Opinion: Google admits video mistakes, Yahoo doesn't cede search dominance, Bayosphere closes shop, and more.Google stumbled into the online video market a few weeks ago, and the search company was roundly vilified for launching a substandard product. Google cheerleader John Battelle explained that Google was a company of engineers, not merchandisers. This week Google's VP, Marissa Mayer, said simply, "We made a big mistake." But you better watch out, Google. Variety is reporting that Amazon will soon offer a video download service as well.
Google Admits Online Stumble
Imagining the Google Future
Amazon Plans to Wed Downloads, DVDs
Meanwhile Internet index-cum-odeon Yahoo started a kerfluffle with the seeming admission that they'd given up on search. That made sense coming on the heels of their quarterly report last week, in which they announced they'd be investing less in search. But two Yahoo VPs retaliated, saying reports of Yahoo's demise were greatly exaggerated.
Yahoo Gives Up Quest for Search Dominance
Yahoo Says Search Still a Priority
Blathering the Blogosphere
Yahoo? Giving Up on Search? Not.
Yahoo Is an Entertainment Company
Not to be outdone by Google and Yahoo, Microsoft announced a new ad initiative on its blogs. They also confirmed that yes, like Yahoo, they turned search data over to the feds. This week also marked the CTP debut of Sparkle, Microsoft's supposed "Flash killer."
Microsoft Confirms Turning Over Search Data to Feds
Microsoft Blogs Make Room for Ads
Hands On with Sparkle, Microsoft's Expression Interactive Designer
Expression Team Blog
Citizen media took a hit this week when the cynosure of tech blogging, Dan Gillmor, announced that Bayosphere was closing shop. Given the paucity of users on another high-profile hyperlocal blog news service, backfence.com, does the Bayosphere closure portend rough times ahead for citizen media? Meanwhile, Web 2.0 kingmaker Michael Arrington ruffled some feathers with his negative blog posts about Ning and Tello.
Bayosphere Closes Shop
Tello - Good Product, Dumb Strategy?
Can You Launch a Company Without the Blogosphere?
Five Questions For: Michael Arrington
In other news, NBC announced that iTunes downloads are helping its shows' ratings, Disney bought Pixar, amateur video sharing continues to grow online, and Fox takes the online media revolution one step at a time.
Idiot Boss Helps NBC Out of Hole
Disney Buys Pixar for $7.4 Billion
Amateur Video Sharing Grows Online
CBS, Fox Show Different Approaches to Online Media
Online Media 
