Microsoft withdrawing its offer to buy Yahoo is a sufficiently large story to demonstrate the problem of redundant news content on the web. Google News is currently tracking about 2,000 versions of this story. To get a better sense of why it’s a problem to have 2,000 stories about the SAME THING, I’ve reproduced about ten percent of them below — just the headlines and ledes. If you have the stomach to scroll through them all to see what else I have to say about it, check out the sources as you scroll:

UPDATE: The Google News example is reproduced here instead. You’re reading this in RSS or email a day after I posted it because this post was so large it broke my Feedburner feed. Too much content breaks the web — there you have it. Keep reading for my original argument.

If you’ve made it this far, you may have noticed the absence of blogs from the sources. So this is far from a representative sample of all of the websites that published a version of this news story.

Let’s check out Techmeme, again reproduced in its entirety, because seeing is disbelieving:

[Yahoo!](http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/releases.cfm): **[Yahoo! Issues Statement in Response to Microsoft](http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=308131)** — SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 03, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Roy Bostock, Chairman of Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO), a leading global Internet company issued the following statement today in response to Microsoft Corporation’s announcement that it has withdrawn its proposal to acquire Yahoo!: Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=308131), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=308131), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=308131), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=308131), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=308131) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,1)) Discussion: [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoo-responds/), [StepForth SEO News Blog](http://news.stepforth.com/blog/2008/05/microsoft-backs-down-from-yahoo.php), [BBC NEWS](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/05/walking_away.html), [Forbes](http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-tech-enter-cx_ec_0503end.html), [I4U News](http://www.i4u.com/article16940.html), [VoIP Blog](http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/rich-tehrani/microsoft/microsoft-withdraws-yahoo-proposal.html), [Geek News Central](http://www.geeknewscentral.com/archives/007899.html), [Furrier.org](http://furrier.org/2008/05/04/victory-for-silicon-valley-the-silicon-valley-poison-pill-worked-as-predicted/), [Tech Trader Daily](http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2008/05/03/ballmer-calls-yangs-bluff-microsoft-walks/), [LiveSide](http://www.liveside.net/blogs/main/archive/2008/05/04/yahoo-responds-to-withdrawal-issues-statement.aspx), [Paul Kedrosky’s …](http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/yahoos_response.html) and [Geek Speaker](http://geekspeaker.spaces.live.com/blog/cns%21588D139CAFEFE462%211258.entry) [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoo-responds/), [StepForth SEO News Blog](http://news.stepforth.com/blog/2008/05/microsoft-backs-down-from-yahoo.php), [BBC NEWS](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/05/walking_away.html), [Forbes](http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-tech-enter-cx_ec_0503end.html), [I4U News](http://www.i4u.com/article16940.html), [VoIP Blog](http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/rich-tehrani/microsoft/microsoft-withdraws-yahoo-proposal.html), [Geek News Central](http://www.geeknewscentral.com/archives/007899.html), [Furrier.org](http://furrier.org/2008/05/04/victory-for-silicon-valley-the-silicon-valley-poison-pill-worked-as-predicted/), [Tech Trader Daily](http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2008/05/03/ballmer-calls-yangs-bluff-microsoft-walks/), [LiveSide](http://www.liveside.net/blogs/main/archive/2008/05/04/yahoo-responds-to-withdrawal-issues-statement.aspx), [Paul Kedrosky’s …](http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/yahoos_response.html) and [Geek Speaker](http://geekspeaker.spaces.live.com/blog/cns%21588D139CAFEFE462%211258.entry) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,1)) Discussion: Michael Arrington / [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/): [Yahoo Responds: “The distraction of Microsoft’s unsolicited proposal now behind us”](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoo-responds/) Ross Dunn / [StepForth SEO News Blog](http://news.stepforth.com/blog/index.php): [Microsoft Backs Down from Yahoo](http://news.stepforth.com/blog/2008/05/microsoft-backs-down-from-yahoo.php) Darren Waters / [BBC NEWS | dot.life](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/): [Walking away…](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/05/walking_away.html) Elizabeth Corcoran / [Forbes](http://www.forbes.com/): [What Microsoft Will Buy Now — Expect to hear more from Steve Ballmer.](http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-tech-enter-cx_ec_0503end.html) Luigi Lugmayr / [I4U News](http://www.i4u.com/): [Yahoo’s Response to Microsoft’s Bid Withdrawal](http://www.i4u.com/article16940.html) [VoIP Blog](http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/rich-tehrani/): [Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo Proposal](http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/rich-tehrani/microsoft/microsoft-withdraws-yahoo-proposal.html) Todd Cochrane / [Geek News Central](http://www.geeknewscentral.com/): [Yahoo is Toast and Yang needs to be Fired](http://www.geeknewscentral.com/archives/007899.html) John Furrier / [Furrier.org](http://furrier.org/): [Victory for Silicon Valley; The Silicon Valley Poison Pill Worked – As Predicted](http://furrier.org/2008/05/04/victory-for-silicon-valley-the-silicon-valley-poison-pill-worked-as-predicted/) Eric Savitz / [Tech Trader Daily](http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily): [Ballmer Calls Yang’s Bluff: Microsoft Walks](http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2008/05/03/ballmer-calls-yangs-bluff-microsoft-walks/) Kip Kniskern / [LiveSide](http://www.liveside.net/blogs/): [Yahoo! responds to withdrawal – issues statement](http://www.liveside.net/blogs/main/archive/2008/05/04/yahoo-responds-to-withdrawal-issues-statement.aspx) [Paul Kedrosky’s Infectious Greed](http://paul.kedrosky.com/): [Yahoo’s Response to Microsoft’s Response to Yahoo](http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/yahoos_response.html) [Geek Speaker](http://geekspeaker.spaces.live.com/blog/): [Why Yahoo is worth more than 50 billion & why “Yahoo! For Good” … ](http://geekspeaker.spaces.live.com/blog/cns%21588D139CAFEFE462%211258.entry) [» All Related Discussion](javascript:tgd('0',true)) [« Hide All Related Discussion](javascript:tgd('0',false)) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p45#a080503p45 "Permalink") RELATED: []() [Microsoft](http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/default.mspx): **[Microsoft Withdraws Proposal to Acquire Yahoo!](http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/may08/05-03letter.mspx)** — Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has withdrawn its proposal to acquire Yahoo! Inc. — Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) today announced that it has withdrawn its proposal to acquire Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO). Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/may08/05-03letter.mspx), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/may08/05-03letter.mspx), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/may08/05-03letter.mspx), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/may08/05-03letter.mspx), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/may08/05-03letter.mspx) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,2)) Discussion: [Search Engine Land](http://searchengineland.com/080504-104940.php), [Googling Google](http://blogs.zdnet.com/Google/?p=1029), [Between the Lines](http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8714), [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935249-7.html), [Web Worker Daily](http://webworkerdaily.com/2008/05/04/microsoft-yahoo-web-workers/), [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/microsoftyahoo-summary-of-news-bonus-gillmor-gang/), [WeBreakStuff](http://blog.webreakstuff.com/2008/05/msft-and-yhoo-its-finally-over/), [Simon’s Blog](http://www.psynixis.com/blog/2008/05/04/yahoo-blows-it-how-low-will-they-go/), [I4U News](http://www.i4u.com/article16939.html), [Microsoft News Tracker](http://www.hunterstrat.com/news/2008/05/04/microsoft-withdraws-offer-for-yahoo/), [TechBlog](http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/05/microsoft_to_yahoo_never_mind_1.html), [DealBook](http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/will-microsoft-really-walk/), [Paul Mooney](http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/paul/archive/2008/05/04/467031.aspx), [Pocket PC Thoughts.com](http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/news/show/88917/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo.html), [TechSpot](http://www.techspot.com/news/29921-Weekend-tech-reading-504.html), [Joe Duck](http://joeduck.com/2008/05/03/ballmer-has-left-the-building/), [TechBays](http://techbays.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-the-no-votes-win/), [Epicenter](http://blog.wired.com/business/2008/05/microsoft-walks.html), [All about Microsoft](http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1376), [Digital Trends](http://news.digitaltrends.com/news/story/16582/microsoft_abandons_yahoo_takeover), [SEO and Tech Daily](http://anzman.blogspot.com/2008/05/microsoft-pulls-plug-on-yahoo.html), [Alice Hill’s Real Tech News](http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/5646), [Mark Evans](http://www.markevanstech.com/2008/05/03/lets-get-the-yahoo-microsoft-blogging-party-started/), [Los Angeles Times](http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-na-microsoft4-2008may04,0,1142949.story), [WebGuild](http://www.webguild.org/2008/05/ballmers-letter-to-jerry-yang.php), [Mashable!](http://mashable.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-corporation-rescinds-offer-for-yahoo-inc/), [Todd Bishop’s Microsoft Blog](http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/138070.asp), [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/386898/ballmer-to-yang-how-stupid-are-you), [Quick Online Tips](http://www.quickonlinetips.com/archives/2008/05/microsoft-unable-to-buy-yahoo/), [GigaOM](http://gigaom.