Attempts to view messages on the Discussion Boards were still timing out as late as 0700 AEDST when I finally gave up in disgust after having tried everything possible (changing browsers, etc.). Came back on line at 1000 AEDST and things appear to be back to normal.

I've no idea what the problem was and will likely never know, but it's simply not good enough and unless eBay do something to prevent these far too frequent site issues their already stuffed reputation will suffer even further. I've already given up buying on eBay and I'm only one step away from giving up selling as well.

It's not as if it would make much difference anyway as my sales have fallen to an all-time low over the past few weeks, when at this time of the year they should be through the roof. I genuinely believe that eBay is a lost cause and it's now simply a matter of who intends going down with this rapidly sinking ship.