Gouging the Vulnerable

I read this article about the auction site swoopo.com (via Megan M) and I was amazed that anyone would fall for this ridiculous "loan shark" version of an auction site. But when you study the inner workings, you realize that it's basically a lottery disguised as an auction site. The winner wins and the losers are left with empty pockets. That's called "gambling" by most of the intelligent Earthlings left. If you lose an ebay auction, it doesn't cost you anything except the time spent hand-wringing over whether you should bid one more time.

Many articles (here's another) are calling this method of soaking idiots "evil". Well, yeah, sure. But then so is all non-friendly gambling, including state-sponsored scratch-off "games". In one sense, these web-sharks should be commended for not building another gaudy neon monstrousity on some lakefront. But I don't think the Big Guy who judges hearts and motives will be impressed with their virtualness when come around that ol' judgement day. Meanwhile, stick to ebay, smart people!