I just wanted to get on the record to say that I think Google buying Youtube is a horrible idea. But let's take a walk down memory lane, ok?

First, remember the dot com bust from last century? Apparently everyone has forgotten what caused the bust. It wasn't talking dog puppets or the bowl sponserships (but they didn't help). It was the fact that none of these ideas made any money. Remember money? So the first major hurdle Google has is simply the task of making money from their investment. If you respond by saying 'this is a new type of business' or 'they don't need to see a return on this investment' then i would like to hit you up for some cash you naive son of a gun.

Second, people go to youtube to watch stuff that stuffy white guys with lawyers don't want you to watch. Or at the very least, don't want you to watch without paying. That means that either they'll sue Google and take away the content, or they'll hit Google up for money. And Google's pockets don't run that deep. Especially if its competitor continue to improve their once awful products.

Third, they already have a flash video playing offering. Its called Google Video.

Fourth, what are they really buying? Hardware? They already have tons of hardware. No, they are only buying the subscribers of Youtube. Are these paying subscribers? Are they loyal? Well, no and probably not.

So good job Google. You'll find a way to screw up your company yet.