I reckon someone from eBay's marketing department has discovered social networking and blogs because they've been releasing all sorts of initiatives to tap into this type of web 2.0 media.

Anyway, eBay To Go is defined as a free ?widget' or small piece of code that allows anyone (even non registered users) to showcase from 1 to 10 favorite eBay items on their blog, or within social networking sites like MySpace etc.

?Not sure why they named it ?eBay To Go'. It's not as if you are taking a piece of eBay with you or ordering a slice of eBay as a takeout, but I guess they had to call it something.

Since auction listings expire, I recommend using the ?search' option to display a defined search rather than specific items that will expire as soon as the auction's finished,

When you opt to show a specific auction or auctions, they'll be displayed for 120 days, after which time items for a specific, predetermined search term will be displayed.

Honestly, you might as well just do that from the start, because what's the point in showing expired items that no one can buy? Remember, you want to use this tool to sell more, not to highlight weird and wacky auctions to impress your friends!

Now, here's the renegade insider secret for ?eBay To Go' so listen up.

If you select the ?search' option when prompted to select a version of the widget (rather than single item or multiple item) you should be able to use keywords that are so specific that they only bring up your listings! If that isn't the case, you need to tweak your listing titles so that does happen.

What this means is that when you insert the widget in the site or blog of your choice (see the list below) ONLY your listings are displayed! And why would you want people buying from anyone but you?

Currently you can create eBay To Go widgets for:

MySpace

MySpace Blog

WordPress Blog

Blogger Blog

Friendster

Yahoo 360

Typepad Blog

LiveJournal

Tagged

I'm sure this list will change and expand over time to keep up with the flavor of the month social networking sites and popular blog providers.