Earlier, we covered the You In? campaign that is being launched by Yahoo encouraging visitors to share their acts of kindness. Hoping to perpetuate acts of kindness around the world, this campaign is designed to bring individuals to a centralized location and share the goodness of the human experience. Great idea, no doubt. However, the views of You In? apparently do not necessarily reflect the views of Yahoo and its CEO.

Known for her off color comments and brutal honesty, Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz told financial analysts Tuesday that the Woods story is “better than Michael Jackson dying”

Apparently it is easier to sell advertising space next to a scandal than a coffin. I guess on one hand Bartz is commenting on a level of honesty that is much more sincere than most corporations, but is that the type of honesty that Yahoo needs? Especially when they’re in the process of encouraging acts of kindness and strengthening bonds between our fellow person?

One view is that the crass comment was a encouragement to be honest, even if it’s not exactly what others want to hear. Inspire those around you by telling them what they might not necessarily want to hear. Tell your wife yes she looks fat in that dress, that your child probably won’t become a professional athlete, about your late night excursions to your mistress’.

A pure idea indeed, but always a terrible idea. Everyone does some heinous things in their lifetime, but there is a time and place to be honest. Bartz may have been underlining some subtext during her speech, but I can’t imagine that being the correct answer for the time. Especially when you’re trying to inspire the world. If she said the whole “God bless Tiger Woods” phrase ironically, it would make a shred of sense, but I don’t believe that to be the case.

I suppose its the nature of the world, and what we hope to change, if even slightly. Even those who are replying to the stories with comments such as “Can we drop the Tiger Woods crap” are guilty as well, as am I. It’s compelling stuff, great for advertising, and I would imagine a cash cow for Yahoo. I would have waited until after the launch of You In?, however to exclaim how great scandal is for business.

Just a thought.