The eBay Wiki will let anyone post and edit articles on topics of interest to eBay users. The site resembles a blog, including the capability for visitors to post comments about articles. However, unlike a blog, anyone can alter the content of existing posts. JotSpot Inc., a Wiki technology and hosting company, powers the eBay Wiki.

In addition to the wiki, eBay users can create blogs that will appear on the blogs.ebay.com Web site. Bloggers can post photos, allow others to comment on their postings and enable RSS.

EBay has also introduced some new alert features in the U.S., some of which are already available in other markets. Bidders can now opt to be alerted via a phone call when three minutes remain before an auction closes. Buyers can also opt to receive text messages when they're outbid or when time is running out. Users can also re-bid on items via text message.

Buyers will also be able to receive an outbid or time warning alert via AOL, Yahoo or MSN instant messenger. These facilities will be available to Skype users next year. All of the other alert offerings will become available in the next couple of weeks. Last week, eBay Germany introduced a customized mobile browser from Opera Software that allows users to do anything they do on the eBay.com Web site from their mobile phones.

EBay also announced that it will allow sellers to add a "Skype me" button next to items for sale so that potential buyers can make a VoIP call to the seller. EBay bought Skype late last year.