Yahoo! has acquired Tumblr for $1.1 billion.
I didn’t even knew Yahoo! had that much laying around, did you?
Apparently they do, as they try to buy their way into social media in an attempt to correct the course of this seemingly shipwrecked former Internet giant.
Now what?
THIS.
There have been plenty vocalizing their disdain and dissatisfaction of the acquisition. Many are saying, “Goodbye,” via Twitter and comments on news stories detailing the massive media move, but only time will really tell, as we’ve seen plenty of arm waving about Facebook redesigns and privacy policy changes.
Recently I began to dig my hands back into Tumblr, as it’s grown into its own ecosystem. It’s not really a blogging platform, but it is…kinda. The uniqueness has capture the hearts of many and it’s seen plenty of growth. I began to get a better feel for it by starting an account for ChurchMag and I’ve almost formulated a good use and strategy for it, which I plan on sharing soon. Tumblr is, well at least was, brimming with users that the Church has yet to reach.
And then the announcement came this past weekend.
Bummer Dude
My initial reaction was negative. Yahoo! hasn’t had the greatest track record in recent years, and it felt like the first nail in the coffin. Like Instagram going to Facebook, it makes me feel uneasy. I know Yahoo! wants nothing but success for Tumblr, but naturally I think it’s the dollars and cents they’re more concerned about in the long wrong.
In fact, just today they’ve said:
“On Tumblr we feel we can monetize in ways that are meaningful and add to user experience.”
Yahoo! would also like to see more ads.
I know these services need to make some money. After all, they need to pay the bills! ChurchMag has ads, after all. So I understand it and get it, but I am afraid Tumblr could see an exodus of users if they move too fast with big changes.
What do you think the future of Tumblr will be with Yahoo! at the helm?
[Image via {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester} via Compfight cc]
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