This image was lost some time after publication.

Remember how long it took for Microsoft and Yahoo to connect their instant-messenger systems? Microsoft's overtures to Yahoo executives seemed to be happening at the same pace. But at last, News.com reports, the companies are talking. Don't expect instant results. One of the reasons why Yahoo made itself vulnerable to Steve Ballmer's takeover bid? Because the stifling bureaucracy Terry Semel installed means everything takes forever to get done there. Jerry Yang's inability to commit to a course of action doesn't help. President Sue Decker is more decisive, but she's going through a divorce, which has to be a distraction, and her lousy people skills make it hard for her to execute on her plans. Steve, why don't you just go hostile? That seems faster. (Image by Geeks Are Hot)