Re: Distored Prices on eBay Affects Everyone

[joreilly@smtp.dorsai.org (James OReilly)]

Regarding the discussion of distorted prices on Ebay, I've never been there
and can't offer an opinion.  I've read the discussion here and have a few
questions.  I don't know whether the prices are distorted or whether they
reflect supply and demand, or, perhaps, location.  I suppose one has to
judge by how much they seem to have affected the general market for Apple
IIs outside of Ebay, which I understand is what people here are
discussing.  I'm wondering whether there is a point when one keeps an old
artifact, not just old computers, long enough, it ceases to be cheap junk,
and becomes rare, that is, an antique.  If enough Apple II machines are
thrown away, then there are fewer left.  I suppose, however, that one has
to be lucky, that is, that one's junk becomes a highly valued antique.  I
suppose some junk just remains junk.  Not that our Apple IIs are junk to
us.  Just economically speaking.  I don't know if this is yet happening. 
If it were to happen, it would be too bad if the value of the Apple II as
an antique were to price it out of the range of those who use it and truly
value it.  Unless, of course, we could make a killing on it!  :-)

				Jim O'Reilly