eBay launched a new advertising campaign on Monday. The Power of All of Us campaign "helps us express our core belief that people are good," read eBay's announcement of the campaign. Some of the TV commercials are currently available for viewing online. eBay is also running a promotion, asking people to tell their stories for a chance to win a $5,000 eBay shopping spree and a trip for two to San Jose to attend eBay Live 2005.

In one section of the site called Move In, it states, "Soon the eBay community will have a new place to gather." The copy does not indicate what the section represents, but says "it's coming soon."

With retail sites paying attention to "social networking," started by sites like LinkedIn, Friendster and Orkut, it wouldn't be a stretch to think eBay might try to cash in on the trend. Overstock.com recently launched its new auction site with a social networking component, and Buy.com announced on Monday it was acquiring Metails. Metails allows users to share specific product information and reviews with those with comparable interests, and financially rewards users who refer products to people in their network. Former PayPal executives put a twist on the trend with their new site: "When you want to find good local businesses you ask the people you trust. Yelp! makes that easy."

To view new eBay commercials (note: this Web site uses Flash):
http://www.ebay.com/thepowerofallofus