Me, Microsoft and Digg.com
One day this week, I think by accident, an essay of mine appeared on digg.com‘s home page. The essay was “Why I left Microsoft“, something I wrote nearly a year ago. A big wave of traffic ensued, and then, the flame mail :)
The problem was this: I wrote the essay from my point of view: Why I left Microsoft, which is more about me and my life than about Microsoft the company. Ordinarily, who cares? But when a major site like digg lists a link to “Why I left Microsoft”, everyone naturally expects a bunch of fun insider information (and dirt) about what’s going on in the company. And when the web doesn’t get what it expects, well, flames and snideness ensue (as you’ll find if you skim the digg.com comments).
To make ammends I’m glad to write about Microsoft the company. I did write a short google/MSFT comparison, but what do you want to know? There are plenty of books and sources for insider information for those than want it.
Leave comments here – and I’ll write a follow up called “Looking at Microsoft” more in line with what folks wanted to read in the first place.
(And thanks to all that had nice things to say about the essay – appreciated that)
Scott, I appreciate your personal openness in “Why I left Microsoft.”
I hope that those who flamed you in the digg.com cult will develop
a similar appreciation.
Given how long you were there and the time (pre-internet, internet, etc.) I’d be curious to know how you think things changed while you were there, and how you see the company now given you’ve been on your own for 2 years.
As i have already posted on forums,
the hardest problem you came across and would like to know your say about UI and etc ?
I also appreicate the candor with which you wrote ‘Why i left MSFT’, some people just go mad if they don’t find useless stuff :)
Keep churning out the best of you , i wish you luck :)
Talk about the culture of the company – the people, the places, the smells and the sounds – tell it the way you felt it.
Yeah. The digg zealots don’t like anything that doesn’t boldly reaffirm their preconceived notions about how the world works. It gets old.