[osidak]

So I asked the kid just how exactly do I get to bid and here is his response. Sounds like a great scam. I hope there isn't an idiot alive to fall for it

Hello,

Thank you for the interest in my auction. I have decided to make the process
of my auction pre-approved only because a select group of bidders decided it
would be funny to place bogus bids. I want this transaction to go as
smoothly as possible and making the bidding pre-approved seems to be the
only way this can be possible.

To be pre-approved you must accept the following stipulations:
[1] You must deposit $500USD to my PayPal account (mike@icyhost.com) for
confirmation that you are serious. If you don't win the auction you will
receive your deposit back right away.
[2] If you place a bid and retract it, your deposit of $500 will not be
refunded. This is to keep the same group of bidders who were destroying the
integrity of the auction from doing so again. If you place the wrong amount
in your bid, you can retract it for a new bid only.
[3] If you win the auction and don't pay in full within 72 hours, you DO NOT
get your deposit back. This is a step to make sure that no one will make
bogus bids.
[4] You will receive the item as soon as the money is cleared into my bank
account. I will only be accepting bank transfers or certified checks. Credit
cards and PayPal will not be accepted anymore.

***Please note that I will not be accepting pre-approved bidders within 12
hours of the auction ending.***

I have had a few questions over the condition of the book and the 25-page
letter. These are both in perfect condition with no writing on them of any
sort. They are the originals I received from Microsoft's lawyers on January
14th, 2004. When/If you win the auction I will be sending the package to you
via FedEx. I will pay for all shipping and handling charges so that the
final bid you make is the price you pay.

If you have any other questions, please don't be afraid to ask. Please make
sure you notify me that you are an approved bidder so I can answer your
question(s) as my highest demand.

Thanks once again for the interest,
Mike Rowe