If I have put out the same amount of effort to find the item as the other guy shouldn't we both be able to do what we want with the information?
If I understand your question... Yes, you both can
use the information for yourselves independently. However, if it is for an
auction item (Gov Planet, eBay, etc.)
you cannot post a direct link on SS or use SS to PM another member to "directly influence or adjust bidding between members" as that would be considered collusion or bid rigging. On the other hand, if you and your SS buddy want to "take a discussion offline"
outside SS that's private & between yourselves.
However, you can still post something in general, like advice in a pertinent thread discussing for example the Pro's n Cons of high hour machines... "
If it were me, I wouldn't pay more than $1,000 for a unit that has over 10,000 hours" or providing a simple heads up notice like "
There are currently several nice MEP-803 units up for auction on GP right now" or "
Check eBay, it currently has the described part you are looking for listed" without any direct links.
Now, if it is a
COTS (Commercially Off The Shelf) item
you can post a direct link since its commercially available and price is fixed and quantities are generally not limited.
Anyway, that's just my interpretation of the rules, I'm not a moderator.