I bet if Apple owned it, they would be kissing their computer screens.

Chances are, Flickr is going to be much better. Microsoft WANTS to keep the user base, and they’ll do things like reduce the pro account fees, add amazing tech like PhotoSynth, HD View, among other things that user can ‘choose’ to integrate with their photos, and other stuff.

I don’t know what’s so bad about it.

makes this stuff seem kind of silly, no?

For the flikr people out there get a clue go out an search for information rather than believing the hype…how many of you have been directly effected by Microsoft supposed hegmony. Rather how many have you been subjected to propoganda from companys who fear competitive markets?

http://www.flic...mp;x=28&y=7
http://www.flic...evil&m=text

Both Microsoft and Google are evil.
Flickr Loves Yahoo.

The board of a public company has the ultimate obligation to do what is best for the shareholders.

If the MS bid will benefit the shareholders more than “attempt to make it through the hard times and innovate and grow” than they must (legally binding) accept the offer.

There is also the option of a hostile take over where Yahoo! won’t even have a say.

The Yahoo purchase went ok, largely because Flickr was left alone. However, if MS is going to ‘liveify’ Flickr, there could be a lot of people going away.

It may be the opportunity Zooomr is looking for, though…

Now if Microsoft makes them pay a subscription maybe then the “I’m moving to Smugmug” might be a valid argument .

Personally I like Picassa .

Yahoo might decide to try and stick it and out and do what business are supposed to do – attempt to make it through the hard times and innovate and grow. Sure – they could take they easy way out but that seems to be only good for a few already rich people.

Even if this was the other way around and Yahoo was proposing to buy Microsoft – would that be a good idea for Microsoft’s business?

You could even say that Google is #1 because they have a better product (if that is the market’s opinion) and that the market has spoken so merging two inferior (I’m not saying this is my opinion just the market’s) products wont necessarily bring about a better competitor.

Look at what happened with AOL/Time Warner. Just because it might be temporarily good for the shareholders or the board members does mean it is good for the business.

Why not give Yahoo a chance to rebuild itself post Terry Semel and give Microsoft a chance to complete it’s Live strategy and let the market speak when they are done?

Feel free to use the logo at your wish.

Microsoft! Don’t touch my flickr!

i dont use any yahoo services, and a minimal amount of microsoft services … i live on google yet i am excited by the prospect of this acquisition as it will result in even greater innovation from both sides