3-D effects run rampant in the November edition of Sports Illustrated Kids. Much of the editorial — and about half the ads in the NBA preview issue — are in 3D, reports MediaBuyerPlanner.

Ad pages soared 25.7% with the addition of 3-D elements, writes Mediaweek. New advertisers include Irwin Toy and Crocs.

Year-to-date, SI Kids ad pages fell 14.3% through November, per the Mediaweek Monitor. To offset declines in packaged goods advertising, SI Kids is attempting to grow its videogame business. In the meantime, points out Scott Hendrickson, the last three issues of the year pulled double-digit ad page gains.

The 3-D issue was timed to coincide with the release of SI’s new book for kids, In Your Face 3-D.

Sports Illustrated recently announced the creation of an online auction, powered by eBay, to sell inventory across print, digital and events media in order to give the sales force more time to sell more effectively, the company said.

Parent company Time Inc. believes online auctions will enable it to reach advertisers that aren't already in touch with the title's sales force. They also wanted to be able to gather advertisers quickly for time-sensitive products, like commemorative issues, in a way that wouldn't unduly tax the sales force's time with last-minute requests.