Microsoft wants to kick your funny bone

Microsoft is trying to build its comedy chops as a way to offer more and better content for the Web.The software giant this week hosted the Strategic Account Summit and sent the message it really would like to make more viral videos and offer more comedy content. MarketWatch said recent attempts to tap this market include FunnyOrDie.com, a site developed by actor Will Ferrell and venture capital firm Sequoia Capital. Allen Shapiro, Chief Executive of Dick Clark Productions, said during his speech at the SAS conference that his company has spoken with Microsoft about developing a comedy Web site similar to FunnyOrDie.com. Microsoft also made clear it wants to tap into the popularity of viral videos are regularly featured on  Google’s YouTube. Microsoft does have a funny bone as demonstrated with last week’s oPhone video. Yahoo and Microsoft were reportedly in merger talks last week but nothing came of those discussions. Both companies are looking for ways to combat Google in the advertising realm.