Microsoft to pay people to use its search engine

Source: MSNBC/AP

REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. is offering cash rebates when people make purchases after using its search engine as the software maker begins to reveal how it plans to take on Google Inc. following the failure of its $47.5 billion bid for Yahoo.

Analysts and investors have been eagerly awaiting details about "Plan C" after Microsoft acknowledged that its Plan A of going solo was troubled but also withdrew its Plan B — acquiring Yahoo — because Yahoo executives sought more money.

Under the cash program revealed Wednesday, Web shoppers who sign up for an account and buy items found using Microsoft's Live Search cashback site will receive a percentage of the purchase price deposited into their account.

When the total reaches $5, the shoppers can redeem their "cold, hard cash" via eBay Inc.'s PayPal. Microsoft said the rebates are funded with a portion of the money it collects from advertisers.

So far, more than 700 merchants, including Home Depot and Zappos.com, have listed products on the site.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24760487/

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Wow, the chain email finally comes true!

.

than MyPoints or eBates. The only difference might be the number of merchants selling overpriced crap that you can find cheaper at garage sales, Goodwill, or eBay.

also offer discounts on purchases when people use Google Checkout, and Yahoo Shopping?

hehe was thinking the same thing...