Auction Software user question REA
 

Hey guys, I have an issue with the way the software REA uses functions and I would like all of your opinions since most of you are internet savy and navigate web pages often.

I have about 6 pages full of "watching" items in REA. When I am on say, page 4, I open an item, then hit the back button, the softaware takes me back to page 1.

No matter what watching page I view an item from, when I hit the back button, it takes me to page 1. I then have to reclick on to the page I was on to get back to where I drilled down from.

As a software developer, I feel the back button should always take you back to the exact spot you drilled down from. The owner of the software disagrees with me so I would like your opinions as end users.

Many Thanks for your time and input.

Dan

The dreaded back button
 

I am a developer too. The worst feature of a browser is the back button. We typically try to provide navigation for the user as an alternative to the back button (breadcrumbs, navigation bar, etc.).

I would agree that the back button should take you to the last page you were on, but depending on the architecture, they may be retaining state in a way that negates that. My guess is that they will simply say that it works as designed...

6 pages?!

not sure
 

I am not sure of the "right" answer but I have seen s/w work both ways. Generally hitting the back button will take you right back to the last place you looked at but in many s/w packages it's not that way. For the REA s/w I do hit the back button and it takes me to the very last page I looked at. I do it from the bidding screen though. In other words, if I place a bid, then hit the back button it will take me back to the previous screen(s) after it has captured the bid.

exactly Leon, and it should do it from the watching pages as well. Both should function the same way for consistancy. I have been developing 26 years and forcing the user into extra keystrokes or in this case, mouse clicks is a no no. But Erik is correct, I was told it was designed that way.

I appreciate all of the input so far from users and developers alike.

Yes 6 pages, I watch a lot of stuff that I know I can't buy, it helps my education.

very interesting
dan

Dan:

I will make a suggestion.... If you want to view an item on Page 4, then hold the cursor over the link to the item, hit the right mouse button and then choose "Open in New Window" or "Open in New Tab". Doing this will allow you to see the item, but your Page 4 will still be there after you're done viewing the Item.

Brad

yes Brad that will work, thanks. But once again, extra needless effort for the end user.

Dan

Yes, but fortunately it's only one extra mouse click to get you back to the point that you would have been if the "Back" button had worked the way you wished it had....

Seems like a few extra steps to me then just left clicking on the item Brad. But yes, that is a way around it.

Or the Watching pages could function like the bidding pages?

Dan

Thanks for outing the REA auction, Dan.

Lol

Hunt works the same way
 

I have experienced a similar issue while navigating within Hunt's online auction pages. It is frustrating and as a non-developer and layman I appreciate the suggestion of opening a new window. Thanks!

Hunt's is WAY worse, I have actually stopped looking at their auctions online because I would get so frustrated. Their website is terrible! Every time I try to go "back" after checking out the description to the lot it sends me back to their home page with the "floating icons" and I have to get back into the auction, remember what item I was on and then find that page again just to get back to where I was and then if I see another lot I want to check out I almost cringe because I know it is gonna happen all over again and after 10-20 times I just give up altogether. I know we have discussed their website before but why do they not do something about their antquated auction website/software?

I know
 

The are probably too busy getting autograph signers to their close to vintage-free Philly show.

Rea
 

Hi Dan,
My bid list has a way to display 100 items on 1 page. The option is in the upper right. That way, I don't have to flip any pages. Perhaps that will work for Watched items the same way.

Do it the old fashion way. Pick up the telephone & tell Rob your bids. :D:D:D

Yeah no doubt I will pay more thanks to Dan's big mouth now...way to go Turtle!

You owe me a new keyboard Rob.

I don't have that problem with Hunt's...in their monthly phone/internet auctions when I look at the whole auction by 100/page it used to send me back to the top of the page even if I was clear at the bottom and I had to remember what auction number I was on when I clicked the back button, but now it takes me back to where I want to be. The only thing I don't like about Hunt's auction is when I follow one of their links from my email after being outbid I can't go anywhere on their site from the page I'm directed to from email.

Hi Dan - You wouldn't have this problem with the REA Auction if you stopped watching all the Walter Johnson items!! :p

Seriously, I agree with you 100%!

Val