we allowed any sort of disclaimers saying something isn't real?

Absolutely fine. Just remember that the auctions are being voted on - from past experience the most daring auctions do the best. Your call!

[MarioAllStar2600]

Are we allowed any sort of disclaimers saying something isn't real?

It seems like if you clearly state, or hiddenly for that matter, that our not sure the actual truth/history, you can get away with it fine.

[Daria]

Are we allowed any sort of disclaimers saying something isn't real?

Absolutely fine. Just remember that the auctions are being voted on - from past experience the most daring auctions do the best. Your call!

Im just considering my options. Thanks. (:

[MarioAllStar2600]

I am currently in the process of putting my auction together. Should be a good time, I like my idea alot to

[Ninja Blacksox]

Got mine.

-A Boy

[dbiersdorf]

I don't get it though, if people actually bid, what do we tell them?

[SoulBlazer]

Hey Joe, thanks for doing this again. I've seen the past entires before and always thought it would be fun.

When I read the thread, I had a brainstorm of what to do for my auction and quickly whipped it up.

So I'll get things started with my entry:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160129471

I WAS going to have a starting price of $500, but I did'nt want to pay too much to list the auction. ;)

Someone better take a pic of it.....I have a feeling this listing is'nt going to be on EBay very long. LOL

[slip81]

If I list something on ebay, and it gets shut down, but I take a screengrab before that happens to prove that it actually was on ebay, is it still a valid entry?

[punkoffgirl]

I don't get it though, if people actually bid, what do we tell them?

Cancel their bids? Email them saying it's a joke?
Trust me, if you do this right, you REALLY shouldn't get any serious bidders :)

[Gemini-Phoenix]

So just as an idea of what to expect - Which ones have actually won the contest before?

[Querjek]

Here's my first entry, nothing too great, but still maybe worth a laugh:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160190101

[-hellvin-]

heh, those auctions were pretty funny

I'm not too creative so I'm not sure if I'll get in on this but I'll try thinking up an idea. Should be a fun event to watch.

[digitalpress]

If I list something on ebay, and it gets shut down, but I take a screengrab before that happens to prove that it actually was on ebay, is it still a valid entry?

No. For authenticity purposes, I need to be able to grab the link myself. If your auction is so outrageous that you think it would actually get pulled, I'd recommend you start it (and the link to it here) during those non-sleeping hours, eastern standard time. That way I can grab the link myself.

[Keir]

I don't get it though, if people actually bid, what do we tell them?

Cancel their bids? Email them saying it's a joke?
Trust me, if you do this right, you REALLY shouldn't get any serious bidders :)
Personally, I think that if you do this right you should not only get serious bidders but satisfied customers! Part of the challenge is coming up with something funny that still fits with eBay's guidlines. I wonder if slapdash still has Combat Man?

[ClubNinja]

I don't get it though, if people actually bid, what do we tell them?

Cancel their bids? Email them saying it's a joke?
Trust me, if you do this right, you REALLY shouldn't get any serious bidders :)

When I did this the first time, I received multiple bids on my "Pac Man" toenail clippings, received payment from the winner, shipped them, and received a thankful email once they arrived. *That* is success.

[MarioAllStar2600]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160257750

[chocobokick]

Just a reminder that is isn't cool for roundtable members to win an item an not pay!

[digitalpress]

FYI I've got the first three auction links above archived - no fears if they get pulled at this point (though in my opinion "extra credit" if your auction makes it to a natural conclusion).

[SoulBlazer]

BAHAHAH! I LOVE Marty's! Was that a REAL press kit? I can see the developers doing that, since the game is totally nasty. ;) But I do really enjoy it.

Thanks for the update, Joe.

[Mr-E_MaN]

Woohoo another eBay Insanity Contest! I missed out on the others, so maybe I'll give it a shot this year....

[Jibbajaba]

Hurry before those douchebags cancel it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=8160362548&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

[SamuraiSmurfette]

ooh ooh! Got my first one done!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160374665

[charitycasegreg]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160257750

That is my favorite!! LOL you are one funny guy...

[Queen Of The Felines]

I need to pick up some materials next week and then I'll be good to go. :D

Kristine

[SamuraiSmurfette]

ooh ooh! Entry number 2!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160378610

[fergojisan]

This looks like fun, I think Marty's is the best so far, awesome job! LOL

I have to borrow a digital camera and dig out my item, and I will add my modest entry to the mayhem. 8-)

[dbiersdorf]

Hehehhehehe....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160387605

[Raedon]

oh lord.. this is my favorite event of the year...

[digitalpress]

UPDATE: I've got all of the auctions posted so far archived.

I'm very impressed with these early entries. Some very creative stuff in there!

[Griking]

Here's my first entry, nothing too great, but still maybe worth a laugh:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160190101

Unfortunately this isn't very unique. There are a lot of auctions like this I'm sorry to say.

I didn't get involved in the last contest, I've got to come up w/ something this year.

[DDCecil]

Here's my entry!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160473395

[Keir]

Here's my first entry, nothing too great, but still maybe worth a laugh:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160190101

Unfortunately this isn't very unique. There are a lot of auctions like this I'm sorry to say.
I still laughed out loud when I saw it. It takes something we see all the time on eBay to the absolute extreme.

[Cauterize]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160257750

That is my favorite!! LOL you are one funny guy...

looks like Kamino is bidding on this one! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

[spoon]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160257750

That is my favorite!! LOL you are one funny guy...

looks like Kamino is bidding on this one! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

I'm sure if he wins, he'll sell you the packaging.

