[quote author=sneakymagenta link=topic=18224.msg71722#msg71722 date=1217544872]
In the past that "reputable third party" (ecommerce-guide's V. Beal) has recommended the following sites:[/quote]
The first link you provided offers factual details on twelve sites which offer an auction-based marketplace:
"It's too soon to tell if any of the eBay competitors will take off, but they get kudos for the effort, as many are offering promotions to disgruntled eBay sellers. Here we take a look at some recent start-ups, plus...."
(There is no recommendation on this page).
The second link you posted provides traffic ranking and registered user numbers for several auction-based Web sites that have been online for more than 1 year, plus discusses several which launched and failed immediately. V. Beal also talks about why sellers are not leaving eBay in masses to join these sites.
(There is no recommendation on this page).
And so on for each of the URLs you listed. However, there are several marketplaces and auction tools that I have written about and have actually recommended to other sellers. But there are hundreds upon hundreds of articles on that particular site which are there to provide news and information -- and it would seem those are the types of articles you have linked to.
Kijiji Review: Better than eBay for Hot Rods and Guitars
http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/article.php/3720581
"Our eBay columnist tries the auction site's local classifieds Kijiji and recommends it for low-profit merchandise and hard-to-ship items."
That is a recommendation.
Review: Using inkFrog Auction Tools for Princely eBay Profits
http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/essential...hp/3760181
While at eBay Live this year, one such firm, inkFrog, caught our eye, and we decided to take an in-depth look at the company's services and after taking it for a test run, would recommend it.
That also, is a recommendation.
To me, there is a world of difference between recommending something to people and providing information and news about a particular topic (like e-commerce). I am very glad I read this particular thread on here. I'm not sure, really, what to think, as I had no clue that because I mention a particular e-commerce product, Web site, or service in a news piece or round-up style story, that people look at it as a seal of approval. Food for thought for me I guess.
Also glad I found it because after posting, I started reading and now I've been on here for a couple hours and found a wealth of information about a lot of topics I have an interest in in different sections of your forum. Very cool.
Thanks,
Vangie