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-bid-over/), [Profy.Com](http://www.profy.com/2008/05/03/microsot-withdraws-yahoo-bid/), [AppScout](http://www.appscout.com/2008/05/microsoft_withdraws_yahoo_bid.php), [ClickZ News Blog](http://blog.clickz.com/080503-213942.html), [The Register](http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/04/microsoft_withdraws_yahoo_offer/) and [Scobleizer](http://scobleizer.com/2008/05/03/the-first-friendfeed-event-msft-and-yhoo/) [Search Engine Land](http://searchengineland.com/080504-104940.php), [Googling Google](http://blogs.zdnet.com/Google/?p=1029), [Between the Lines](http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8714), [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935249-7.html), [Web Worker Daily](http://webworkerdaily.com/2008/05/04/microsoft-yahoo-web-workers/), [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/microsoftyahoo-summary-of-news-bonus-gillmor-gang/), [WeBreakStuff](http://blog.webreakstuff.com/2008/05/msft-and-yhoo-its-finally-over/), [Simon’s Blog](http://www.psynixis.com/blog/2008/05/04/yahoo-blows-it-how-low-will-they-go/), [I4U News](http://www.i4u.com/article16939.html), [Microsoft News Tracker](http://www.hunterstrat.com/news/2008/05/04/microsoft-withdraws-offer-for-yahoo/), [TechBlog](http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/05/microsoft_to_yahoo_never_mind_1.html), [DealBook](http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/will-microsoft-really-walk/), [Paul Mooney](http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/paul/archive/2008/05/04/467031.aspx), [Pocket PC Thoughts.com](http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/news/show/88917/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo.html), [TechSpot](http://www.techspot.com/news/29921-Weekend-tech-reading-504.html), [Joe Duck](http://joeduck.com/2008/05/03/ballmer-has-left-the-building/), [TechBays](http://techbays.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-the-no-votes-win/), [Epicenter](http://blog.wired.com/business/2008/05/microsoft-walks.html), [All about Microsoft](http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1376), [Digital Trends](http://news.digitaltrends.com/news/story/16582/microsoft_abandons_yahoo_takeover), [SEO and Tech Daily](http://anzman.blogspot.com/2008/05/microsoft-pulls-plug-on-yahoo.html), [Alice Hill’s Real Tech News](http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/5646), [Mark Evans](http://www.markevanstech.com/2008/05/03/lets-get-the-yahoo-microsoft-blogging-party-started/), [Los Angeles Times](http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-na-microsoft4-2008may04,0,1142949.story), [WebGuild](http://www.webguild.org/2008/05/ballmers-letter-to-jerry-yang.php), [Mashable!](http://mashable.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-corporation-rescinds-offer-for-yahoo-inc/), [Todd Bishop’s Microsoft Blog](http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/138070.asp), [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/386898/ballmer-to-yang-how-stupid-are-you), [Quick Online Tips](http://www.quickonlinetips.com/archives/2008/05/microsoft-unable-to-buy-yahoo/), [GigaOM](http://gigaom.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-bid-over/), [Profy.Com](http://www.profy.com/2008/05/03/microsot-withdraws-yahoo-bid/), [AppScout](http://www.appscout.com/2008/05/microsoft_withdraws_yahoo_bid.php), [ClickZ News Blog](http://blog.clickz.com/080503-213942.html), [The Register](http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/04/microsoft_withdraws_yahoo_offer/) and [Scobleizer](http://scobleizer.com/2008/05/03/the-first-friendfeed-event-msft-and-yhoo/) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,2)) Discussion: Danny Sullivan / [Search Engine Land](http://searchengineland.com/): [Leaving Las Yahoo: Microsoft’s $5 Billion Mistake?](http://searchengineland.com/080504-104940.php) Garett Rogers / [Googling Google](http://blogs.zdnet.com/Google): [Microsoft withrawls bid for Yahoo, Google wins](http://blogs.zdnet.com/Google/?p=1029) Larry Dignan / [Between the Lines](http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL): [Microsoft walks away from Yahoo: Assessing winners, losers and Plan Bs](http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8714) Stephen Shankland / [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/): [Yahoo-Google ad deal could be announced next week](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935249-7.html) Mike Gunderloy / [Web Worker Daily](http://webworkerdaily.com/): [Microsoft, Yahoo, and Web Workers](http://webworkerdaily.com/2008/05/04/microsoft-yahoo-web-workers/) Michael Arrington / [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/): [Microsoft/Yahoo: Summary Of Today’s News & Bonus Gillmor Gang](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/microsoftyahoo-summary-of-news-bonus-gillmor-gang/) Fred Oliveira / [WeBreakStuff](http://blog.webreakstuff.com/): [MSFT and YHOO: It’s finally over](http://blog.webreakstuff.com/2008/05/msft-and-yhoo-its-finally-over/) Simon Brocklehurst / [Simon’s Blog](http://www.psynixis.com/blog): [YAHOO! BLOWS IT – HOW LOW WILL THEY GO?](http://www.psynixis.com/blog/2008/05/04/yahoo-blows-it-how-low-will-they-go/) Luigi Lugmayr / [I4U News](http://www.i4u.com/): [Microsoft officially withdraws Yahoo Bid](http://www.i4u.com/article16939.html) David Hunter / [Microsoft News Tracker](http://www.hunterstrat.com/news): [Microsoft withdraws offer for Yahoo](http://www.hunterstrat.com/news/2008/05/04/microsoft-withdraws-offer-for-yahoo/) Dwight / [TechBlog](http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/): [Microsoft to Yahoo: Never mind](http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/05/microsoft_to_yahoo_never_mind_1.html) [DealBook](http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/): [Will Microsoft Really Walk?](http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/will-microsoft-really-walk/) [Paul Mooney](http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/paul/default.aspx): [Yahoo Prevails — Microsoft Withdraws Proposal to Acquire Yahoo!](http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/paul/archive/2008/05/04/467031.aspx) Darius Wey / [Pocket PC Thoughts.com](http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/): [Microsoft Walks Away From Yahoo!](http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/news/show/88917/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo.html) Julio Franco / [TechSpot](http://www.techspot.com/): [Weekend tech reading (5.04)](http://www.techspot.com/news/29921-Weekend-tech-reading-504.html) [Joe Duck](http://joeduck.com/): [Ballmer has left the Building](http://joeduck.com/2008/05/03/ballmer-has-left-the-building/) Carlo Maglinao / [TechBays](http://techbays.com/): [Microsoft Yahoo! Deal: the NO votes win](http://techbays.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-the-no-votes-win/) Betsy Schiffman / [Epicenter](http://blog.wired.com/business/): [Microsoft Walks! Says Yahoo Demands Don’t Make Sense](http://blog.wired.com/business/2008/05/microsoft-walks.html) Mary Jo Foley / [All about Microsoft](http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft): [Microsoft takes its ball and leaves Yahoo on the Web 2.0 playground](http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1376) Geoff Duncan / [Digital Trends](http://news.digitaltrends.com/): [Microsoft Abandons Yahoo Takeover](http://news.digitaltrends.com/news/story/16582/microsoft_abandons_yahoo_takeover) Charlie Anzman / [SEO and Tech Daily](http://anzman.blogspot.com/): [Microsoft pulls the plug on Yahoo!](http://anzman.blogspot.com/2008/05/microsoft-pulls-plug-on-yahoo.html) Michael Santo / [Alice Hill’s Real Tech News](http://www.realtechnews.com/): [No Microhoo: Microsoft Walks Away from Yahoo! Deal](http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/5646) [Mark Evans](http://www.markevanstech.com/): [Let’s Get the (Yahoo-Microsoft Blogging Party) Started](http://www.markevanstech.com/2008/05/03/lets-get-the-yahoo-microsoft-blogging-party-started/) [Los Angeles Times](http://www.latimes.com/): [Microsoft drops bid to acquire Yahoo](http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-na-microsoft4-2008may04,0,1142949.story) Joseph Hunkins / [WebGuild](http://www.webguild.org/index.php): [Ballmer’s Letter to Jerry Yang Withdrawing Microsoft’s Offer](http://www.webguild.org/2008/05/ballmers-letter-to-jerry-yang.php) Paul Glazowski / [Mashable!](http://mashable.com/): [Breaking: Microsoft Corporation Rescinds Offer For Yahoo Inc](http://mashable.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-corporation-rescinds-offer-for-yahoo-inc/) Todd Bishop / [Todd Bishop’s Microsoft Blog](http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft): [Ballmer’s internal e-mail on Yahoo decision](http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/138070.asp) Owen Thomas / [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/): [Ballmer to Yang: How stupid are you?](http://valleywag.com/386898/ballmer-to-yang-how-stupid-are-you) [Quick Online Tips](http://www.quickonlinetips.com/): [Microsoft Unable to Buy Yahoo!](http://www.quickonlinetips.com/archives/2008/05/microsoft-unable-to-buy-yahoo/) Om Malik / [GigaOM](http://gigaom.com/): [Microsoft To Yahoo: Take a Hike!](http://gigaom.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-bid-over/) Cyndy Aleo-Carreira / [Profy.Com](http://www.profy.com/): [Steve Stands Jerry Up for the Internet Prom](http://www.profy.com/2008/05/03/microsot-withdraws-yahoo-bid/) Brian Heater / [AppScout](http://www.appscout.com/): [Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo! Bid](http://www.appscout.com/2008/05/microsoft_withdraws_yahoo_bid.php) Anna Maria Virzi / [ClickZ News Blog](http://blog.clickz.com/): [Microsoft Withdraws Bid for Yahoo](http://blog.clickz.com/080503-213942.html) Drew Cullen / [The Register](http://www.theregister.co.uk/): [Microsoft walks away from Yahoo!](http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/04/microsoft_withdraws_yahoo_offer/) Robert Scoble / [Scobleizer](http://scobleizer.com/): [The First FriendFeed Event: MSFT and YHOO](http://scobleizer.com/2008/05/03/the-first-friendfeed-event-msft-and-yhoo/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p34#a080503p34 "Permalink") Kara Swisher / [BoomTown](http://kara.allthingsd.com/): **[MicroHoo: The Odd Couple Meetings Led Nowhere](http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/microhoo-the-odd-couple-meetings-led-nowhere/)** — After today’s events, I guess you could say Yahoo and Microsoft tried, holding a series of meetings about a possible takeover that ended up proving exactly how incompatible the companies were. — Kind of like Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, but not funny in any way at all. Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/microhoo-the-odd-couple-meetings-led-nowhere/), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/microhoo-the-odd-couple-meetings-led-nowhere/), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/microhoo-the-odd-couple-meetings-led-nowhere/), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/microhoo-the-odd-couple-meetings-led-nowhere/), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/microhoo-the-odd-couple-meetings-led-nowhere/) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,3)) Discussion: [Between the Lines](http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8708), [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/386890/yahoos-37-demand-talks-microsofts-33-offer-walks) and [Paul Kedrosky’s …](http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/first_ticktock.html) [Between the Lines](http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8708), [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/386890/yahoos-37-demand-talks-microsofts-33-offer-walks) and [Paul Kedrosky’s …](http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/first_ticktock.html) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,3)) Discussion: Larry Dignan / [Between the Lines](http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL): [Microsoft walks: Five reasons why it’s a good move](http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8708) Jackson West / [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/): [YAHOO’S $37 DEMAND TALKS, MICROSOFT’S $33 OFFER WALKS Microsoft … ](http://valleywag.com/386890/yahoos-37-demand-talks-microsofts-33-offer-walks) [Paul Kedrosky’s Infectious Greed](http://paul.kedrosky.com/): [First Tick-Tock of Da Deal Gone Dead](http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/first_ticktock.html) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/i48.jpg)](http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/microhoo-the-odd-couple-meetings-led-nowhere/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p48#a080503p48 "Permalink") Ina Fried / [Beyond Binary](http://www.news.com/beyond-binary/): **[OK, so what’s Microsoft’s plan B?](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935120-56.html)** — With Yahoo apparently off the table, it’s time to see what Microsoft’s back-up plan looks like. — Microsoft has said for some time that it has a strategy with or without Yahoo, but it’s a strategy clearly in need of a jump-start. Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935120-56.html), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935120-56.html), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935120-56.html), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935120-56.html), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935120-56.html) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,4)) Discussion: [The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs](http://fakesteve.blogspot.com/2008/05/ballmer-now-looking-for-other-companies.html) and [About Mobility Weblog](http://weblog.cenriqueortiz.com/general/2008/05/04/steve-ballmer-as-the-creature/) [The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs](http://fakesteve.blogspot.com/2008/05/ballmer-now-looking-for-other-companies.html) and [About Mobility Weblog](http://weblog.cenriqueortiz.com/general/2008/05/04/steve-ballmer-as-the-creature/) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,4)) Discussion: Steve / [The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs](http://fakesteve.blogspot.com/): [Ballmer now looking for other companies to not buy](http://fakesteve.blogspot.com/2008/05/ballmer-now-looking-for-other-companies.html) Ceo / [About Mobility Weblog](http://weblog.cenriqueortiz.com/): [Steve Ballmer as The Creature](http://weblog.cenriqueortiz.com/general/2008/05/04/steve-ballmer-as-the-creature/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/p7#a080504p7 "Permalink") [DealBook](http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/): **[Guessing Yahoo’s Opening Stock Price](http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/guessing-yahoos-opening-stock-price/)** — Well, Yahoo seems to have gotten what it wanted. — The company managed to fend off Microsoft’s unwanted advances, even after the software giant sweetened its bid by $5 billion — an amount Yahoo felt still wasn’t enough. Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/guessing-yahoos-opening-stock-price/), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/guessing-yahoos-opening-stock-price/), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/guessing-yahoos-opening-stock-price/), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/guessing-yahoos-opening-stock-price/), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/guessing-yahoos-opening-stock-price/) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,5)) Discussion: [Silicon Alley Insider](http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/5/why_yahoo_yhoo_should_go_ahead_with_google_outsourcing_deal_goog_) and [Terry Heaton’s PoMo Blog](http://www.thepomoblog.com/archive/ack-microsoft-walks-away-winner-google/) [Silicon Alley Insider](http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/5/why_yahoo_yhoo_should_go_ahead_with_google_outsourcing_deal_goog_) and [Terry Heaton’s PoMo Blog](http://www.thepomoblog.com/archive/ack-microsoft-walks-away-winner-google/) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,5)) Discussion: Henry Blodget / [Silicon Alley Insider](http://www.alleyinsider.com/): [Why Yahoo (YHOO) Should Go Ahead With Google Outsourcing Deal (GOOG)](http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/5/why_yahoo_yhoo_should_go_ahead_with_google_outsourcing_deal_goog_) Terry Heaton / [Terry Heaton’s PoMo Blog](http://www.thepomoblog.com/): [Ack! Microsoft walks away. Winner? Google.](http://www.thepomoblog.com/archive/ack-microsoft-walks-away-winner-google/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/p5#a080504p5 "Permalink") [Wall Street Journal](http://online.wsj.com/public/us): **[Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo Offer After Attempt to Bridge Gap in Price](http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120986002095265343.html)** — Microsoft Corp. said it abandoned its offer for Yahoo Inc., as the two companies failed to bridge a gap between them on price. — Microsoft Saturday released a letter from Chief Executive Steve Ballmer … Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120986002095265343.html), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120986002095265343.html), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120986002095265343.html), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120986002095265343.html), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120986002095265343.html) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,6)) Discussion: [Peter O’Kelly’s Reality Check](http://pbokelly.blogspot.com/2008/05/microsoft-withdraws-yahoo-offer-after.html) and [Tech Beat](http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2008/05/microsoft_drops.html) [Peter O’Kelly’s Reality Check](http://pbokelly.blogspot.com/2008/05/microsoft-withdraws-yahoo-offer-after.html) and [Tech Beat](http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2008/05/microsoft_drops.html) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,6)) Discussion: Peter / [Peter O’Kelly’s Reality Check](http://pbokelly.blogspot.com/): [Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo Offer After Attempt to Bridge Gap in Price – WSJ.com](http://pbokelly.blogspot.com/2008/05/microsoft-withdraws-yahoo-offer-after.html) Rob Hof / [Tech Beat](http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/): [Microsoft Drops Yahoo Bid—At Least For Now](http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2008/05/microsoft_drops.html) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/i8.jpg)](http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120986002095265343.html) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/p8#a080504p8 "Permalink") Dawn Kawamoto / [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/): **[Report: A peek behind the Yahoo-Microsoft meltdown](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935250-7.html)** — Curious how Microsoft’s multi-multi-multi-billion dollar buyout bid for Yahoo sputtered, then crashed? — Kara Swisher’s BoomTown column in All Things Digital has an interesting account of the missteps, sidesteps … Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935250-7.html), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935250-7.html), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935250-7.html), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935250-7.html), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935250-7.html) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/p3#a080504p3 "Permalink") Kara Swisher / [BoomTown](http://kara.allthingsd.com/): **[Yahoo’s Nightmare Scenario: I’m From Google and I’m Here to Help!](http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/yahoos-nightmare-scenario-im-from-google-and-im-here-to-help/)** — Here’s what a top-notch source at Yahoo joked to me tonight, after Microsoft walked away from its unsolicited takeover bid to acquire the long-troubled Internet giant. — “Google is now officially our best friend.” — Oh no. Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/yahoos-nightmare-scenario-im-from-google-and-im-here-to-help/), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/yahoos-nightmare-scenario-im-from-google-and-im-here-to-help/), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/yahoos-nightmare-scenario-im-from-google-and-im-here-to-help/), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/yahoos-nightmare-scenario-im-from-google-and-im-here-to-help/), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/yahoos-nightmare-scenario-im-from-google-and-im-here-to-help/) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,7)) Discussion: [Groundswell](http://blogs.forrester.com/charleneli/2008/05/with-the-micros.html) [Groundswell](http://blogs.forrester.com/charleneli/2008/05/with-the-micros.html) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,7)) Discussion: Charlene Li / [Groundswell](http://blogs.forrester.com/charleneli/): [What’s next for Microsoft and Yahoo!](http://blogs.forrester.com/charleneli/2008/05/with-the-micros.html) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/i2.jpg)](http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/yahoos-nightmare-scenario-im-from-google-and-im-here-to-help/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/p2#a080504p2 "Permalink") Michael Arrington / [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/): **[Yahoo’s Tough Week Ahead](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoos-tough-week-ahead/)** — At around 4:30 California time today news broke that Microsoft has formally withdrawn its offer to acquire Yahoo (see Ballmer’s email to Microsoft employees here). — Among other things, that ends a three month stock party where the market value of Yahoo jumped … Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoos-tough-week-ahead/), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoos-tough-week-ahead/), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoos-tough-week-ahead/), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoos-tough-week-ahead/), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoos-tough-week-ahead/) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,8)) Discussion: [Guardian Unlimited](http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/05/04/microsoft_walks_out_of_yahoo_deal_updated.html), [Microsoft Watch](http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/advertising_search/the_microsoftyahoo_blame_game.html), [MediaShift](http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2008/05/yahoomicrosoft_dramatakeover_t.html) and [Paul Mooney](http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/paul/archive/2008/05/04/467040.aspx) [Guardian Unlimited](http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/05/04/microsoft_walks_out_of_yahoo_deal_updated.html), [Microsoft Watch](http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/advertising_search/the_microsoftyahoo_blame_game.html), [MediaShift](http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2008/05/yahoomicrosoft_dramatakeover_t.html) and [Paul Mooney](http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/paul/archive/2008/05/04/467040.aspx) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,8)) Discussion: Jack Schofield / [Guardian Unlimited](http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/): [Microsoft walks out of Yahoo deal (updated)](http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/05/04/microsoft_walks_out_of_yahoo_deal_updated.html) Joe Wilcox / [Microsoft Watch](http://www.microsoft-watch.com/): [The Microsoft-Yahoo Blame Game](http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/advertising_search/the_microsoftyahoo_blame_game.html) Mark Glaser / [MediaShift](http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/): [Yahoo-Microsoft Drama::Takeover Tiff Best Thing to Happen to Yahoo](http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2008/05/yahoomicrosoft_dramatakeover_t.html) [Paul Mooney](http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/paul/default.aspx): [A YAHOO RUN, OR A RUN ON YHOO?](http://dotnetjunkies.com/WebLog/paul/archive/2008/05/04/467040.aspx) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/i49.jpg)](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/yahoos-tough-week-ahead/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p49#a080503p49 "Permalink") Yi-Wyn Yen / [Fortune](http://www.fortune.com/): **[Blame it on Google](http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/news/companies/google.msft.fortune/)** — Microsoft CEO Ballmer said the software giant decided to walk away from a bid because Yahoo would become ‘undesirable’ if it formed an alliance with Google. — (Fortune) — Google proved to be the final straw that broke Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s back. Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/news/companies/google.msft.fortune/), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/news/companies/google.msft.fortune/), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/news/companies/google.msft.fortune/), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/news/companies/google.msft.fortune/), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/news/companies/google.msft.fortune/) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,9)) Discussion: [MacDailyNews](http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/ballmers_folly_ends_microsoft_abandons_yahoo_bid_because_of_google/) and [CNNMoney.com](http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/technology/microsoft_yahoo/) [MacDailyNews](http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/ballmers_folly_ends_microsoft_abandons_yahoo_bid_because_of_google/) and [CNNMoney.com](http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/technology/microsoft_yahoo/) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,9)) Discussion: [MacDailyNews](http://www.macdailynews.com/): [Ballmer’s Folly ends: Microsoft abandons Yahoo bid because of Google](http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/ballmers_folly_ends_microsoft_abandons_yahoo_bid_because_of_google/) Mark M. Meinero / [CNNMoney.com](http://money.cnn.com/): [Microsoft withdraws bid for Yahoo](http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/03/technology/microsoft_yahoo/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/p1#a080504p1 "Permalink") [Paul Kedrosky’s Infectious Greed](http://paul.kedrosky.com/): **[Analysis of the Microsoft Decision, Plus Yahoo’s Hari-Kari](http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/analysis_of_the.html)** — Here is my first-cut analysis of what has happened here: — On the friendly front, Yahoo drew a hard line at $37 per share, well above the $33 that Microsoft now says it told Yahoo this week it was willing to go Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/analysis_of_the.html), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/analysis_of_the.html), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/analysis_of_the.html), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/analysis_of_the.html), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2008/05/03/analysis_of_the.html) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,10)) Discussion: [broadstuff](http://broadstuff.com/archives/905-Microhoo-no-more......html) [broadstuff](http://broadstuff.com/archives/905-Microhoo-no-more......html) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,10)) Discussion: Alan Patrick / [broadstuff](http://broadstuff.com/): [MICROHOO NO MORE….. So the deal is off – though whether … ](http://broadstuff.com/archives/905-Microhoo-no-more......html) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p38#a080503p38 "Permalink") Michael Arrington / [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/): **[Email From Steve Ballmer To All Microsoft Employees](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/email-from-steve-ballmer-to-all-microsoft-employees/)** — The following email was sent to all Microsoft employees from CEO Steve Ballmer at 5:17 pm PDT (see Breaking: Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo Bid; Walks Away From Deal): — To: “Microsoft – All Employees (QBDG)” Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/email-from-steve-ballmer-to-all-microsoft-employees/), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/email-from-steve-ballmer-to-all-microsoft-employees/), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/email-from-steve-ballmer-to-all-microsoft-employees/), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/email-from-steve-ballmer-to-all-microsoft-employees/), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/email-from-steve-ballmer-to-all-microsoft-employees/) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,11)) Discussion: [InsideMicrosoft](http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/archives/2008/05/04/microsoft-drops-plans-to-buy-yahoo/), [WebProNews](http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2008/05/04/microsoft-is-done-pursuing-yahoo), [VentureBeat](http://venturebeat.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-now-has-50-billion-burning-a-hole-in-its-pocket/) and [Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim](http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/05/steve-ballmers-email-to-microsoft-employees.html) [InsideMicrosoft](http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/archives/2008/05/04/microsoft-drops-plans-to-buy-yahoo/), [WebProNews](http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2008/05/04/microsoft-is-done-pursuing-yahoo), [VentureBeat](http://venturebeat.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-now-has-50-billion-burning-a-hole-in-its-pocket/) and [Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim](http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/05/steve-ballmers-email-to-microsoft-employees.html) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,11)) Discussion: Nathan Weinberg / [InsideMicrosoft](http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/): [Microsoft Drops Plans To Buy Yahoo](http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/archives/2008/05/04/microsoft-drops-plans-to-buy-yahoo/) Nathan Weinberg / [WebProNews](http://www.webpronews.com/): [Microsoft Is Done Pursuing Yahoo!](http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2008/05/04/microsoft-is-done-pursuing-yahoo) MG Siegler / [VentureBeat](http://venturebeat.com/): [Microsoft now has $50 billion burning a hole in its pocket…](http://venturebeat.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-now-has-50-billion-burning-a-hole-in-its-pocket/) David Snyder / [Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim](http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/): [Steve Ballmer’s Email to Microsoft Employees](http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/05/steve-ballmers-email-to-microsoft-employees.html) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p42#a080503p42 "Permalink") Michael Arrington / [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/): **[Breaking: Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo Bid; Walks Away From Deal (Updated)](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-walks/)** Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-walks/), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-walks/), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-walks/), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-walks/), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-walks/) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,12)) Discussion: [BoomTown](http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080504/boomtown-decodes-microsofts-steve-ballmers-letter-to-yahoo-the-kiss-off-edition/), [Beyond Binary](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935169-56.html), [Reuters](http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080504/ts_nm/microsoft_yahoo_dc), [The Next Web](http://thenextweb.org/2008/05/04/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo-deal/), [BBC NEWS](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/05/microsoft_v_yahoo_postmatch_an.html), [Coop’s