It’s been whispered for years. Some tech writers suggested they needed each other if they were going to survive in this Google-driven world.

And now, the rumors are suddenly getting loud. Microsoft is talking to Yahoo about a $50B buyout.

If it’s true, this is huge for the web and huge for Seattle. Microsoft would have Flickr and Upcoming. They would have the techies they need to elevate live.com to a real Google competitor. Redmond would be hiring web geeks. Google would respond by expanding their Kirkland office.

But it’s just a rumor. It’s been bobbing out there for years. But if it is true, the balance of web power will shift just a little bit away from San Jose and a little bit towards Seattle.

What do you think? You even care?

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