History loves to provide dates and facts and to attempt to break down the past into segments of time that can be easily understood and memorized. Unfortunately for history book writers the real world isn't like that long before Washington crossed the Delaware a long series of events and decisions had to come about to 1) Make that possible and 2) Make it necessary and prudent at that point in time. The history of eBay is no different.
For those who are unclear eBay is an online auction site where listing and selling fees are collected from users under the guidance and oversight of straight regulation to provide both protection and ease of use to would-be buyers and sellers alike. A modern example of auctioneering using the latest technologies and capabilities in as simple to utilize a manner as is possible its' name has become synonymous with online auctions and sells.