1. An auction method for defining an allocation of at least one resource of an automated system, comprising: defining an incentive for plurality of auction participants to compete in an auction, the incentive being dependent at least one bid within the auction prior to determination of an auction result, and being subject to at least one auction rule; conducting the auction, comprising receiving a plurality of automated communications through an automated communication network, from the plurality of auction participants, to automatically determine the auction result representing an allocation of the at least one resource of the automated system involving a prevailing auction participant and defining at least one non-prevailing auction participant; automatically determining the incentive by an automated computing device based on the plurality of automated communications defining the at least one bid, and the at least one auction rule; communicating an automated incentive communication through the automated communication network, to convey the incentive to the at least one non-prevailing auction participant; and selectively allocating the at least one resource within the automated system in dependence on the auction result, wherein the at least one resource thereby has diminished availability for alternate allocations.