TechCrunch stirs Google-Twitter Rumor Mill

Probably no other blog has done so much to fuel the rise and popularity of Twitter than Michael Arrington’s TechCrunch. Currently number 3 on Technorati’s internet top 100 blog list, TechCrunch has posted updates on Twitter multiple times a week since the site’s launch in 2006 and constantly boosted & stirred the hype around the service. This week, TechCrunch published a post reporting from sources located within both the Google and Twitter camps, stating that Google was in late stage negotiations to purchase Twitter. The post quickly swept across the internet and mainstream media, being covered by Reuters, CNN, the Wall St. Journal, and commented upon across the blogosphere. Arrington followed up with a post stating that Twitter likely wouldn’t sell for less than $1 Billion USD.

Facebook was reportedly in similar talks with Twitter last year, but it looks more likely that the two companies are squaring off and developing / evolving the market for real-time, streaming updates of personal & business information in competition. Recent changes to make Facebook’s “Wall” posts more public is seen as a step in Twitter’s direction. The other players in the field are essentially minor in comparison at this point. Some are suggesting Microsoft could step in and make a bid for Twitter as well – they have already been reported to have invested in a large advertising stake in the company.

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