Yahoo Buys Tumblr, World Doesn’t End →

Marissa Mayer:

I’m delighted to announce that we’ve reached an agreement to acquire Tumblr!

We promise not to screw it up. Tumblr is incredibly special and has a great thing going. We will operate Tumblr independently. David Karp will remain CEO. The product roadmap, their team, their wit and irreverence will all remain the same as will their mission to empower creators to make their best work and get it in front of the audience they deserve. Yahoo! will help Tumblr get even better, faster.

While most acquisition statements have similar language, Mayer’s statement about “not screwing it up” is unique and refreshing.

Tumblr CEO David Karp echoed this statement in his post:

Before touching on how awesome this is, let me try to allay any concerns: We’re not turning purple. Our headquarters isn’t moving. Our team isn’t changing. Our roadmap isn’t changing. And our mission — to empower creators to make their best work and get it in front of the audience they deserve — certainly isn’t changing.

While David’s comments will probably best be remembered for this “fuck yeah” signature, they line up with Mayer’s.

Can Yahoo succeed in keeping Tumblr vibrant and healthy? My guess is yes. Like Jim, maybe I have the wrong impression of Mayer, but I think her under direction, Tumblr (and Yahoo) might just be okay.