I think it'd be hard to argue that MSNBC was anything, but a mistake for Microsoft. From the poor ratings, to the lack of support online (compared to Google and Yahoo), and the association with a ridiculously biased news outlet.
“Activism is a way for useless people to feel important, even if the consequences of their activism are counterproductive for those they claim to be helping and damaging to the fabric of society as a whole.” - Dr Thomas Sowell