Hello all, this is Gary’s son Mike. I have been trying figure out everything dad had going on online and it seems as though there were a few projects in the works but this was his baby that he tended to every day.
For the short term, 1 or 2 months, this site and the garage sale challenge site will remain up and running. Please feel free to use the forums and continue with your own garage sale challenge.
The long term has yet to be decided, I know that I am no auction rebel and am sure that all of you would fit that title more then me. Therefore I would like your feedback, thoughts, ideas about what the fate of theaucitonrebel.com should be. Is the site useful as is or does the information get outdated like dad’s computer that I’m typing this on? No idea is a bad idea, well except if you suggest I take it over, we will all go broke then since I don’t have dad’s eye for buying the 25 cent item at a garage sale that will sell for hundreds or more online.
I look forward to hearing your ideas and thoughts.
Thanks,
Mike Hendrickson
Popularity: 69% [?]
July 6th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
First, let me tell you that I really enjoyed reading your dad’s blog and miss him. He was a very generous man, sharing his knowledge with us. I am praying for your family in this time of grief.
Are you interested in learning your dad’s business? Because it might make an interesting blog with you as a beginner learning how to be a successful Ebay seller.
Another suggestion is opening it up to guest posts, as long as it doesn’t become a place where people advertise obnoxiously.
Diane
July 6th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Hi Mike - I hadn’t opened your last email and was so shocked to hear of your dad. I’m sorry for your loss, but you know, of course, he’s reelin’ in the big ‘uns now!
Diane ^ has a good suggestion. That is, if you have the time for it. I’m sure we would all love to keep this going.
After I lost my older son 2 years ago, one of the things that helped me most was, after a while, don’t remember your loved ones with sadness because they are gone, but remember them with joy, which is what they would want.
Joni
July 6th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Thank you Mike for taking the effort into your Dad’s blog. And I’m really sorry for your loss. When I heard the news, I cried for someone that I had never met in person. Yet, he influenced me and many others who sell online. We learned so much from him, and he was very giving with all kinds of advice and help.
There were some days when I wanted to give up, but your Dad taught me to continue on no matter what. I always looked forward to his frequent blogs which inspired me to push onward.
Regarding this site, I believe that it will stay useful for quite sometime. Your Dad had some great knowledge in this field and I think the information found on these kinds of items will stay relevant for many years. And I don’t see Ebay or Amazon disappearing anytime soon…
It’s up to you if you want to blog in his place. If you decide to take the dive into this market, then I’d say it would be interesting for you to blog about it as Diane pointed out.
Hey, we learned lots from your Dad in a short period of time. If your heart is in it, then you can do it also!
Mary
July 7th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Hi Mike,
Thank you so much for keeping all of us updated during this very difficult time. I’m still finding it hard to accept. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your dad was funny,inspiring,knowledgeable,encouraging,always helpful and the “Auction Rebel” email was the one that I always opened first.
The Garage Sale Challenge’s were amazing to watch! I could hardly wait every week until he posted his results. I was a participant last year and again this year, what I learned from Gary has been invaluable. I for one, would love to see “The Auction Rebel” stay on line, with you at the helm.
Rita
July 8th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Hi Mike,
I offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I really miss your dad and I know you do too. Thank you for asking our opinion about what to do about the website.
I agree with Mary that when I received the news I cried for someone I didn’t know and I called my friends because I was so upset. He was a friend I never met. I also agree with Rita, he was very funny. He was also very helpful. I called him my unofficial mentor. I wrote to him once to ask a question about my blog and he answered and explained everything I needed to know, at that time he said his son (not sure if it was you) was sick and that was why we were not receiving as many emails. I really looked forward to receiving his emails. I learned so much from your dad. I hope that you will continue the website and his business if possible. I would be glad to help you in anyway I can.
May you find consolation in knowing that others care.
Wishing you God’s peace,
Jean
July 14th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
With Gary’s death, the 2009 Garage Sale Challenge has come to a grinding halt. I’m having a hard time keeping my spirits up. It’s just not the same with out Gary. I had always looked forward to his posts and what he had found during his jaunts to garage sales and thrift stores.
His posts were always interesting and/or had helpful information.
I re-listed and added a few new items for this week on eBay, but have yet to update my progress chart. I really like this as it shows you how you’re doing. I didn’t really realize how much all those fees added up to until I started using it. A real eye opener for sure.
Rita
October 14th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Hi Mike,
I just found out about the Auction Rebel site and find it extremely helpful! I’m so sorry to hear about Gary’s death. Please leave the site up as long as possible. I find that even going through older posts from several years ago is very helpful.
All the best,
Michael (aka vortmax)