Quite simply? You never know what you’re going to get with Yahoo these days.

Yesterday, the search engine web portal tried to jump on the Google interface redesign with a pitiful attempt to point out all the cool features it has in common with the new design. Unfortunately, Yahoo gave up on search when it handed the keys over to Microsoft, so no one really cares what it does in search anymore.

Then today, Yahoo launches a new ad blitz–aimed at distancing itself from the blandness of Google. Really, Yahoo? Either you’re in the game or not. As the famous Yoda once said: “Do, or do not, there is no try!”

Anyway, back to the new ad campaign. Apparently Yahoo plans to spend boatloads of cash on promoting its new slogan: “Your favorite stuff all in one place. Make Yahoo your home page.”

Here’s one of the ads:

“When you look at this home page nothing looks back at you. You come to this place so you can leave.” How cute!

That’s a great message–assuming we all still use homepages. I know I don’t necessarily represent the online masses, but personally, I don’t like to linger on a homepage. I don’t browse a homepage–looking for things to read or ideas on things to do. I WANT to get in and get out. It’s kind of like an airport terminal. I don’t want to spend my day there. Show me which gate my plane departs from and get me out of here ASAP!

Still, I’m happy for Yahoo. It’s making an effort to define its place in our lives. Now, if it could only stick to message and focus on being the homepage of our web lives–instead of trying to be all things to all people–we’d know exactly whether it’s an orange creme or a chewy-caramel.