Corner](http://www.news.com/8301-10787_3-9935123-60.html), [Voices](http://voices.allthingsd.com/20080504/microsofts-move-is-it-just-a-feint/), [LiveSide](http://www.liveside.net/blogs/opinion/archive/2008/05/04/no-msft-yhoo-deal-now-what.aspx), [Electronista](http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/05/03/microsoft.nixes.yahoo.bid/), [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/386896/is-ballmer-on-his-way-out-++-and-if-so-whos-the-next-ceo), [mathewingram.com/work](http://www.mathewingram.com/work/2008/05/03/yhoo-and-msft-jerry-yang-should-be-fired/), [Business Technology](http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/05/03/the-most-famous-non-deal-in-tech-history/), [SarahLacy.com](http://sarahlacy.typepad.com/sarahlacy/2008/05/or-maybe-i-wont.html), [Master of 500 Hats](http://500hats.typepad.com/500blogs/2008/05/memo-to-jerry-p.html), [Thomas Hawk’s Digital …](http://thomashawk.com/2008/05/remember-when-thomas-hawk-said-if-he.html), [Search Engine Journal](http://www.searchenginejournal.com/microsoft-walks-off-the-deal-finally/6839/) and [WinExtra](http://www.winextra.com/2008/05/03/please-tell-me-its-so/) [BoomTown](http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080504/boomtown-decodes-microsofts-steve-ballmers-letter-to-yahoo-the-kiss-off-edition/), [Beyond Binary](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935169-56.html), [Reuters](http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080504/ts_nm/microsoft_yahoo_dc), [The Next Web](http://thenextweb.org/2008/05/04/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo-deal/), [BBC NEWS](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/05/microsoft_v_yahoo_postmatch_an.html), [Coop’s Corner](http://www.news.com/8301-10787_3-9935123-60.html), [Voices](http://voices.allthingsd.com/20080504/microsofts-move-is-it-just-a-feint/), [LiveSide](http://www.liveside.net/blogs/opinion/archive/2008/05/04/no-msft-yhoo-deal-now-what.aspx), [Electronista](http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/05/03/microsoft.nixes.yahoo.bid/), [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/386896/is-ballmer-on-his-way-out-++-and-if-so-whos-the-next-ceo), [mathewingram.com/work](http://www.mathewingram.com/work/2008/05/03/yhoo-and-msft-jerry-yang-should-be-fired/), [Business Technology](http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/05/03/the-most-famous-non-deal-in-tech-history/), [SarahLacy.com](http://sarahlacy.typepad.com/sarahlacy/2008/05/or-maybe-i-wont.html), [Master of 500 Hats](http://500hats.typepad.com/500blogs/2008/05/memo-to-jerry-p.html), [Thomas Hawk’s Digital …](http://thomashawk.com/2008/05/remember-when-thomas-hawk-said-if-he.html), [Search Engine Journal](http://www.searchenginejournal.com/microsoft-walks-off-the-deal-finally/6839/) and [WinExtra](http://www.winextra.com/2008/05/03/please-tell-me-its-so/) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,12)) Discussion: Kara Swisher / [BoomTown](http://kara.allthingsd.com/): [BoomTown Decodes Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer’s Letter to Yahoo (The Kiss-Off Edition)](http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080504/boomtown-decodes-microsofts-steve-ballmers-letter-to-yahoo-the-kiss-off-edition/) Ina Fried / [Beyond Binary](http://www.news.com/beyond-binary/): [Ballmer’s e-mail to staff on Yahoo](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935169-56.html) [Reuters](http://news.yahoo.com/i/578): [Microsoft says it withdraws offer for Yahoo](http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080504/ts_nm/microsoft_yahoo_dc) Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten / [The Next Web](http://thenextweb.org/): [Microsoft walks away from Yahoo deal](http://thenextweb.org/2008/05/04/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo-deal/) Rory Cellan-Jones / [BBC NEWS | dot.life](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/): [Microsoft v Yahoo – post-match analysis](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/05/microsoft_v_yahoo_postmatch_an.html) Charles Cooper / [Coop’s Corner](http://www.news.com/coops-corner/): [Post-Microhoo: Winners and losers](http://www.news.com/8301-10787_3-9935123-60.html) Ina Fried / [Voices](http://voices.allthingsd.com/): [Microsoft’s Move: Is It Just a Feint?](http://voices.allthingsd.com/20080504/microsofts-move-is-it-just-a-feint/) Kip Kniskern / [LiveSide](http://www.liveside.net/blogs/): [No MSFT-YHOO deal; now what? — Microsoft just walked away … ](http://www.liveside.net/blogs/opinion/archive/2008/05/04/no-msft-yhoo-deal-now-what.aspx) [Electronista](http://www.electronista.com/): [Microsoft backs out of Yahoo bid](http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/05/03/microsoft.nixes.yahoo.bid/) Owen Thomas / [Valleywag](http://valleywag.com/): [Is Ballmer on his way out — and if so, who’s the next CEO?](http://valleywag.com/386896/is-ballmer-on-his-way-out-++-and-if-so-whos-the-next-ceo) Mathew / [mathewingram.com/work](http://www.mathewingram.com/work): [YHOO and MSFT: Jerry Yang should be fired](http://www.mathewingram.com/work/2008/05/03/yhoo-and-msft-jerry-yang-should-be-fired/) Ben Worthen / [Business Technology](http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech): [The Most Famous Non-Deal in Tech History](http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/05/03/the-most-famous-non-deal-in-tech-history/) [Sarah Lacy](http://sarahlacy.typepad.com/sarahlacy/): [Or Maybe I Won’t Be Working for the Evil Empire…](http://sarahlacy.typepad.com/sarahlacy/2008/05/or-maybe-i-wont.html) Dave McClure / [Master of 500 Hats](http://500hats.typepad.com/500blogs/): [MicroHooFreude! (Memo to Jerry: Prepare to be Sued)](http://500hats.typepad.com/500blogs/2008/05/memo-to-jerry-p.html) Thomas Hawk / [Thomas Hawk’s Digital Connection](http://thomashawk.com/): [Remember When Thomas Hawk Said If He Were Microsoft He’d Lower His Bid for Yahoo?](http://thomashawk.com/2008/05/remember-when-thomas-hawk-said-if-he.html) Arnold Zafra / [Search Engine Journal](http://www.searchenginejournal.com/): [Microsoft Cancels the Yahoo Acquisition Deal, Finally!](http://www.searchenginejournal.com/microsoft-walks-off-the-deal-finally/6839/) Steven Hodson / [WinExtra](http://www.winextra.com/): [Please tell me it’s so](http://www.winextra.com/2008/05/03/please-tell-me-its-so/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/i33.jpg)](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-walks/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p33#a080503p33 "Permalink")**[Breaking: Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo Bid; Walks Away From Deal (Updated)](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/03/breaking-microsoft-walks/)** [New York Times](http://www.nytimes.com/pages/technology/): **[Microsoft Withdraws Its Bid for Yahoo](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/technology/04soft.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)** Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/technology/04soft.html), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/technology/04soft.html), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/technology/04soft.html), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/technology/04soft.html), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/technology/04soft.html) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,13)) Discussion: [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935209-7.html), [The Big Picture](http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/05/ballmer-yang-ag.html), [deal architect](http://dealarchitect.typepad.com/deal_architect/2008/05/back-to-custome.html), [Slashdot](http://news.slashdot.org/news/08/05/04/0045248.shtml), [HipMojo.com](http://watchmojo.com/web/blog/index.php/2008/05/03/should-investors-sue-or-back-yang/) and [Digg](http://digg.com/tech_news/Microsoft_Withdraws_Its_Bid_for_Yahoo_2) [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935209-7.html), [The Big Picture](http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/05/ballmer-yang-ag.html), [deal architect](http://dealarchitect.typepad.com/deal_architect/2008/05/back-to-custome.html), [Slashdot](http://news.slashdot.org/news/08/05/04/0045248.shtml), [HipMojo.com](http://watchmojo.com/web/blog/index.php/2008/05/03/should-investors-sue-or-back-yang/) and [Digg](http://digg.com/tech_news/Microsoft_Withdraws_Its_Bid_for_Yahoo_2) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,13)) Discussion: Stephen Shankland / [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/): [Yahoo: Microsoft’s price just wasn’t right](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935209-7.html) Ritholtz / [The Big Picture](http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/): [Ballmer, Yang Agree to See Other People](http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/05/ballmer-yang-ag.html) [deal architect](http://dealarchitect.typepad.com/deal_architect/): [Back to customer focus — So the Microsoft/Yahoo! deal appears finally off.](http://dealarchitect.typepad.com/deal_architect/2008/05/back-to-custome.html) Timothy / [Slashdot](http://slashdot.org/): [Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo Takeover Offer](http://news.slashdot.org/news/08/05/04/0045248.shtml) Ashkan Karbasfrooshan / [HipMojo.com](http://watchmojo.com/web/blog): [Should Investors Sue or Back Yang?](http://watchmojo.com/web/blog/index.php/2008/05/03/should-investors-sue-or-back-yang/) [Digg](http://digg.com/): [Microsoft Withdraws Its Bid for Yahoo](http://digg.com/tech_news/Microsoft_Withdraws_Its_Bid_for_Yahoo_2) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p39#a080503p39 "Permalink")**[Microsoft Withdraws Its Bid for Yahoo](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/technology/04soft.