Computer Use During Auction

[bigmck]

The league I run is in its 17th year. When the league started only a few of the guys used computers at the in-person auction. After about the third year a couple of us felt that one owner was using a program like John Benson's that calculates a players worth compared to other remaining players as the auction progresses and gives a ceiling on the amount that should be bid on him. We decided at this point to install a rule that computers were legal but put everyone on the honor system not to use this type of program and only use database programs. We would also tell all new owners of this rule. Since computers are used by almost everyone in our league these days and these type of programs are everywhere and some free. A few have suspected that the illegal programs are being used anyway and a rule proposal has been put forth for the spring to allow any program to be used since probably a few use them anyway. == Do any of you have this problem or have any thoughts on this. Thanks,

[fast dogs]

I'd think by allowing this you take away the problem. There are always going to be some of us who think we're smarter than what the program says; and maybe knowing what the program says and using the info "against them"

[converge241]

Definetly should be allowed, so many people swear blindly by their sheets/databases/projections/etc that they get led astray as much as any insight it gives.

I joined a long time league (going since 81) with a "no computer" rule that I was unaware of and got "in trouble" for bringing a laptop that solely had a spreadsheet on the desktop just to enter everyone's teams as opposed to writing them on paper. I had to switch back to hand writing them

[mkultra]

Agreed, why fight it? In a league that old, I'm assuming that most, if not all, of you are reasonably savvy managers. Relying on a crutch like that shouldn't bring much of an advantage. In fact, if I were in that draft I'd be making a point of ribbing that guy the entire time- "Hey, does your laptop think I got a good deal?"

Meanwhile, I think there's an actual benefit from being able to quickly search for guys, and especially do a last minute "any health/playing time concerns?" check on guys in the later rounds who you may not be so familiar with. To the extent that it prevents me from making dumb mistakes, I think having a laptop with internet access is just fine.

[23]

I think as long as everyone has access to the same information there's no issue.

[Saltydog]

I'm not sure a "program" can account for injuries and countless adjustments that need to be made throughout the year.

In September, I was able to go back and look at my primary league's draft and nearly 50-60% of the rosters were turned over.

Of course, our league isn't an auction draft so take it FWIW.

[lane_anasazi2]

We decided at this point to install a rule that computers were legal but put everyone on the honor system not to use this type of program and only use database programs.

There's your problem right there. Asking people who are competing together not to take what seems like a competitive advantage with the only check on their evil, evil impulses being their honor.... well, that's just not realistic.

I agree with the above sentiment - why fight it? It's not a game-changer. People who rigidly adhere to auction values are just as easy to get the upper hand as anyone, it just takes a slightly different approach. I'm sure your old-timers will adapt and thrive.

[JonC0226]

There's your problem right there. Asking people who are competing together not to take what seems like a competitive advantage with the only check on their evil, evil impulses being their honor.... well, that's just not realistic.

Exactly why MLB had to institute a PED testing policy.

[bigh0rt]

I see no reason it should be disallowed. Let them have at it.