[zektor]

Damn! I didn't even realize this was going on! I'll have to make an entry or two this year. I had alot of fun with this last year!

[Crush Crawfish]

Ok, I just got 2 AMAZING ideas!!!! I'll put them on ASAP and show you guys!!!! :D

[8bitnes]

I don't get it though, if people actually bid, what do we tell them?

Setup the auction that only pre-approved bidders can bid and then don't approve anybody.

[Crush Crawfish]

Look!!! Here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160735343

I'll do some more later!! :D

[8bitnes]

Here's mine. Bidders are welcome.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160780440

[SamuraiSmurfette]

nice one! :)
I'd bid on it, but I can't afford the screws.

[yuppicide]

You say something about if we don't want to use our real account we can create another.. how can you do that?! You need to enter credit card information or get yourself verified to create another account. :(

[digitalpress]

UPDATE.

I've got all of the auctions to this point archived. One more week to go - I'll have the feaux "ebay site" online next weekend to prep for the voting.

[SamuraiSmurfette]

heh. I just got a question about my Tetris Pillow:

Dear samuraismurfette,

Just how dumb do u think people out there are?

LOL

[Jibbajaba]

I just got a question this morning as well.


Dear c.alaimo,

You Should be writing for TV Sitcoms. Best of Luck.

Please respond to the question on eBay by clicking the button below. You'll have the option to display your response directly on the listing.


Item # Item Title Listing end date

8160362548 Nolan Bushnell's toenail clippings! Not ps2 xbox gc nes Jan-12-05


Thank you,
raymac1963



Always nice to meet an admirer.

Chris

[AB Positive]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160970347

This idea popped in my head, and I could only chuckle at it. Had to put it up!

-AG

[djbeatmongrel]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160970347

This idea popped in my head, and I could only chuckle at it. Had to put it up!

-AG

this is classic

[Jibbajaba]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160970347

This idea popped in my head, and I could only chuckle at it. Had to put it up!

-AG

Damn. That's good.

Chris

[Queen Of The Felines]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8160970347

This idea popped in my head, and I could only chuckle at it. Had to put it up!

-AG

Oh HELL no! LOL LOL

Kristine

[Dahne]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8161075119

Tada!

Yes, I realize this is really, really stupid. :D

[Crush Crawfish]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8161075119

Tada!

Yes, I realize this is really, really stupid.



:eek 2: You & me must be on the same wavelength or something! I didn't hae your exact idea---mine was going to be a burnt piece of Niebelhelm from FF7. Awfully close though! LOL

Oh well, gotta try some more ideas!

[Dangerboy]

Dangerboy is ready:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=8161156763&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

=)

[Querjek]

Dangerboy is ready:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=8161156763&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

=)
Let's see how long I can keep the high bid on that...

[digitalpress]

UPDATE: all auctions posted up to this point have been archived.

And may I say... DAMN, you people are good at this. LOL

[long_shawn_silver]

Here is the link to my "Insane Auction". This is awsome check it out!!

Link Below:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8161213284


8-) LOL

[Maddrox]

Here is the link to my "Insane Auction". This is awsome check it out!!

Link Below:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8161213284


8-) LOL

lol nice..

[digitalpress]

Here is the link to my "Insane Auction". This is awsome check it out!!

Link Below:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8161213284


8-) LOL

Got it.

[SamuraiSmurfette]

Quick! Get this one, as it WILL NOT last long!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5550087535

[digitalpress]

Quick! Get this one, as it WILL NOT last long!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5550087535

Got it.

[long_shawn_silver]

Quick! Get this one, as it WILL NOT last long!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5550087535

Well Thats a great way to insure your gonna get NARUed..lmfao. Why would you throw your account in the shitter when its so obvious your gonna get banned for it? You have a decent feedback score too thats a shame. The only funny part is it's not even Video Game related O_O

[SamuraiSmurfette]

nah. I already cancelled it ;)
reason:
"The item was lost or broken"

[Dangerboy]

SamuraiSmurfette,

That's SICK! I Was thinking about doing the same thing before going to be last night! LOL

Jason

[yuppicide]

Alright, alright. I found I can pay off the $20.29 I owe to eBay for lister fees and I'll be cutting it close, but I should make it before the deadline of this Sunday. I have a pretty good idea I think and I'll start working on it now, so that when I get paid this Thursday I can post it soon as I pay off my eBay fees.

[mjluther]

First post, better make it a good one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8161330700

[long_shawn_silver]

This is my first Ebay Insanity Contest so I have to ask is there prizes for the most insane auction? Just wonderng.

[digitalpress]

This is my first Ebay Insanity Contest so I have to ask is there prizes for the most insane auction? Just wonderng.

Yes. Read the inital post in this thread, details to follow.

[yuppicide]

You should change the description to add "Are you a white man who can't jump?! Then you need this product!".


First post, better make it a good one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8161330700

[Dangerboy]

Entry number 2!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8161419635

I think I have one trick left...

Jason

[Ed Oscuro]

nah. I already cancelled it ;)
reason:
"The item was lost or broken"
Ahahahahahahaha

By the way, I've put in a bid for an auction.

Dangerboy, those posters RULE. I'd love to have the "ruin a $150 investment" one, personally. If you're actually gonna produce those, let me know 8-)

Also sent out a question about the double jump upgrade ;)