As for the predicted future growth just read the "Forward looking statement" and their results.
Losing money and with $67.8 million in liabilities without positive forward looking statements they would have to file for protection.
I would suggest you read the details in the sec flings and other finacial reports rather than the PR spin.
I merely champion the need to make informed comment and informed comment does not come from these type of Press Releases.
Remember, with press releases, they often make statements to deliberately counter rumoured problems. Hence:
"We continue to see valuable opportunities for Internet search in the Japanese and U.K. markets" might well mean that they are struggling to find any new partners. It seems as if they are actually losing a number of partners, if other posts in this thread are to be believed.
"this restructuring will enable us to take advantage of operating efficiencies not previously available" means that they have to sack a bunch of employees to save money.
"a negligible impact on earnings in the first part of 2003" means that they expect a slump in 2003... presumably because they will have sacked the sales people.
You also mention that it is useful to have Looksmart as a competitor to Overture and Findwhat, and I agree that it is useful. However, Looksmart has managed to create the worst possible kind of PPC, magnifying the problems, and removing the benefits. For example, all bids are the same price, so any sites that can't afford to pay $0.15 are locked out of the process. It is difficult to target keywords properly, since it depends on LS search algorithm. It is expensive to set up new accounts and add keyphrases.
Do we want that in the UK? Here we already have Espotting and Overture in direct competition, with a wealth of smaller engines also offering PPC at much cheaper rates.
I am well aware of the different models in play... and the one I wouldn't touch with a bargepole is the main one, the one you/they use in the US.
No I don't see the extension of that as a strength. I signed up for a directory listing, as I did in the US. If I wanted PPC I would use Overture. The problem is, as you are well aware, L$ forces customers against their will. Very ethical.
As I mentioned before, this approach may well prove to be a little more difficult here than it was in the States.
>> what if you were able to be seen across the whole MSN platform for a low PPC cost<<
And what if I didn't want PPC? And what if I wanted UK only? And what if I didn't consider 15c to be low? And what if I want what I signed up for?
Jeez... this reminds me of last time. Two issues: the shocking decision to rip up their customers' expectations by changing the model unilaterally... and then the appalling arrogant gloss they painted on it with their insulting emails and public statements.
Little wonder that BT wanted rid. Little wonder that the UK bank wouldn't go near them.
Looks like all submissions to L£ are now off until this is sorted - and I did a lot!
Well, I am bracing myself for the "we are upgrading your account by removing it from the directory" emails to start arrving. It will be interesting to see if they have learned anything from the last time.
