Windows Live Expo is Live

Windows Live Expo is Microsoft’s answer to Ebay. However, it claims to be more than just an ad listing service — it’s described as a "social listing service that allows members to find and sell items, discover information, and meet other parties in their area." The key word here is "social." Windows Live Expo is  hoping that its unique features draw people away from the auction powerhouse and onto their service instead. Some of these unique features include:

* Browse and sell listings from only your buddies.
* Limit your listings to those that you are more likely to trust – your coworkers or fellow students
* Map the listings using MSN Virtual Earth for easy navigation
* Instant Message with other members to quickly ask questions

And then there’s the fact that you can post ads FOR FREE. However, are free listings and the social aspect enough to beat Ebay? It’s an idea that has potential and fills a niche.  Could be huge…

Still, I’m looking at the Expo site, and I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something about it that seems kind of hokey. Depsite the fact that the site has some AJAX, the result isn’t the AJAX version of Ebay, or anything close. There’s a definite Microsoft feel to the site - links on the left, content on the right…oh, just like using the Preview Pane in Outlook?