LookSmart Reviews

Pros

Looksmart is a 9 to 5 job. The company's results have been so poor for so long that there's not much stress associated with reaching targets. If you're into stress free, those qualities are good. The people that work there are all quite nice. Location is close to Market St, near BART and bus lines.

Cons

The company is a renowned internet failure and over time employees have grown to accept that fact. The company has continued to shrink since it's peak in 2004. Once 500 people, it's now down to 60 or so. And the lay-offs continue. As is typical of failing, higher quality and/or results-driven people tend to cycle in and out quickly. The people who stay are deeply entrenched, and considered "mission critical". Since the current mission is continued failure, that's a bad thing. For years, the board of directors hasn't understood Looksmart's core business. The rumor around the hallways was that they were the main reason for the failures of the company.

Advice to Senior Management

This advice is more for the board, I think, since Management seemed to change every few years, thanks to the board. The funniest chapter was firing one guy and bringing in the Chairman of the Board to "rescue" the company. I never could tell what that guy's purpose was. He was good with microphone at company meetings, but other than that, it's a mystery as to how he "earned" his 300K per year. Now the next Chairman of the Board has kicked him out and taken over. I hope he's smart enough to close the doors and move on. Third-tier PPC ad networks are a thing of the past.

Pros

A start-up like environment where individuals can make a difference. Public, with above average compensation. A great tech team, with no problems taking on big challenges and rolling their own solutions to unique problems. The newest CEO seems like a competent business leader.

Cons

No clear strategy for the now one and only Looksmart product, its Ad Center solution, to ever be profitable, as everyone is in on the game of arbing Yahoo, and doing it cheaper too. Revolving door of executive leadership that has never figured out the above, or what product offering could be a market leader instead. Layoffs every quarter for the past 2 years.

Advice to Senior Management

The new CEO has his work cut out for him, and needs to trust his instincts and actively manage the company direction rather than give free rein to the same folks that undid his predecessors.

Pros

Small public company; plenty of opportunities to improve upon out-of-date processes; ample access to senior management;

Cons

Small public company fighting to keep it's head above water in current environment; company politics seem to be deeply ingrained; have not yet experienced a formal review process or quarterly bonus pay-out; company lacks a solid growth strategy.

Advice to Senior Management

1) develop a solid growth strategy and reinforce the path of achievement on a frequent basis with team leads. 2) develop a formal promotion process. 3) re-evaluate legacy employees and ability to continually add value.

Pros

Learn about search advertising and platforms from the bottom up, which can come in handy if you go on to SEM work anywhere. LookSmart is small and you will be noticed, whatever you do. It's good training to learn how to get things done frugally or efficiently. Believe it or not, there are some smart folks there who want to be outside the GYM world as iconoclasts.

Cons

Market owned by big guys, and this is tough business which grows slowly. It's not clear where this tier or biz will end up.

Advice to Senior Management

Didn't work for the current CEO so no specific advice, but Ted's solid and was board member before taking this role.

Pros

Good location, fun parties, good ESPP.

Cons

Company is going down, morale low.

Advice to Senior Management

turn the ship around! change the course! But just don't let it die.

Pros

Internet Advertising is a space that's not going away. This place could be a good springboard for those starting out. This is also a good spot for people working in support roles and just starting out in the IT or production side of technology. Some very tried and true architecture mixed in with some home grown solutions can provide a solid background of real-world education/experience.

Cons

Sr. Management is a collection of information hoarders and micro managers. Innovation in technical areas is non-existant. There is too much emphasis on reusing older technology versus inovating with newer but often costlier technology. Return on investment does not equal squeeze the last drop of life from something; a less on the spending authorities here could stand to learn.

Advice to Senior Management

Wake up and get with the times. I know ya have to spend money like it's your own, but you don't have to live in a cardboard box and eat beans.

Pros

The location of the SF headquarters is in SOMA.

Cons

The board of directors is incompetent. Senior management has a good deal; they get paid a lot and don't have to do much.

Advice to Senior Management

Leave the company or at least let go of the senior management staff who have been there for more than 2 years (including the CEO).

Pros

Some of the people are great! Most of the ones in charge, however, are not.

Cons

Company hasn't been doing very well for so long, it seems like the people who have been there for over 5 years are just afraid to leave because they have a cush job. A lot of the people in charge have been there way too long.

Advice to Senior Management

Maybe you should examine the effectiveness of all managers.