In their announcement, Yahoo euphemistically stated that it was "retiring" its U.S. and Canadian sites on June 16. I hope the same thing doesn't happen to me when I "retire." Their Asian auction sites, which have been more competitive, are not affected by this change. In another display of extreme euphemismism, Yahoo explained, "we have decided to close down our Yahoo! US and Canada Auction sites to better serve our valued customers through other Yahoo! Properties." Why couldn't they just say they were closing them down because it didn't work out? June 3 will be the last day sellers can post items, while June 16 is the date by which all auctions must conclude. Site tools will remain available until October 29, 2007, after which they too will be shut down.

Now you can go back to placing your bids on eBay.