This is a review of the eBay Developers Blog.

One of the things that set blogs apart from news listings is the ability to interact with the readers, and their ability to interact back. Even a corporate blog should have the capability for readers to post comments to posts. Not only does this give the reader a sense of working with company, but it is free customer information. This is a lesson which the eBay Developers Program blog failed to receive. Customers of eBay who visit the blog will find that there is no way to comment, making the blog nothing more than a news feed.

Stepping aside from that, examination of the visual qualities of the blog leaves one quite unimpressed. Visuals are limited to text, text, a screen shot or two, text, a clip art image, and text. While many blogs get away with just text, the text is typographically pleasing, not the browsers default by any measure. Examination of the site also fails to readily explain what exactly the site is trying to do.

Over all, the blog is of poor quality, especially given the resources eBay could have put behind the blog. There are many things specifically which merit review, so here is a breakdown of how the site rates in different fields.

Availability, 8 out of 10 –

Typing the blog into a Google search yields the page as the very first link, which is very good. A search for “eBay blog” will yield the blog several pages in, but this is due mainly to interference with their blog service for customers.

Posting Frequency, 6 out of 10 –

The eBay Developers Program blog posts in high numbers but there may be long pauses in between posts, leaving readers with a empty newsreader some days.

Relevance, 4 out of 10 –

It is very difficult to identify exactly whom the blog is trying to reach. The posts remain focused on technical developments of the eBay system, but because of the many voices behind the site, it is hard to figure out why the readers should care. Reading the blog makes it seem more for corporate propaganda than a blog where the company can give news to customers and get feedback in return.

Accuracy, 9 out of 10 –

It is difficult to verify, but so far the blog has remained technically accurate. A point is lost in the inability to verify everything, or comment for further information.

User Interaction, 0 out of 10 –

For the users and readers of the blog, there is no way to directly interact with the blogs writers. The posts lack any comment system, not even a digg button. And aside from author names, the blog offers no means to contact the authors aside from googling their names and hoping a result appears.

Overall, the eBay Developers Program Blog received 27 out of 50, or a whopping 54%. Given this failing grade, one would hope their act gets together and with the times.

Originally posted 2009-02-10 05:57:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• What Does a Corporate Blog Say About You? When you have a corporate blog, it is important to realize that it will be saying a lot about you. Whether or not it’s projecting a good image of your company is entirely up to you. Here are some tips to make sure that your blog says all the right......
• Marketing Dos and Donts For Corporate Bloggers When you first start your corporate blog, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of coming across a new marketing medium. You suddenly have access to millions of readers that are just dying to know about your products, right? Wrong! Your readers are out there, but they don’t......
• Developing Your Blog’s Style Why do some blog instantly become hits, while others languish without a reader to be found? Although the subject matter can play a big role in popularity, a lack of readership can be attributed to a lack of style in the blog. Since there is so much competition out there,......
• Nike Blog Review This is a review of the Nike Blog at inside.nikebasketball.com Every few days, Nike updates their inside.nikebasketball.com blog. The posts they provide are relevant for the fans of Nike, and they write in a very well written and interest keeping manner. Despite this, the blog is very difficult to find......
• How Valuable Are Your Readers? Many list owners have a formula that helps them figure out how valuable their subscribers are. This is usually done so that you figure out how much money each subscriber means to you. For example, this may be $1 a month, $5 or even more. To come to this figure,......

• Job Description for Director of Tennis Member Relations: 1. Maintain accurate and updated profiles of all members, contact all new members and get them involved within the first 30 days of membership. 2. Solicit appropriate member feedback about programs, the club and staff for member retention, program and staff evaluation. 3. Promote and market the brand......
• Money Quantum Private Beta Begins Today: An Interview With Flexo, From Consumerism Commentary A new social networking site is entering private beta today. Money Quantum fills a niche for people that want to discuss anything money related, from getting out of debt to retiring early. Maybe you want to find out about great deals or what to know when buying a car? There's......
• Weakonomics Weekend Edition: YPBlogs.com Edition I'm not one to brag, actually yes I am, but the list of people out there on the web that like my work enough to publish has DOUBLED.  By doubled, I mean from one to two.  First Qvisory, and now YPBlogs.com. [/caption] YP stands for young professional, and their blog......
• Should You Use Free Blogging Sites? There are certainly many blogging sites online today. It has become the biggest trend in communications for business and for personal reasons. A blog is a wonderful business tool that allows you to build a presence online as an expert in your field and develop a following of loyal readers.......
• 5-Tips For Creating Cash With A Blog So your Internet marketing blog is doing pretty well, eh? You've got hundreds maybe thousands of people visiting your site each day, soaking up your incredible insights to life, business and the state of affairs online. There's just one problem... You’re not making a dime! Stop. If all you wish......