29 replies to this topic

[AussieWebmaster]

Within the next month LookSmart plans on changing its sponsored listings to bid based... guess they want to join the hot money maker of auction based ad sales.

[Kal]

Hi Aussie

Where did you hear this? Is there a link you can point us to?

[Haystack]

How many business models has LookSmart tried in the last 3 years?

Any idea how they'll avoid being sued by Overture?

Does this mean MSN is planning on dropping LookSmart? I doubt they'd want to show full pages of auction ranked search results. Or would they drop Overture to use a LookSmart PPC service? It sure seems like buying Findwhat would make more sense for MSN.

[AussieWebmaster]

They are still doing their directory listings, which will be the pull for free search lists etc. but the sponor listings are going bid based. We have an account with them and I am close with the reps there.

[Jill]

Unless we see some written proof from a LookSmart rep, I would take any information like this with a grain of salt.

Without proof, it's just a rumor and should be treated as such.

Jill

[AussieWebmaster]

Unless we see some written proof from a LookSmart rep, I would take any information like this with a grain of salt. 

Without proof, it's just a rumor and should be treated as such. 

Jill

wow... I would have thought you would like the info... when it happens I guess my credibility will go up... nott very friendly around here

[Scottie]

Don't take it personal, AussieWebmaster... it's interesting information but sometimes information gets out that never gets implemented.

It's not that you aren't credible- it's just that until it's official, anything can happen.

[Vertster]

<add personal opinion>Who cares what Looksmart is doing? I heard within 12 months they will be out of business!</add personal opinion>

In all seriousness, I think they will go bid based. An auction system will make them more attractive for acquisition by Micro$oft. Plus they already announced that new thing where you pay a fixed cost per click depending on the industry you are in. That sounds like minimum cost (aka adwords) all over again.

[Jill]

The info is interesting, Aussie. But without it saying this anywhere on the LookSmart site, it's still hearsay and I just wanted to point that out before it is suddenly all over the Web as being true.

I'm not at all saying it's not true, or that it won't happen, or that you're making it up. But at this time, it's just something you heard from someone, right?

It's fine to post that sort of information, along with the source so that we all understand what we're talking about.

Jill

[AussieWebmaster]

The info is interesting, Aussie.  But without it saying this anywhere on the LookSmart site, it's still hearsay and I just wanted to point that out before it is suddenly all over the Web as being true. 

I'm not at all saying it's not true, or that it won't happen, or that you're making it up.  But at this time, it's just something you heard from someone, right? 

It's fine to post that sort of information, along with the source so that we all understand what we're talking about.

Jill

This is something I was told by two people at LookSmart. If I mention their names they would get into trouble for leaking the information before LookSmart was ready to publish the facts. But it is something that will be announced in the next couple of weeks.

[Haystack]

If I mention their names they would get into trouble for leaking the information before LookSmart was ready to publish the facts. But it is something that will be announced in the next couple of weeks.

LOL. It's not considered a leak if you don't reveal your source?

BTW, tough night for LookSmart on the Nasdaq. There's nothing exciting in that 10-Q/A.

[AussieWebmaster]

LOL. It's not considered a leak if you don't reveal your source?

BTW, tough night for LookSmart on the Nasdaq. There's nothing exciting in that 10-Q/A.

It was and is a leak... these people are being trained for this new method right now at LookSmart, so if anyone has any other people they know there talk to them and ask them how the new training is going, how tough it is etc. and maybe you get them to say something.
Mention who would be another and not one I want to do.

[Haystack]

Thanks for clarifying that, Aussie. I'll be interested to see what LookSmart comes up with next. I suppose they haven't changed their pricing model in a month now so maybe it's time for another shakeup?

[AussieWebmaster]

They do seem to be going through a teething thing... guess we will just have to wait and see when this is announced... I will keep the rest to myself ..

[integramed]

Well, considering the rest of the world is on a PPC bid based model, and making staggering amounts of money from it, and, according to the Wall Street Journal today even Amazon is planning it.. then I don't think it's earth shattering news that LookSmark is considering it. Hey, what else is there to consider ;-)