Say Hello to eBay's New Logo

As technology continues to evolve at the speed of light, all things gotta change, cool cats. Today, eBay has introduced a spanking new logo, which, natch, is accompanied by numerous changes to its webbie. Nearly two decades since the merchant's founding, it has also introduced the "eBay Feed," a personalized page of items you might be interested in, arranged in the Pinterest, pinboard-style of image tiles. Just like so many other sites, eBay now knows who you are, based on your searching history.

In addition, it is supposedly overhaulings its search function for better speed and accuracy in the coming weeks, although one major new advantage is already in place: It allows users to connect with (its) Paypal without having to transfer to the separate site and sign in, which was always a bit cumbersome. See eBay's explanation of all new things here, which outlines all just-introduced and coming enhancements.

Mind you, there's still no cure for eBay's most egregious sin: When you sell an item on the site, it takes it portion of the net, of course... But what I have always found just plain hateful is that when that payment tranfers to Paypal (an eBay sister), you are again charged against the full price of the item sold... meaning that not only does eBay swipe its 20%, but Paypal, in turn, grabs a larger percentage of the full selling price. In essence, it's double taxation. So wrong.

All the same, as a regular eBay peddler who has tried all the competitors—iOffer, Bonanza, etsy and even evil Amazon—the traffic speaks for eBay. It still rules the roost. And so I crow... silently into the darkness. *

Fiverr Evolves From Amusement To Credible Proift Center

When my friend Paulie introduced me to a site called Fiverr several months ago, it seemed like an amusing destination to earn a buck or two here and there. The concept: Let folks know what you're willing to do for $5. At first I posted crap like, "I'll take a picture of your company logo anywhere in NYC for $5." I got a few grabs and made $4 on the take, after Fiverr took its commission.

But as I began digging into the site, I saw that folks were offering writing services, so I posted gigs for simple 150-word bios and quickie song reviews, posting my credentials as a professional journalist and Billboard writer for the past 25 years.

At the beginning, I was getting a couple assignments every week, which time-wise, did little more than bite into the hours I'd normally be surfing the webbie anyway. More recently, as the site has grown more sophisticated and popular—and my feedback has been consistently positive—I'm now getting gigs by the boatload.

Fiverr now also offers "extras," including longer versions of the same for more $$ and quick turnaround for $. And so... over the past month, I've earned $280, which is suddenly becoming real money... enough to pay the cable bill or the electric bill and purchase the occasional steak.

Mind you, my mainstay is still writing full-on professional bios for musicians, which include detailed interviews and quotes, garnering three-figure$ per pop. But for bite-size writing, what began as an amusement has evolved into a real profit center. And thank god for that, as a guy who still picks up pennies on the sidewalk. *

Webbie Of The Day: The Clever Offerings At Decal Designer 'Blik'

But I can dream, can't I? I just re-discovered a page I ripped out of a home magazine way back in Winter 2008(!) for a company called Blik, and its vinyl decal Grandfather Clock, one of the most clever home accessories I've seen. In fact, now that I have a dime or two in my pocket, I'm seriously considering making the investment... And who'd believe it's still available four years later. Act now, before it's too late, right?

I'm also loving the decal headboards below (despite the fact that that's the last thing I need, thanks to Dear Genevieve).

The entire webbie for the array of home goods at whatisblik.com, in fact, offers so many unique and clever accessories that I've totally redecorated my apartment—in my head. Blik creates removable wall graphics, in lieu of the irritating task of applying wallpaper or worse, painting with decals and multiple colors of paint. They also allow you to create custom coverings. Soooo cool. *

iVillage Asks: 'How Do You Get Organized For The Holidays?'

I was interviewed by friend Raven for a quickie piece on webbie iVillage asking, "How do you get organized for the holidays?" Among the five published responses, it appears I was the only dude. My response: "I buy cool/campy/regal picture frames throughout the year and keep them all together in a cabinet. I also have a folder on my iPhoto of keepsake pictures with friends. At the end of the year, I match the photos with the frames and I'm instantly ready for the holidays." Tee hee.

I'm Gonna Wash Away Those Rainy Day Monday Blues!

I could waste days and days on FuntasticFace.com... Much more fun than The New York Times.

Webbie Of The Day: See Yourself In 20 Years

Two different pics, equally gruesome... This would be fascinating if it weren't so damn depressing. Eww! Try it at your own risk! P.S. This is not the same site that wreaked havoc all over Facebook Tuesday.

Webbie Of The Day: iOffer.com

Keep this between us, okay? In March 2003, I recorded Celine Dion's opening night concert at Caesar's Palace... and knowing hundreds of fans were interested in hearing the wonder of that event, I offered a beautifully crafted home-made version for sale on amazon.com, complete with lush CD artwork. I sold a half dozen copies—until amazon alerted me I was pawning "illegal" goods... and banished me from selling FOREVER.

Ebay is no different... so where then might you find items that aren't endorsed by corporate superpowers... goods never released by major retailersbecause they figured it might cost more to manufacture than the return? An example: Sheena Easton... my fave artist, whose music videos were never issued because she switched record labels mid-stream.

The answer: iOffer, a brilliant webbie that allows sellers to hawk creatively compiled goods. Google, amazon and Apple, you're missing out on an entire thriving marketplace. Free enterprise. Ain't that what made this nation great?

Please Check Out 'Ham On Wry': 'Commentary with a Twist'

My longtime pal Alice Carter is a woman of pristine breeding, good humor and an intellectual bent. Mercy, she reminds me so of meese. I've been assisting her in establishing her spanking newbie blog "Ham On Wry" (fucking great moniker), and even designed her header.

