Despite the fact that Yahoo acquired Flickr back in 2005, it’s clear that Flickr users have always had deep misgivings about the Sunnyvale behemoth. A recent incident illustrates this tension.
A few days ago, Yahoo decided to modify the Flickr logo by adding “from Yahoo” in small letters. Not exactly the most controversial thing in the world, given that Yahoo, um, owns Flickr, right? Tell that to Flickr users, who have been kvetching about it in Flickr forums ever since.
Memo to Flickr users: get over it.
Yes, Yahoo owns Flickr.
Yes, we understand how you might be upset about that. But you’ve had four years to jump ship and use another photo-sharing service, and you haven’t left yet. The statute of limitations on your right to bitch and moan about it has expired.
It doesn’t help when Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz gets defensive about Yahoo’s brand, as she recently did to a roomful of journalists and bloggers:
“When you get outside New York and Silicon Valley, everyone loves Yahoo. I just want to transplant all of you guys out of your cynicism. What is wrong with you guys?. Go be cynical about frickin’ Google. You got me pissed off.”
A class-act, yes. Faced with such an irresistible target, Flickr users can almost be forgiven their anti-Yahoo zealousness. But, really, guys– it’s time to move on.
via Yahoo Brands Flickr; Users Retaliate .
