eHow files for bankruptcy; site still operating

Online advice site eHow is still advising users on how to file for bankruptcy--more than a week after quietly filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection itself.

According to a recorded telephone message at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California, eHow filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on February 8.

"The case was filed voluntarily," a message at the bankruptcy court said.

The first meeting of creditors will be held on March 14 before Judge Thomas Carlson, according to the bankruptcy court.

eHow's advice site is still operating despite the bankruptcy filing. For example, the site offers a primer on "ehow to file for bankruptcy for your business." It notes: "A Chapter 7 filing involves total liquidation of assets and dissolution of your business."

eHow executives could not be reached for comment about the company?s plans, including whether the site will eventually ?go dark? or be sold. Unlike many real-time Web sites, much of the advice on eHow does not require regular updating.

Rumors of eHow's demise have been circulating for weeks. The executives previously had decline to confirm its plans, however.

In October, eHow laid off more than half its staff and said it was restructuring its business. Its investors included Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, among others.