The thread below about conduct at an auction got me to thinking.  There are several different bidding styles at auctions.  Some bidders catch the eye of the auctioneer and from that point bid by as little as blinking their eye.  Others dress in hunter orange and almost wave a flag each time they bid.  Some do not bid until nearly the last bid, others start at the very first bid.  Some bidders jump in with a bid as soon as the other bidder moves.  Others drag out each and every bid.

Like you I've seen just about all of it.  My question is Why do you bid the way you do?  What is your "philosophy of bidding?"

Photo copied from http://www.ehow.com/way_5221273_auction-bidding-tips-silent-auction...