jeremy_goodrich - 9:03 pm on May 16, 2003 (gmt 0)

This is a bizarre question.

First, Google doesn't do 'paid for inclusion'

Second, LookSmart does NOT offer paid for inclusion. They used to. Now, they offer Pay Per Click or PPC listings.

Third, Inktomi just got bought by Yahoo in March, when the deal was officially closed. That will, more than likely, have huge impact on Inktomi's past, present, and future business relationships. Just look at the recent shake up of their resellers - many got dumped with no warning, really.

Yahoo of course, could buy LookSmart. But they could also buy Overture. However, Yahoo owns a percentage of Google.

Why on Earth would they want to devalue that purchase before the Google IPO?

Not saying your ideas are impossible, just very unlikely. :) Any counter to the above is more than welcome.