An alert reader told us that some of the Consumer Reports rating information of online-auction sites is available on its Web site for free. Part of the article that explains various types of auctions is located at: http://www.consumerreports.org/Special/Samples/Reports/0105auc2.html

The ratings of the 13 auction sites is located at: http://www.consumerreports.org/Special/Samples/Reports/auction.html

Consumer Reports confirmed that the ratings (not the entire report) would be left up for one month. Thanks to Mitzee for the tip!