Some people call them absentee bids, and others say proxy bids or left bids. Whatever the name, this type of bidding has long been an important part of live auctions. For a variety of reasons, it is not always possible or practical to attend a Skinner auction in person. Perhaps you live 3,000 miles away, so flying to Boston might not be possible; or you have tickets to a Red Sox & Yankees ball game and can’t make it to the sale; or maybe you’re just plain old busy with family responsibilities. Life happens!