I don't think this was ever posted here. If it was sincere apology. I found this while browsing BGG's geeklists. Posted by Richard Fawkes.
The articles starting from #116 briefly explain and define a lot of variations on popular game mechanics:
#101: Strategic Introductions: Tabletop Games
http://www.skotos.net/articles/TTnT_101.shtml
#102: Designing Strategy: The Components
http://www.skotos.net/articles/TTnT_102.shtml
#103: Designing Strategy: The Gameplay
http://www.skotos.net/articles/TTnT_103.shtml
#116: Strategic Insights: Trading Games
http://www.skotos.net/articles/TTnT_116.shtml
#144: Strategic Insights: Auction Games
http://www.skotos.net/articles/TTnT_144.phtml
#154: Strategic Insights: Connection Games
http://www.skotos.net/articles/TTnT_154.phtml
#155: Strategic Insights: Bluffing Games
http://www.skotos.net/articles/TTnT_155.phtml
(It could be) Great wiki fodder (if we ask Shannon nicely)