What's a 'sniper' script?

Anyone, anyone..........

[rycrostud]

I've just been approached by somebody wanting to know if I could write a 'sniper' script for them. Does anybody know what one is? All I know is it's something to do with online auctions and that many auction scripts come with sniper protection, which suggests it might be something naughty.

Should I politely walk away from this one?

[Macguru]

The sniper script I am most familiar with is used playing QUAKE. :)

I believe "snipers" in on line auction are defined as people who wisely wait for the very last second to bid. I believe sniper protection scripts are written so auctions can close a configurable time after the last bid and the designated closing time.

Sniper scripts could be written for the opposite purpose too.

[rycrostud]

Thanks Macguru,

Sounds dodgy to me.

I think I'll leave this one.

[Brett_Tabke]

Yes, it's just a script that monitors bids, and sneaks in at the last moment to snag the bid. Some are getting pretty advanced and allow you to set your own 'bid level' so that you only bid as much as necc to get the product, or skip it if it's already gone over it.

If you do much auction buying and selling, it can be a real cash saver. It's not that dodgy, it just automates the same process people go through by hand any way.

[rycrostud]

OK guys. Thank for the advice. I think I might refer this chap to one of the many script sites around. It sounds like it's probably a bit beyond me right now.