Every time Microsoft starts to do things to make then seem less evil, then almost compulsively seem to find some way to take a couple steps back. I saw it with my own dealings on the issue of privacy a few years back and now they seem to be at it again. Lately Hugh's Blue Monster campaign began to make progress that put a more human face on the company. Then Microsoft's Brad Smith and Horacio Gutierrez put the company two steps back.

I know there are people there, but honestly when see stunts like this you have to wonder if the people who have taken Hugh's message to heart have any power inside the company.

As Doc notes "If Microsoft were as smart ... it would engage the free and open source world. It would build on top of it, rather than fight it. Alas, it has given its customers a much bigger reason not to buy Microsoft stuff than not to use free and open source stuff."

Some days I think they want move beyond their evil reputation they have built up and others, like today, I wonder if they have learned anything at all.

Hugh goes to Seattle and Gates declares old advertising over the next week, coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.

More seriously I doubt Bill made the statements just because of Hugh's trip but it does seem that Mircosoft is trying to move into a more interactive media and recognizing limitations of the old. Have to watch, wait and see what it means.

I listen to a lot of podcasts, if they have a sponsor I try to support those sponsors and on a more rare occasion I'll give the show some cash. But here is one thing I have noticed thus far, I have never gotten a thank you. Not once. I have sent money to various shows over the last two years so it's no one specific that I am targeting in this statement. I am not expecting a grand ornate response but even a mass bulk, "you donated to my show and thanks for the support" wouldn't be much to ask for? I bring beer to Wingin It and I get a "Thomas thanks for the beer" on the air, but if I sent a show $20 you might think they could send out a quick note of thanks. As an example I bring beer to Wingin It and I get a "Thomas thanks for the beer" on the air which is perfect. If I take the time out of my day to send a show some money the same should apply.

I know people are busy, but if I think a show is worth sending my hard earned cash to a simple thanks will go a long way towards getting a future donation. Just a thought.

After thought - My comments aren't directed at any one show. I think I could have phrased the last sentence of the first paragraph better, but I'll let it stand.

After After thought - I don't like the way I phrased things so I'll change it, but leave the originial striked out.

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That is all...