Amazon has joined the latest gold rush by launching its own auction service. Apart from its usual staple of books, CDs and videos, Amazon has ventured into jewellery, garden furniture, software and art, among others.

What with QXL, eBay and the multitude of other highly valued Internet companies already in on the action, Amazon may have trouble dragging in customers. However, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was unperturbed: "One of the biggest myths about the Internet is that there is only room for one or two players."

The Register gives the site the thumbs-up. Its diversity yielded an unexpected bonus in the form of a custom-built two-pie wooden basket, complete with quilted, ruffled cosy to keep in the heat. Pies are something we take very seriously here and with a start price of only $21.00, we feel confident of success. ®