Lots of bloggers are getting credentials at this year's Fashion Week in New York City, and it's all that the blogosphere can talk about. I was fascinated to see that one of the so-called "bloggers" was Constance White, eBay's Style Director.

I know, you're probably thinking (like I was): eBay has a style director? What, exactly, does she do? It's not like eBay selects inventory for its spring line. (Who are you wearing? Oh, it's eBay, Winter 1997. Vintage.)

Constance's "blog," such as it is, requires an endless supply of double quotes. First of all, I can't see that it's updated with any Fashion Week info; second, I can't see that there are traditional blog accoutrements, such as permalinks, dates, or comments on any of the "posts" (suspiciously formatted to look exactly like a newsletter). Third, it's dated Fall 2005. Oh so stylish! Maybe there's a blog hidden somewhere in eBay's blog archives.

Who is this woman, and how does she fit into eBay's strategy? I love that eBay cares about clothes, I've purchased many a fine garment on the site. But having a style director seems so retail and eBay is a technology company. Right? Or wrong?

I think this, as much news about eBay, is more of an indication of the company's identity crisis than anything. The Power of Too Many.