Several projects are in the works to bring eBay to the masses. A new (second) pilot is being shot for a syndicated eBay television show, and unconfirmed reports indicate "eBay Magazine" is set to launch in November.
eBay has been trying to get a syndicated television program off the ground for 2 years. Originally set to launch in the fall of 2002, the producer LMNO Productions backed out of the project after a pilot had been shot. The original concept for the syndicated show was for a daily half-hour format featuring a combination of user experiences on the eBay auction site and in-studio discussion and interviews. Live auction bidding was also planned.
Sources tell us that Sony is producing a second pilot to shop around to television stations. This time, the show will have appraisals in addition to eBay stories.
Other reports surfaced this week that "eBay Magazine" will launch in November. A spokesperson for Readers Digest Association would not confirm or deny reports that it was the publisher and said, "We're always looking at new business opportunities and new publications." Reports say the new magazine is targeted to consumers and has an entertainment bent.
A magazine published by Krause Publications called eBay Magazine debuted in 1999 under a licensing relationship with eBay. The publication ceased in 2000.
Another online-auction print magazine, set to launch in January 2003, was cancelled before the first issue was printed. Convergence Publishing Group cancelled plans to launch "Online Auction Business" in January with an initial circulation of 20,000. The publisher was also planning to host an industry conference and expo in November 2003. The magazine and conference were to be geared toward auction sellers rather than consumers.
For now, consumers will have to rely on the eBay.com Web site to get their eBay fix.
