February 2, 2000

Last month, the very foundations of the online and entertainment worlds shook. When America Online <% if gsSubBrand = "aolsnapshot" then Response.Write("(NYSE: AOL)") else Response.Write("(NYSE: AOL)") end if %> announced that it would be hooking up with Time Warner <% if gsSubBrand = "aolsnapshot" then Response.Write("(NYSE: TWX)") else Response.Write("(NYSE: TWX)") end if %>, the reaction to the mega-merger ran loud and wide.

This week, as the dust begins to settle, we take a look at both sides of the heated debate. Bill Barker (TMF Max) favors the union while Paul Larson (TMF Parlay) is shouting "I object!" from the back pew.

Who's right? Sign on and cast your vote. Then, find out why two Duelists crossed TheStreet.com <% if gsSubBrand = "aolsnapshot" then Response.Write("(Nasdaq: TSCM)") else Response.Write("(Nasdaq: TSCM)") end if %> last year in our Duel Flashback segment.

The Bull Argument... If you view the Internet of the future as involving broadband delivery of video, music, and branded written content, you have to look at this merger as something that has strengthened AOL immeasurably. Continue »

The Bear Argument... A lame name, slower growth, higher debt, less attractive financials, and a weakened strategic position... hmm, I think there are more than enough reasons for AOL shareholders to vote this proposal down. Continue »

The Bull Argument »

 This Week's Duel