NONE: Re: ONLINE-ADS>> Opinions on Yahoo's Monopoly Status
Re: ONLINE-ADS>> Opinions on Yahoo's Monopoly Status
Danny Sullivan (danny_at_calafia.com)
Wed, 7 Jan 1998 16:35:39 +0000
> I was just reading about the partnership between Geocities and Yahoo!, and
> I was wondering if any attorneys lurking on the list might have opinions
> about Yahoo's Internet position today, and whether they're at risk for
> antitrust suit consideration in the future. In essence, the deal sounds
> like they'll be giving prime promotion and usability consideration to sites
> they run.
They've been doing this for some time in their associated sites, and
they do it for people who parter with them in retail deals. I doubt
it would be illegal. There are plenty of other ways for people to
find information, though Yahoo stands out as one of the most
important.
> Yahoo is also in an odd position because it is a unique search engine.
> Yahoo does not use technology to spider sites, it reviews the sites
> indivdually then reates an index. As far as I know, no one has
> attempted to duplicate this effort. Is this because Yahoo is keeping
> people out or because the cost of starting up a similar venture are so
> high? That is not a question that is easily answered from the popular
> press.
There are plenty of non-spider Yahoo competitors, LookSmart probably
being the largest. There is no barrier to entry -- it simply takes
time and people. What isn't as easily recreated is the incredible
amount of inbound links and brand recognition that Yahoo has.
cheers,
danny
-----------------------------------
Danny Sullivan
Editor, Search Engine Watch
http://searchenginewatch.com
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