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)** Ina Fried / [Beyond Binary](http://www.news.com/beyond-binary/): **[Microsoft pulls its Yahoo offer](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935099-56.html)** Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935099-56.html), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935099-56.html), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935099-56.html), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935099-56.html), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935099-56.html) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,14)) Discussion: [DSLreports](http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Microsoft-Rescinds-Yahoo-Offer-94128), [Forbes](http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-tech-enter-cx_ec_0503yahoo.html), [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935208-7.html), [Business Week](http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2008/tc2008053_759938.htm), [Smalltalk Tidbits …](http://www.cincomsmalltalk.com/blog/blogView?showComments=true&printTitle=Reality_1,_Scoble_0&entry=3387315126), [Scobleizer](http://scobleizer.com/2008/05/03/how-will-yahoo-heal-after-microsoft-walked-away/), [Techlog](http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/006885.html), [Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim](http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/05/microsoft-retreats-or-withdrawls-depends-on-your-view.html), [InformationWeek](http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207500797), [HipMojo.com](http://watchmojo.com/web/blog/index.php/2008/05/03/latest-chess-move-msft-withdraws-offer/), [Search Engine Watch Blog](http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080503-215913), [paidContent.org](http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419-microsoft-yahoo-yang/), [CenterNetworks](http://www.centernetworks.com/microsoft-yahoo-aol), [Search Engine Land](http://searchengineland.com/080503-200422.php), [John Battelle’s Searchblog](http://battellemedia.com/archives/004417.php), [WebGuild](http://www.webguild.org/2008/05/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo.php), [MacRumors](http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-walking-away-from-yahoo-acquisition/), [Engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-pulls-bid-for-yahoo/), [VentureBeat](http://venturebeat.com/2008/05/03/yahoo-breaks-the-wrist-microsoft-walks-away/) and [Digital Daily](http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20080503/ballmer-to-yang-dear-jerry-drop-dead/) [DSLreports](http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Microsoft-Rescinds-Yahoo-Offer-94128), [Forbes](http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-tech-enter-cx_ec_0503yahoo.html), [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935208-7.html), [Business Week](http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2008/tc2008053_759938.htm), [Smalltalk Tidbits …](http://www.cincomsmalltalk.com/blog/blogView?showComments=true&printTitle=Reality_1,_Scoble_0&entry=3387315126), [Scobleizer](http://scobleizer.com/2008/05/03/how-will-yahoo-heal-after-microsoft-walked-away/), [Techlog](http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/006885.html), [Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim](http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/05/microsoft-retreats-or-withdrawls-depends-on-your-view.html), [InformationWeek](http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207500797), [HipMojo.com](http://watchmojo.com/web/blog/index.php/2008/05/03/latest-chess-move-msft-withdraws-offer/), [Search Engine Watch Blog](http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080503-215913), [paidContent.org](http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419-microsoft-yahoo-yang/), [CenterNetworks](http://www.centernetworks.com/microsoft-yahoo-aol), [Search Engine Land](http://searchengineland.com/080503-200422.php), [John Battelle’s Searchblog](http://battellemedia.com/archives/004417.php), [WebGuild](http://www.webguild.org/2008/05/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo.php), [MacRumors](http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-walking-away-from-yahoo-acquisition/), [Engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-pulls-bid-for-yahoo/), [VentureBeat](http://venturebeat.com/2008/05/03/yahoo-breaks-the-wrist-microsoft-walks-away/) and [Digital Daily](http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20080503/ballmer-to-yang-dear-jerry-drop-dead/) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,14)) Discussion: KathrynV / [DSLreports](http://www.dslreports.com/): [Microsoft Rescinds Yahoo Offer – No agreement could be reached in talks yesterday](http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Microsoft-Rescinds-Yahoo-Offer-94128) Elizabeth Corcoran / [Forbes](http://www.forbes.com/): [Forget It, Ballmer Says To Yahoo!](http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-yahoo-deal-tech-enter-cx_ec_0503yahoo.html) Stephen Shankland / [CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/): [Is Google ad deal really Yahoo’s best option?](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9935208-7.html) Robert Hof / [Business Week](http://www.businessweek.com/technology/): [Microsoft Drops Bid for Yahoo](http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2008/tc2008053_759938.htm) James A. Robertson / [Smalltalk Tidbits, Industry Rants](http://www.cincomsmalltalk.com/blog/blogView): [Reality 1, Scoble 0](http://www.cincomsmalltalk.com/blog/blogView?showComments=true&printTitle=Reality_1,_Scoble_0&entry=3387315126) Robert Scoble / [Scobleizer](http://scobleizer.com/): [How will Yahoo heal after Microsoft walked away?](http://scobleizer.com/2008/05/03/how-will-yahoo-heal-after-microsoft-walked-away/) Harry McCracken / [Techlog](http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/): [No MicroHoo? Hallelujah!](http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/006885.html) David Snyder / [Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim](http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/): [Microsoft Retreats or Withdrawls, Depends on Your View](http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/05/microsoft-retreats-or-withdrawls-depends-on-your-view.html) Alexander Wolfe / [InformationWeek](http://www.informationweek.com/): [Microsoft Yanks Yahoo Bid](http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207500797) Ashkan Karbasfrooshan / [HipMojo.com](http://watchmojo.com/web/blog): [Latest Chess Move: MSFT Withdraws Offer](http://watchmojo.com/web/blog/index.php/2008/05/03/latest-chess-move-msft-withdraws-offer/) Kevin Heisler / [Search Engine Watch Blog](http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/): [Breaking: Microsoft Withdraws Yahoo Offer; Yahoo Responds](http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080503-215913) Staci D. Kramer / [paidContent.org](http://www.paidcontent.org/): [Microsoft-Yahoo: Yang’s Response: ‘With Distraction Behind Us … ](http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419-microsoft-yahoo-yang/) Allen Stern / [CenterNetworks](http://www.centernetworks.com/): [What’s Next for Yahoo? Merging With AOL Still My Pick](http://www.centernetworks.com/microsoft-yahoo-aol) Greg Sterling / [Search Engine Land](http://searchengineland.com/): [Microsoft Yanks Its Offer For Yahoo](http://searchengineland.com/080503-200422.php) John Battelle / [John Battelle’s Searchblog](http://battellemedia.com/): [MICROSOFT BAILS, YAHOO’S GOOGLE THREAT APPEARS TO HAVE WORKED](http://battellemedia.com/archives/004417.php) Joseph Hunkins / [WebGuild](http://www.webguild.org/index.php): [Microsoft Walks Away From Yahoo](http://www.webguild.org/2008/05/microsoft-walks-away-from-yahoo.php) Arn / [MacRumors](http://www.macrumors.com/): [Microsoft Walking Away from Yahoo Acquisition](http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-walking-away-from-yahoo-acquisition/) Ryan Block / [Engadget](http://www.engadget.com/): [Microsoft pulls bid for Yahoo!, Microhoo will never be](http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/03/microsoft-pulls-bid-for-yahoo/) MG Siegler / [VentureBeat](http://venturebeat.com/): [Yahoo breaks the wrist, Microsoft walks away](http://venturebeat.com/2008/05/03/yahoo-breaks-the-wrist-microsoft-walks-away/) John Paczkowski / [Digital Daily](http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/): [Ballmer to Yang: Dear Jerry, Drop Dead](http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20080503/ballmer-to-yang-dear-jerry-drop-dead/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p29#a080503p29 "Permalink")**[Microsoft pulls its Yahoo offer](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935099-56.html)** Ina Fried / [Beyond Binary](http://www.news.com/beyond-binary/): **[Microsoft says proxy battle not worth it](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935100-56.html)** Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935100-56.html), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935100-56.html), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935100-56.html), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935100-56.html), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935100-56.html) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,15)) Discussion: [BloggingStocks](http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/03/its-off-microsoft-withdraws-its-offer-for-yahoo-for-now/) [BloggingStocks](http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/03/its-off-microsoft-withdraws-its-offer-for-yahoo-for-now/) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,15)) Discussion: Peter Cohan / [BloggingStocks](http://www.bloggingstocks.com/): [It’s off. Microsoft withdraws its offer for Yahoo — for now](http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/03/its-off-microsoft-withdraws-its-offer-for-yahoo-for-now/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080503/p35#a080503p35 "Permalink")**[Microsoft says proxy battle not worth it](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9935100-56.html)** [BBC](http://news.bbc.co.uk/): **[Microsoft walks away from Yahoo](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7382572.stm)** Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7382572.stm), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7382572.stm), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7382572.stm), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7382572.stm), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7382572.stm) [+](javascript:tgd('0',true,16)) Discussion: [Gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/386912/microsoft-retires-yahoo-offer-wont-try-hostile-takeover) and [TECH.BLORGE.com](http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2008/05/04/no-microhoo-microsoft-terminates-bid-on-yahoo/) [Gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/386912/microsoft-retires-yahoo-offer-wont-try-hostile-takeover) and [TECH.BLORGE.com](http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2008/05/04/no-microhoo-microsoft-terminates-bid-on-yahoo/) [–](javascript:tgd('0',false,16)) Discussion: Jesus Diaz / [Gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/): [Microsoft Retires Yahoo Offer, Won’t Try Hostile Takeover](http://gizmodo.com/386912/microsoft-retires-yahoo-offer-wont-try-hostile-takeover) Erna Mahyuni / [TECH.BLORGE.com](http://tech.blorge.com/): [No Microhoo – Microsoft terminates bid on Yahoo](http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2008/05/04/no-microhoo-microsoft-terminates-bid-on-yahoo/) [![](http://www.techmeme.com/img/pml.png)](http://www.techmeme.com/080504/p4#a080504p4 "Permalink")**[Microsoft walks away from Yahoo](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7382572.stm)** Kara Swisher / [BoomTown](http://kara.allthingsd.com/): **[BREAKING: MICROSOFT WALKS](http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/breaking-microsoft-walks/)** Discussion:Digital Daily, Valleywag, Changing Way, Paul Kedrosky’s … and Hollywood Newsroom

