Last year Jackson's death spurred a boost in Sony's sales. But that's over, and the trend line is pointing down yet again.

Remember when Michael Jackson was one of the biggest things on the Web? So 10 days ago. Cable TV and gossip magazines are still cranking out as much Jackson stuff as they can, but Web video viewers have moved on.

The blog network owner says he'll open his checkbook for readers who have amazing tales and pictures he can publish. He's not talking TMZ money, yet. But "I'd love to have their reputation--as the place you go if you want to make a buck."

Depending on your perspective, this is either interesting news or heartening news: Michael Jackson's funeral and memorial were indeed a giant Internet event. But they don't seem to have been as big as Michael Jackson's death, and they weren't as big as Barack Obama's inauguration. So, let's call them the third-biggest Web event of the year. To date.

Michael Jackson's funeral service starts at 1 pm Eastern today and you will have to try very hard not to see it: In addition to wall-to-wall coverage on the news channels, any Web site capable of live-streaming the event will be doing so. Is the Internet ready for the coming traffic jam? I'm betting it is.