Be Patient: The gray box above should resolve into a form that will provide space to enter a nickname and your email address. If you have difficulty getting the java applet to load, or if you have problems with the operation of the room itself, try using this page: http://www.auctionblocks.com/absentee/room_quick.htm to enter. Some folks who were having problems with the java applet from Webmaster have reported better results with that page.
AOL Users: AOL users have also reported difficulties with using the room. They have reported lag times and being disconnected from the room. This is the result of them "timing out" due to congestion on the AOL system. If you have this problem with this page or the alternate page, try using the AOL 800 number to log on. If the 800 allows you to use the room correctly, then your problem is that you are on a congested AOL node.
A Better Way to the Room: actively encourage you to use Microsoft Chat to enter the auction room, rather than the java applet above. I have never had anyone in the auction room experience lag or connection difficulties who is using a properly configured copy of this program. You can download Microsoft Chat for free by going to www.tucows.com and searching on Microsoft Chat.
If you use an IRC client (e.g. - mIRC), you will need to set your server name to irc.webmaster.com, channel #cyberauction.
Reserving a Nickname: The Webmaster server maintains a number of reserved usernames. If you log in, and the whisper screen pops up and asks you for a password, then the name you are trying to use is reserved. If you find yourself renamed to "Guest#####", then someone else is already logged in with your chosen username or it is reserved. You can change your screenname by typing /nick newname, where newname is the screenname you want to use. You can register the screenname you are using, so that no one else can use it, by entering /msg nickserv REGISTER password email, where password is the password you will be prompted for when you log on, and email address is your email address. Then whenever you log in with your screenname, the whisper window will pop up asking you to enter the password.
What to do When the Applet is Loaded: Use the form above to enter the CyberAuction Chat Room "#cyberauction". This room is used to conduct the CyberAuctions. Collectors generally don't show up until about 10 minutes before the auction, but Bob is in the room about an hour ahead of time, if you have any questions you need answered.
The Auction 6PM NYC time. The current catalogue and images is maintained elsewhere at this site. You can right-click on the appropriate link to the left to open up that night's catalogue in a separate window from the room.
For Nickname, enter the name that you want to appear in the chat room. For e-mail address, enter the e-mail address you want auction invoices to go to. I really would appreciate if you would enter an email address, it makes it easier for me to identify you during the auction when you buy something.
If you want to show the catalogue on your screen while you are in the room, right-click on the appropriate link in the left-hand column, choose "Open in New Window" and it will open in another window. Resize this window and that window to the sizes you want.
If you are not using Windows 95 or higher, or a browser that is JAVA capable, then go back to the How to Participate Page for instructions on entering the room with a IRC client.
If you are using WebTV, you have to enter this room via the Community page by going to the chat area. Server is irc.webmaster.com, channel is #cyberauction.
If you have any questions, please e-mail The AuctionBlocks.
Revised on: May 23, 2007