So, in the news yesterday you may have heard, Microsoft is in talks with Yahoo regarding a potential purchase. What is it, something in the water!? Seems as if there’s a rash of attempted or considered buy-outs going on lately.

Anyways here’s my take on it…

First off, we all know that Google has become the monster on the block. So the other top 2 search competitors are clearly Yahoo and MSN. Would combining forces help them take on The Big G? Well that depends on a few things in my opinion.

If they retain the portal vibe that has done so well for Yahoo and put some more quality focus back on their directory and bring back the chatters via a social network or specialized forums (yes sounds simple but that stuff works) then I think they have a fighting chance.

Yahoo + MS money + “I’m bringing sexy (quality) back” + community = competition worthy of The Big G

If they plan to do anything else…

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I can hear the scraper/spammer’s cheering now.

Although it has potential to be used for evil purposes it sure will be nice to have ready access to this data if you are in certain professions. I remember my father taking me down to the LA courthouse back in the 70s and showing me how to dig around on microfiche for certain data. It’ll be nice to know when my little heathen is ready for those type of lessons we can simple hop on The Google and lookup whatever we need.

type-atcha-later,
Sean

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Interesting thought eh?

I ran across this article - Zell Wants End to Web’s Free Ride. Apparently Sam Zell (real estate mogul that recently bought the Tribune) posed the question(s):

“If all of the newspapers in America did not allow Google to steal their content, how profitable would Google be?” Zell said during the question period after his speech. “Not very.”

This could definitely put a damper on some of Google’s draw as one of the most popular useages of the Internet is to get news, check email, etc… It’s right up there.

And as far as how much it’s a player in the stack of Google services, well it’s right up there too.

Having major news outlets block Google’s ability to syndicate their data is a bit tricky though. Granted they have their own userbase but Google’s marketshare is nothing to sneeze at. One addage “givers gain” seems to apply here. Much like a bar that gives out free nuts to bring in customers, giving out pieces of data so that Google sends patrons their way seems mutually beneficial.Now ‘how’ beneficial can only truly be discovered through a study by cost analysis gurus — not just speculation buy some wealthy dude, no matter how mUch smarts him has.

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