EBay launches "Neighborhoods" Social Networking Feature

Ebay has announced the launching of their new "Neighborhoods" feature, which appears to be the Ebay version of a social networking service. According to Nathan Sacco of Ebay, users should think of Neighborhoods as a "gathering place for fans of a certain product, team, artist, and more. They've been created around popular items and searches and are designed for members with a very specific interest in mind".

Users are encouraged to post to discussion boards, upload and share photos, and post product reviews and tips.

This feature appears to be a part of the broad reorganization strategy launched by Ebay in 2006 and designed to counter Ebays slowing growth. What effect this may have remains to be seen, however from the sellers perspective participation in Neighborhoods may have some positive value in developing brand recognition.