Monday, May 18, 2009

Bridget Zinn Auction and a Question for the Ethicist.

Thanks to Kimberly who purchased two copies of Hop! Plop! to raise money for Bridget Zinn and who was also kind enough to say lovely things about the book on her blog!

The Bridget Zinn auction has been heating up. If you haven't been there yet, please go check it out.

I have been outbid on at least five or six items, but there is one that I want to win so badly! It is an author and editor team critique. Dori Chaconas, who is well-known for her article on writing in rhythm and rhyme, will critique a picture book manuscript and will then give your final revised draft to her editor at Candlewick.

I am a huge fan of Dori Chaconas. We've read her One Little Mouse so many times that I can recite most of it by heart.

One little mouse
took a look at his house
deep in the woodland ground.
"This nest is too small.
Not roomy at all,
There must be a new one around."

It is very hard to get good feedback on meter and rhyme. A lot of talented writers don't have that particular skill. I would LOVE to hear Dori's comments

Obviously, I am not the only one! I starting bidding on this item when it was at $45. It is now up to $225!

So, here comes my question. The auction ends on May 30th at 11:00 PM. Is it unethical for me to go bid at 10:59? My family members say, "It's fine. That is the nature of online auctions. You are not violating any rules or procedures." But I feel that this is not eBay. This is a community of writers getting together to support one of their own. One of the best things about blogging is the sense of community and support that we generate and that kind of behavior does not seem very sportsman-like. As much as I want the critique, I just don't think I can live with myself if I get it that way.

Any thoughts?

10 comments:

Casey Something said...

It's a tough call. If it was any ol' auction, I'd say go for it, but given the charity involved, I think it would be better to keep up the bidding war so that the person truly willing to pay the most will come out on top and Bridget will benefit.

However, I know you're not made of money and I don't think it would be truly unethical to step out, let others drive it up, and then cap it off at the very end if you can afford it.

I know that's not a clear answer. Just my thoughts.

Unknown said...

No way! Bid however you'd like--an auction is an auction and that's the rules of the game.

And as for the ethics, look at it this way--if you wait till the last minute, at least you're bidding more than what it would have won at if you hadn't bid.

lisa and laura said...

Totally ethical! And the money is for such a good cause that you can't go wrong. I vote that you get your butt on their at 10:59 and go for it. If you don't, you know someone else will!

We do a silent auction for my son's school every year and almost all the big ticket items are snatched up at the last minute.

B.J. Anderson said...

I think you'd be ok. I'm sure there will be a lot of others doing the same thing. That's the nature of an auction. :) Good luck with it!

Kasie West said...

Believe me, you won't be the only one doing it. And if you are then, great! (because that means you'll win) Good luck.

Sherrie Petersen said...

I don't think it's unethical for you to bid at the last minute. That's the nature of an auction! Besides, you've already helped raise the bids on it.

Good luck and I hope you win!!

Donna McDine said...

Tough call since it is for charity. But you can break your purse in the meantime. Since it says it an auction, I'd personaly wait to give my final bid. Thanks for reminding me about the auction.

Regards,
Donna
www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Corey Schwartz said...

Thank everybody! It is SO helpful to hear this!

Kelly H-Y said...

Oh my ... yes, that's an awesome package! An auction is an auction ... the last one to bid gets it, so bid at 11:59 ... or maybe 11:59:45! :-)

Anonymous said...

I see you already got enough answers to help you decide. But here's an extra "go for it" anyway!