Now it's up to youse to see just how smart and funny Alice is, by taking a look at her blog and perhaps becoming a follower. She lives in Florida, which is riddled with political corruption via Gov. Rick Scott, which she'll be eying closely. It's all about current events, pop culture and her observations on life at large. While we're at it, here are two other blogs that I live and love on a weekly basis. Snigs' Spot is one of the first blogs I ever became a fan of, penned by a woman who might be considered my polar opposite: a conservative, southern mom living in suburban Georgia, whose header even offers a Confederate flag. She's funny as shit, delivering daily observations on her life, family and quest to become a professional nurse. We've actually connected one on one through the years. She's dear... and pretty damn cool. The Beaten Hamster, composed by my pal Chris Howell, originates from my hometown of Lynchburg, Va., and discusses her daily journey through life and career, with its universal frustrations and triumphs. It's written in a highly personal style—as if you're having a conversation with a friend. Take a read, and you'll believe you've known Chris for years.

FREE STUFF: Here's Where To Find It!

If you're always looking to save a dime or a dollar like me, there is an endless bounty of free samples & discounted deals inundating the webbie. All you need to do is know where to look, and in a week or two, your mailbox will start filling with free shampoo & deodorant, toothpaste & dog food!

A word to the wise: It's savvy to create a "junk" email address to sign up for samples, since you're likely to get a modicum of junk mail from some vendors. In addition, an email addy is always required.

Also, I never share my cell number. If a freebie requires a mobile text, forget it. And increasingly, freebies ask you to "Like" a page on your Facebook account. For a free squeeze of Fructis shampoo, not gonna happen.

It also helps to have your computer set to auto-fill so as you type in your address/info countless times, all you gotta do is type the first letter and the rest fills typically itself in. You can even do this for states and birth years, by opening the scroll-down and typing in the info; so instead of scrolling down to "New York," I click the bar and type in "New Y..." then hit return. Done.

Let the games begin... Sweet Free Stuff and its accompanying daily email, Your Daily Free Stuff, is the site I rely on each day for freebies of hair care products, restaurant coupons, pet products, cheap (or free) mag subscriptions and store-centered giveaways, like free crap at Walgreens when you print a coupon, or alerts for free ice cream at Ben & Jerry's, etc. The site also shares upcoming sales at national drugstore and grocery chains, and links those in-store deals with coupons in Sunday papers. Every deal has been screened, so you know none are scams.

The Freebie Blogger and Totally Free Crap and Bargain Diner and Eric's Free Site and I Crave Freebies and Start Sampling are similar, scouring the web for free food, kiddie portraits, cookbooks, make-up, detergent, magazines, even software.

Speaking of free software, the best place to download all sorts of helpful goodies for your computer is CNET.com. You can choose Mac or PC, free, shareware or paid, without fear of a virus. There are also user reviews and you can choose by application, popularity and the latest/greatest.

Walmart offers a fairly frequent posse of free samples, like shampoo and dog food. Free shipping for all!

Groupon, founded in 2008, has of course, become the big daddy of social networking deals on the webbie, offering daily bargains in major metros. The caveat: time limits & a limited number of offers for each. I've used Groupon to pay $15 for a $30 credit at Red Envelope, $30 worth of food at a Brooklyn nabe restaurant for $15, and two hours of handyman services for $50 (a $130 value). Watch for blackout and expiration dates. Also of note: If you refer a friend, you get $10 in Groupon bucks when they buy their first deal.

A number of sites offer similar services, including Scoop Street and Buy With Me and DealSurf and DealOn and Lifebooker and Zozi and Living Social. The latter's cool gimmick is that if you convince three of your pals to buy the same deal, you get it free.

Dealzon shares deep discounts on electronics, including computers, home theater, storage, gaming, cameras and office supplies. It also offers a column on the bottom right of the home page with free stuff. As with most, you can sign up for a daily email highlighting the best bargains. Within the past week, I've opted in for free Lacoste cologne, a Kit-Kat bar, dog food sample, Aveeno shampoo & conditioner and Nescafe flavored coffee samples.

Working Advantage is an employee-based discounter focused on shopping, entertainment (movie tickets!), travel, events and gifts. I apparently signed up for this years ago when I worked for Nielsen and continue to get their weekly emails. Not sure if you have to prove employment to sign up, but it's worth a try.

TravelZoo has evolved from a national webbie with air fare, hotel and other travel alerts to offering local deals in more than two dozen markets for dining, shopping, spas & salons and events. There's also the occasional skydiving, yoga class, speed reading or hot air balloons.

And finally, order one of those free coffeemakers with a couple boxes of java from Gevalia, and you become of member of Gevalia Perks, which offers some of the best daily deals we've seen, including its Overwhelming Offers, like $100 off a $200 purchase at West Elm or $25 for a $50 Home Depot gift card. Deals are "unlocked" at specific times, with a maximum number offered (like Groupon), so act fast. Deals of apparel, travel, electronics and home furnishings, too. Boffo.

Happy shopping!

Webbie Posts 'Ridiculous Celine Dion Photos' (Oh, And They Are!)

Funny as hell... There's a spanking new webbie called Ridiculous Pictures of Celine Dion via Tumblr and my god, there is some hysterical stuff here. Let's remember that Celine is a very expressive, well-traveled woman, so the camera is bound to catch her in some less than flattering poses. But unlike Mariah Carey, at least she kept her damn clothes on during her pregnancies. All in good fun, eh?