Why is the Media Neglecting eBay's StumbleUpon?

Has anyone out there reported lately on eBay's (EBAY) StumbleUpon? For a site that has grown to over 4.5 million users from 2 million at the time of eBay's acquisition, you think StumbleUpon would at the very least make a dent in the media. We hear news about Skype, StubHub, an occasional Shopping and Rent.com blurb. However, never a whimper on StumbleUpon.

StumbleUpon is a terrific toolbar that searches the web for your interests. You are able to discover marvelous sites that you never knew existed. When a site is presented the user can click a thumbs up or a thumbs down. Thus StumbleUpon will then retain that information and discover more sites conducive to the user's liking. Users on StumbleUpon are not only able to access websites but video sites. There is a people's tab which gives StumblUpon the potential to be similar to MySpace (NWS) and Facebook.

eBay is sitting on a potential goldmine, however has been slow to act. They can transfer StumbleUpon into a sort of MySpace or Facebook by adding Skype's voice chat to the site. StumleUpon can be an invaluable resource to Marketing firms. Marketing firms will be able to get a better gauge of an individual's tastes and preferences. Also, StumbleUpon can add a simple search box to also be able to search the web making it a one stop destination.

eBay seems to be behind the curve ball on implementing their strategies and are missing key points. They seem to have the buildings in place but have yet to add the required wiring. eBay, I am available for consultation, and have more knowledge about eBay and how to implement strategies than more than 75% of your employees. You listened to my suggestions on adding Yahoo (YHOO) and Google's (GOOG) ads and taking advantage of outside advertising. It only took you three years after my persistent phone calls and e-mail suggestions. You almost listened to me when I suggested that you stop wasting 500 million in advertising to Google when it was money down the drain. However, you then went back to Google. Why help your enemy, I will never know. Are you listening eBay?

Comments

[robert99:]

I use Stumbleupon, and it is indeed fuggin fantastic. Someone told me about it a while back, and I thought "Not another toolbar...." but I tried it anyways, and I've been using it for about 5 months now. The same guy who told me about it is still using it, as are the six people I told. Probably the best thing about Stumbleupon is the ability to easily send people web pages (although single player browsing is nice too). Ebay does indeed have a gold mine with Stumbleupon, and I have been perplexed as to why no one talks about monetizing it. Maybe they are building up the user base, who knows...

2008 Feb 21 09:33 AM

[2braincells:]

I can only speak for myself, but it is associated with ebay and I am distrustful of anything ebay.

2008 Feb 22 02:23 PM

[deep house:]

i've been stumbling for a minute and way before they were acquired by eBay .. the best way to waste time and still stay in your area of interests ..

2008 Feb 24 04:50 PM

[User 155240:]

I have to agree-if it's ebay related-I want nothing to do with it.

2008 Feb 24 05:32 PM

[FeelingDece...:]

The first thing I saw when I went to that site today for the first time was a video with the F word in the title. Hmmm what a first impression. I didn't bother to go any further. Remember one thing....with eBay, don't place all of your peas in one pod. If you rely upon everything that eBay owns, then they will take over the world and have you exactly where they want you.

2008 Mar 04 12:08 PM