Blackball on IP address

[PgsJeweler]

Hi, I'd like to suggest the possibility of having the ability of a seller to Blackball not just the userID but also a specific IP address (or range).

- PJ

[RaspberryBazaar]

Hi, I'd like to suggest the possibility of having the ability of a seller to Blackball not just the userID but also a specific IP address (or range).

- PJ

Hi PJ Ive literally just posted that suggestion in a reply on another thread. Its a great idea. If in the future a genuine person from that address wishes to join they will know there has been a problem with accounts using that IP before and if they arent genuine they wont bother to argue their case, but if they are genuine then there would be no problems. Households such as student houses can have a few people using the same computer so its unfair for those not responsible for other idiots actions, but I agree that something could be done

[HannaHolly]

I'm never quite sure if ip addresses are totally unique to one pc, ( in which case- this is a great idea) or if sometimes one ip address covers a range of pcs?
If it's the latter I suppose some innocents are going to get the 'you can't bid on this auction message'- but that's probably the lesser of two evils.

How do you see this working PJ? How would we know the Ip address of a trouble maker?

[inversions]

I thought, now networking and telecoms is not my specialist area!, that IP address where usually assigned randomly by your ISP and could change on a regular basis and that you had to pay extra to have a fixed one. At least it was that way once upon a time. I think.

[kengillam]

As has been said many ISP's allocate IP addresses randomly when you log on fixed IP's are far less common. So not a viable idea.

[lofty100e]

Another problem with this idea is that if the culprit is using an internet cafe or similar set-up; it would be completely pointless.

[RaspberryBazaar]

Another problem with this idea is that if the culprit is using an internet cafe or similar set-up; it would be completely pointless.

Good point lofty! Never thought of that. Im not computer literate so really dont know how it works, it seems simple enough but clearly it isnt. I suppose there isnt anything you can do to stop these sad idiots from bidding, but auction wrecker I had last night got stopped in their tracks soon enough thanks to merlin_man negging straightaway which alerted me within a few hours of their bid so was able to blackball them, but if IP addresses count for nothing then they can get a new acct today tomorrow and the next if they are so persistant on being a complete d**k

[inversions]

Yep thats how it works. But there is not a sensible way around it. For me the trick is to not get wound up about it. One should always expect a few NPB's. And one can relax in the knowledge that it is part and parcel of selling online.

[kengillam]

Wilst NPB's are a bit of a pain they are not as bad as non delivering sellers, they are a pain.

[PgsJeweler]

HannaHolly,

Placing a hit counter onto the auction page is a method to check the incoming hits. Most counters will also give you the IP of visitor, as well as other assorted information.

I've noticed that the problem visitors come from a very tight IP range, and those IPs also happen to be the only visitors doing multiple hits.

Banning the IP range may affect unfortunate innocents, but currently I really won't lose too many innocent bidders

-- PJ