10 replies to this topic

[Haystack]

From LookSmart's (Nasdaq:LOOK) quarterly report:

In the first quarter of 2003, Microsoft announced its intention to increase its investment in its MSN search services, particularly its technology-based crawling and indexing software and algorithmic search capabilities. Microsoft has indicated that it may combine the current directory and index layers of search results on its web sites into a single set of search results. If Microsoft does elect to combine these layers, any renewed distribution agreement would likely result in significantly lower paid clicks and listings revenues. In any event, we may be unable to renew the distribution agreement on terms that are as favorable as the current agreement, if at all.

LookSmart's stock is down 16% today based on this and other nuggets in their quarterly report.

Personally, I think it would be great for MSN's users if MSN to 'diluted' the LookSmart directory results with more relevant natural search results.

[Jill]

Awww...how's old Smuggy and the gang taking this? With their usual state of denial?

[qwerty]

Smuggy?

[Haystack]

You know it. Here's an example post by smugs on the issue:

Did you see the BIG word IF in the SEC filing?

IF ....MSN does not renew its licensing agreement........IF

It then goes on to say they COULD ( a very BIG word) receive less revenues.

I'm not sure how he got that out of the excerpt I posted earlier from the SEC filing.

[Jill]

ROFL...some people never change.

Bob, Smuggy is a Look-lover who posts on the Y! Finance Looksmart board. Ed and I used to frequent there with the other morons. (Yes we were morons too for associating with them!) I've since moved on, but I guess Ed still has to get his moron fix every now and then!

Jill

[Mel]

On the other hand Brent Winters is suggesting that MSN may make an offer for LS, but I am not going to post that where Smuggy could see it, he might have a heart attack. He would probably use his clipping, editing and transposing skills to make that sound like LS was taking over Microsoft.

[qwerty]

Oooh. A board just about LookSmart? How fascinating

I've set up one LS account, and the biggest part of the job was getting them to cancel it when we realized it wasn't worth a hill of beans. I don't deal with them at all anymore.

[skiguide]

i think it's the smartest thing MSN could do. between the PPC directory & Wisenut organic already started, they won't be so late to the party. as of right now, they're over a year away. it's just a bad idea to wait that long given what everyone else is doing.

i've been eyeing those low LS stock prices too... might be a great time to start my portfolio.

[Jill]

Just got my mail (snail) and had a nice folder of stuff from LookSmart. They want me to join their partner program.

[Mel]

i've been eyeing those low LS stock prices too... might be a great time to start my portfolio.

I would wait a bit before doing that. MSNs agreement with LS expires Dec 3, 2003.

[Haystack]

Just got my mail (snail) and had a nice folder of stuff from LookSmart.  They want me to join their partner program. 

Mine came yesterday. I guess their PR firm doesn't realize LookSmart's target market is fairly web savvy.