From the Alleged Desk of Lemony Snicket dated January 11, 2008:

 "Dear Sir or Madame,

If you know anything at all about the books I have written in A Series of Unfortunate Events, you know they are very unpleasant.  This is especially true of the books in this auction, because I signed them.  There are a number of ways to make something that is already extremely unpleasant even worse.  For instance, you might douse it in cheap perfume or receive it as a wedding gift.  But perhaps the surest way to make something even more unbearable is to pay an exorbitant sum for it.  Wouldn't you rather bid on something else?  With all due respect --- signed Lemony Snicket"