23 Musings

Looks like Google may get it's way and finally secure the acquisition of DoubleClick.

Will be interesting to see how this is handled and exactly what Google does to integrate tools and workforce when (if) if goes through!

AOL has bought Buy.at the affiliate network. This is the first affiliate buy I've seen by a major portal like AOL, there's been a lot of other ad network buys but it's good to see an affiliate network securing such a deal. Affiliates were always going to be huge in 2008 as technology advances and publishers get onboard more, perhaps this is a sign of things to come?

Interesting exclusive from Techcrunch UK this morning. They are carrying the story that WAYN may be sold to AOL for the sum of $200m. WAYN themselves haven't acknowledged the deal but Techcrunch's reporter claims three independent sources have verified it.

It's a possibility. Maybe the founders and investors feel it's time to cash out before the larger social networks take over the travel network mantle. Facebook is well on the way to providing the same functionality as part of it's package. Once WAYN's core users realise this they could see a large dip in traffic as users stop feeling the need to visit.

With the above in mind $200m does seem like a lot for something which could tank anytime soon! It would though be a good complement to AOL's portal and if anyone is going to make a success of a niche network like this a portal which still has a semi-walled garden approach (such as AOL) could do it.

Personally I think it would be a better fit for Yahoo...