Macromedia goes after eBay sellers with Contribute 3

Macromedia made a play for eBay sellers this week by debuting a custom version of its Contribute 3 web content publishing application that's designed to speed the creation and upkeep of eBay stores.

Contribute 3 for eBay uses Macromedia's Contribute platform -- a visual editing application targeted at non-technical types who need to update, but not design websites -- and includes tools and templates created by WebAssist, a Macromedia partner.

"Bringing instant publishing with professional quality to eBay's online merchants will help them as they create and maintain their stores," claimed Erik Larson, Macromedia's director of product management, in a statement.

eBay Stores are web storefronts for eBay sellers who want a static locale where they can tout the products they're auctioning off on the mammoth site.

The customised Contribute features step-by-step wizards that walk eBay Store users through the design and publishing process, and also includes more than 800 ready-to-use templates for common eBay Store pages.

Contribute 3 for eBay will be available in the middle of November for US$99 in a version for Windows. Unlike other Macromedia products, Contribute 3 for eBay will sell only from the San Francisco-based company's online store.

Current users of Contribute 3 can add this functionality by downloading a free extension from the WebAssist website.