I consider the bids at the start of the auction 
as the "marking territory" bids - or, the "My 
Watchlist is full!" discovery response.  Then 
there's a lull.  And if one is lucky, bidding 
either starts or escalates at the end of the 
thing! 

And if one isn't lucky, there comes the process 
of accepting back into the fold the little vinyl 
lamb one has already made the emotional break 
with....