Keith Watanabe * NET 2.0

This week ought to be one of the most intense in the internet industry, where all eyes will await the jury of Yahoo's decision for a buyout.  Already, Google has made their voice heard about M$'s plan, while M$ has countered with their accusation of what a monster Google has become.  And even then, Yahoo is said to be growing in alliance with Google.  Meanwhile, other players like News Corp, Apple, private investors, ebay, and former Yahoo key members are also attempting to get into the game. 

I feel it's like being on a battle field where you're seeing all the lines of allies and enemies being drawn up.  Or maybe it's closer to who's going to pull the trigger first.

I've already stated that I firmly believe that Yahoo should remain independent as M$'s move would simply hurt themselves and the industry.  I think Yahoo themselves both internally and key members of management feel the same way.  Not to mention that there was an interesting reaction where Yahoo mentioned increasing their relationship with Google.  I'm hoping that people aren't just looking at the sheets, but all the different angles of what this buy out means.  It's not that easy and I continue to believe that hostile marketing by companies like M$ have been bestowing negative imagery upon Yahoo.

While I do believe Yahoo hasn't done so well for itself, you cannot deny the power that they hold.  It's just that people hold huge expectations for them.  The truth is that right now, economics in the world have not been doing well.  It's just a simple casualty of the fall out from the subprime loan situation in America.

If you just take these three players, the thing is that you have to make them realize what their relationship to each other is.  Google is becoming the OS/engine of the web.  Yahoo is the media and supplier of information in the web.  And M$ is a steering way or maybe a window to the web.

These three companies should respect each other on these grounds.  If I were the government and forced to intervene on these warring parties, I would have them make an agreement to how their businesses are divided. 

Regardless of what's going on, I have to admit that this is one of the most interesting times to be part of this industry.  Glad, I'm working in it and for it.