Link Search: [Ask](http://www.ask.com/blogsearch?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/breaking-microsoft-walks/), [Technorati](http://www.technorati.com/search/http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/breaking-microsoft-walks/), [Sphere](http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/breaking-microsoft-walks/), [Google](http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/breaking-microsoft-walks/), and [IceRocket](http://blogs.icerocket.com/search?q=http://kara.allthingsd.com/20080503/breaking-microsoft-walks/)

We all know how this happened, of course. All of the print publications, including non-niche pubs like the Washington Post, have to create a version of this story for their print publication, and then dump that story on the web. All of the web-native tech sites, competing tooth and nail for page views, are all obligated to publish at least one if not multiple takes on this story. Then there are all the sites that reproduced the wire version of the story.

If each site were, as in print, an island unto itself, this would make sense — if the news outlet did not cover the story then its readers might not know about it. But seen as a whole on the web, which connects each and every one of these websites, and especially seen through the lens of an aggregator like Google News or Techmeme, this huge mass of content about the same story doesn’t make much economic sense.

I am purposely choosing not to write about the story itself, finding it much more interesting to make this meta-observation, but if I had chosen to write about it, I could have reduced the economic value of every other version of the story.

Why? Because there is a zero sum game for attention on this story. Even tech insiders will read a finite number of stories. If I put my version in the mix, for each time mine gets read, someone else’s doesn’t. So each version of the story reduces that marginal economic value of all the others.

Here’s another way to look at it. Imagine a Midwest city where a factory that is a major employer announces that it is shutting down. Now imagine that instead of one local newspaper and one local TV station covering this story instead there are 100 newspapers and 50 TV stations. Reporters from each of these outlets file their coverage of the story. Newsstands in the local Walmart display all 100 newspapers, each with the factory closing story on the cover. Anyone who turns on their TV station can flip channels at 6pm and find the same story being reported, over and over again.

Yes, that’s a silly example, but is it really all that different from what’s happening on the web?

Can you imagine a content economy five or ten years from now that supports 2,000 versions of the same story? Is it any surprise that the company that creates far and away the most economic value on the web produces NO ORIGINAL CONTENT? (Yes, that would be Google.)

Here’s the takeaway for original content creators: BE ORIGINAL

That means when you consider publishing an original news item, be aware of the larger marketplace for that news. If it’s hugely competitive, consider allocating your limited reporting resources elsewhere, and instead find other ways to create value around the story, as the Seattle Times did:

Imagine how much more value local media brands, for example, might create if they did any one or more of the above rather than publish yet another commodity version of the story. Practicing link journalism could leave more time for original reporting that ISN’T being done by other news organizations.

(Of course, the Seattle Times still publishes a print edition, so they had to have their print coverage. And Microsoft is a local story for them, so the original reporting is a rational allocation of resources.)

Here’s the other takeaway: Don’t add to the noise, help reduce it.

An engineer who works on Google News said during a presentation at the NewsTools conference that Google is studing whether the amount of news on the web is actually decreasing.

So while there’s more content on the web, there may be less news.

Final takeaway: Don’t contribute to the commodification of news on the web.