Microsoft Stealth PR Target Middle America
from the mind-control dept
Rumor has it Microsoft has been involved in several grass roots efforts (read: Mighty PR machine) to generate sympathy editorials from local news sources. I believe it! When I last spoke with my mom, who lives in Iowa, she wouldn't stop talking about how unfair the unfavorable decision against Microsoft was. She said that even people in Silicon Valley were against the decision, since it infringed on their "right to innovate." At that point I had to stop her and give her the real story. People were dancing in the streets of Palo Alto! These people are being bullied, ripped-off, and gouged by Microsoft every day.While I was able to clear up the issue for my mom, the situation does not look good for prosecutors for the following reasons:
1. Microsoft has successfully built up public support in middle america
2. Without anyone in Silicon Valley or NYC becoming aware of it
3. Tech companies will not speak up since they fear Microsoft.
4. Microsoft can now force a lenient settlement since public opinion appears to be on their side.
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Sneaky MS
By the way, I think MS might be using the word
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Tsk Tsk Tsk
Also, I disagree with some of your assumptions. I think Valley companies have shown pretty clearly that they don't get scared speaking out against Microsoft. Plenty of them do it all the time, and now a lot of them see it as an opportunity to hit 'em when they're down. How it all turns out, I don't know, but I'll be sure to ask my Mom next time I speak to her. :)
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Iowa
And keep in mind that the Iowa Attorney General is one of the leaders in the state's portion of the case. (To tell you how un-political I am, I can't remember his name, oh well)
Brian - who says "no shit but too late" to the whole trial
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True-ish
There is a pretty good sum-up of the various pro and anti views expressed at http://www.thatvisionthing.com/Articles/microsoft1.htm
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