Auctions, like other other forms of business, follow certain standards. The modern standard has been, that unless otherwise stipulated, both the seller and the buyer remain anonymous. Exceptions exist, especially if provenance of the auctioned object is important. But, generally speaking, the identity of buyers is protected. The auction house has the responsibility of acertaining the integrity of the buyer, seller and what is is being sold. Like all businesses, there are good and bad auctioneers and auctions. eBay is the exception to this anonymity standard-and other standards too, some of which I think are being tested currently in American courts. Frankly, I don't think my buying habits are anyone's business unless I desire to make them public and I resent eBay's practice of doing so. They have attempted to create an environment in which they are brokers, avoiding the responsibilities of auctioneers. I welcome the changes they are instituting and hope for more-a lot more.
George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA