If deal goes through, it would be good news for domainers.
The on-again, off-again relationship between Yahoo and Microsoft may be on again.
When news of a potential merger between the two companies first broke early last year, I wondered what it would mean for domainers. At the time I was conflicted. But then the potential Yahoo and Google hookup scared the crap out of me, which put things in perspective. I think it’s safe to say that a Yahoo-Microsoft hookup for online advertising will be good for domain owners.
The key reasons is that it would create a solid contender against Google for search advertising. I suspect Microsoft would invest heavily to get new advertisers, and potentially merge the existing ad networks. It may also snap up a couple existing search advertising companies to grow faster. If the Obama administration will look the other way, it might even try to subsidize advertisers to get them on the network.
Anything that puts heat on Google is good. It would be great if both Microsoft and Yahoo could compete against Google themselves, but it’s clear that isn’t going to happen.
From my previous conversations with Microsoft, I get the feeling they want to make a play in the domain space. That bodes well for domain parking.
This could just be a mental exercise in futility, as the whole Yahoo-Microsoft thing has been like the cute tease at a party. But unlike a Yahoo-Google deal, MSFT-YHOO is something I can get excited about.
@Andrew
I agree with your logic, when looked at without prejudice, however as much as we hate dealing with google, do you look forward to part or all if your hanging on Microsoft? It reminds me of having to choose a cell phone service provider. I’m sure not everyone will agree with me but I think they all suck in one way or another (either bad cell phone service, or bad customer service).
Nothing like choosing to work with whom you dislike the least.
I can see Microsoft going from “savior” status to “demon” status in about a years time after entering the domain parking realm.
It will be the same ballgame as before, instead of Y/G it will be B/G. Nothing will change in the long run, although we may get a pop of cash in the near term from Bing wanting to take some market share.
Microsoft is already making a play in the domain space with Bing. For example type-in PLAZA.COM or any of the thousands of others they have been buying up. Partial list here:
http://fragerfactor.blogspot.com/search?q=MICROSOFT+DOMAINS
Anyone else think that this Plaza.com thing is kind of a TM problem? I mean, in reality I don’t think that it is, but I wouldn’t be shocked if somebody that has a TM on Plaza something gets pissed that MS is redirecting them to a competitor or something like that.
No, Plaza.com is very likely not a true TM problem -> recognized first and foremost for its generic meaning.
@Owen Frager – That’s an interesting list and I did not know Microsoft had been acquiring. Very struck at the low quality of those names of which many are probably hand reg’s (without having checked their history).
betting on yahoo-MS merger having a positive effect on the domain industry is like betting on a horse that came in 4th in a 3 horse race. You guys are naive with no sense of history or business logic.
plaza.com has been with MS for a very long time, its not a new purchase.
Microsoft ROCKS!!! I feel so bad when people say bad things about microsoft! Apple looks like a toy, and Microsoft is the best!