Lots of big changs... bunch of added new weapons.

Trading of items has been added.

And a Mini-transaction store.  Although, i'm not sure i'd call the prices "mini."

Are they actually increasing the polygon count?

You sure its not called "The MANN-conomy Update"

BTW 

The Shortstop = op 

as well as The Holy Mackeral

No, it's the name of a community that had a contest for user made items.

Eh, can't say I'm interested in paying for items though it helps that the creaters get a cut.

Yeah, yeah.

Either way... some of those prices... oh man. 

Crafting the new items isn't cheap either... so i dunno what i'll do, prolly just wait for drops.

I'll probably buy something though, just to support valve.  Like a Modest pile of hat and some paints.

why items cost money 

http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/09/30/interview-valve-on-why-theyre-selling-team-fortress-2-items-for-real-money/

"Our main goal was to make sure that all gameplay affecting items are findable, so that no-one can buy an in-game advantage over someone who’s choosing to find their items."

Glad to read this. I was ready to declare that Valve had completely jumped the shark. Paying to jump the queue is kinda lame, but if you think of it as lazy folk providing additional funding for the games you love, it doesn't seem so bad at all.

To be honest guys for how much free content and support they have given this game, should give them a break. Like the article says game affecting items will always be able to find in-game.

They had to do it anyway.  Otherwise people would just be selling all their items on ebay for massive cash.

some more PCgamer articles 

http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/09/30/weaponized-mackeral-the-new-tf2-item-list/

http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/10/01/team-fortress-2-mannconomy-update-first-impressions/

http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/10/01/which-team-fortress-2-items-are-worth-your-money/