Steve Ballmer’s Yahoo Acquistion Options
As Microsoft weighs its acquisition options with Yahoo, it’s interesting that its board is pretty much leaving the decision to CEO Steve Ballmer. Could it be that Ballmer’s next move be the one that decides his future at Microsoft?
Microsoft Shows Off New Product Search Features
The other day, Doug reported that Microsoft Live Search Mobile had added product search abilities to its arsenal, but that is not all that the softies are up to on the product search front.
Google Analytics For Blogger Introduced
The good news: some Blogger users will be able to access handy Analytics reports. The bad news: "some" probably doesn’t include you. Yes, Google Analytics for Blogger has officially entered private beta.
Yahoo, AOL, RealNetworks Must Pay Music Royalties
The last thing either Yahoo or AOL wants to do right now is give away money; the companies are having enough trouble without handouts. Yet a federal court has ruled that Yahoo and AOL (along with RealNetworks) must pay millions in licensing fees to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
French Web Site Hacked Over Olympic Poll
Hackers hit the Web site of a French magazine in an effort to influence an opinion poll about the Beijing Olympics and change the site’s content.The Web site of business magazine Capital was first attacked in March, when it featured a poll asking if France should boycott the opening ceremony of the Games in China, according to publisher Jean-Joel Gurviez.
Google TV Ads Leaves Beta
Television commercials provide opportunities to go to the bathroom, refill drinks, or see what’s airing on other channels. Commercials occasionally serve marketing purposes, though, and any U.S.-based AdWords advertisers wanting to give them a shot should be happy to hear Google TV Ads is now open to all.
SEMPO Offering Certification To SEM Agencies
Search marketing firms going through the training provided by the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization will be able to pick up a seal of approval after taking courses through the SEMPO Institute.
eBay, Craigslist Fighting Over Kijiji Competition
eBay publicized the complaint it recently filed against Craigslist in Delaware’s Couty of Chancery. It’s all about the lucrative listings market.
No More Rainbows: Radiohead Won’t Repeat Online Stunt
So much for riding at the vanguard of a new wave of music distribution, as Radiohead declares its In Rainbows online experiment a one-time deal.
Money Talks: Microsoft, Yahoo Chat Over Price
Yahoo isn’t against being taken over by Microsoft if the price is right. Microsoft has little enthusiasm for doing so, but doesn’t want its acquisition effort to take several more months.