It is basically a reverse variation of iWon, and we all know what a winner that wasn’t.

Thanks for your comments.

Yeah - I mean Google has incredible scale. However, they aren’t about to change what works where Microsoft has no choice since they are failing to attract market share from Google.

Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of MSN AdCenter - in fact, I think (as an advertiser) that AdCenter is a huge disappointment. Over hyped and underdelivered.

I bet that if MSFT is able to integrate the cashback concept into search that they do start to reverse Google’s dominance.

Will it happen overnight? no.

Will it even happen? probably no, but at least I’ll go on record as saying that this model, if executed correctly, might be something very powerful.

Kris

Great thoughts, however I believe Pranav might be on to something. Imagine if Google actually ran their offers through search or content network and offered a discount for using Google Checkout … they have the advertisers, the users (searchers) and Google Checkout can be the incentive to stay on the Google Band Wagon!

Darin

P.S. Like any idea, implementation is the key and you are correct Kris, if done correctly it could be the straw that broke the camel’s back!

Thanks for your comments.

I don’t disagree with you.

However, I think the key here (if Microsoft does it correctly) is that Microsoft will integrate cashback into search.

That’s a key distinction verus just having a cashback property.

With Google’s CPA offering through AdSense the only party incentivized is the advertiser, not the user. The user doesn’t receive any benefit. Also, Google’s program runs through AdSense (akak, the content network) and not through search.

If Microsoft wants to hit this concept out of the park they should integrate the concept into Microsoft LIVE search, which will incentivize advrtisers (through a CPA alternative to CPC) and users (cashback).

While Google clearly has the scale advantage here, I think Microsoft’s concept is very, very powerful.

Your thoughts?

Kris