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Gates and PR: He still doesn't get it | |
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| Time: 11:26 EST/16:26 GMT | News Source: CNET | Posted By: Byron Hinson | ||
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For a time, it seemed, Bill Gates actually understood the importance of public image. Then yesterday Reuters reported that the Microsoft chairman, at a speech in Washington, "mocked a $100 laptop computer for developing countries" that has been the focus of a highly publicized MIT project. Now there are plenty of reasons that a $100 might not be feasible on the general consumer market, but those issues can be discussed rationally and without sarcasm. Is it possible that the reporters covering this speech mischaracterized Gates' remarks? Of course. But given his reputation for arrogance, one would think that Gates would take pains at least to feign the appearance of diplomacy--especially when the subject is a non-profit program for children of developing nations, undertaken by an academic institution. | ||
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| #1 By 15406 (216.191.227.68) at 3/17/2006 11:38:27 AM |
| It was a given that he would slam them since they don't run Windows. If an MS partner had made them and they ran some scaled down Win flavour, he'd be telling everyone they were the future of 3rd-world computing. |
| #2 By 32132 (142.32.208.231) at 3/17/2006 3:49:43 PM |
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"Is it possible that the reporters covering this speech mischaracterized Gates' remarks?"
Yes. Lets see what he said: "The last thing you want for a shared-use computer is for it to be something without a disk, and with a tiny little screen," he said. "If you are going to have people sharing the computer, get a broadband connection and have somebody there who can support the user." "Geez, get a decent computer where you can actually read the text and you're not sitting there cranking the thing while you're trying to type," he said. I think someone who has given 25 billion dollars to charity has the right and responsibility to say those things. |
| #3 By 20505 (216.102.144.11) at 3/17/2006 7:35:46 PM |
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Let's see. Who knows the market better...Mr. Gates or MIT?
I'd bet on Gates on this one anytime. Now if it was Gates vs. Jobs that would be a tough one. |
| #4 By 23275 (68.17.42.38) at 3/17/2006 8:26:09 PM |
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Hmmm - by definition, Mr. Gates cannot be viewed as arrogant - that requires a stubborn belief in something which cannot be proved, or is that which is not supported by fact. as to opposed pragmatism, which is supported.
I think his intent is clear - do not ask people, especially people in the third world, to try and make us of modern technologies by placing them on less than acceptable hardware - instead ensure that they have good equipment and a balanced chance to make use of it to succeed. He underwrites his words with actions - by being the most giving man that has ever lived. Mr. Gates is not just being socially responsible, he's being pratical and that is the essence of prudence and pragmaism - the opposites of arrogance. |
| #5 By 15406 (24.43.125.29) at 3/18/2006 1:10:13 PM |
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#2: Shake those pompoms, Parkkkker.
#3: If he knows the market so well, why are MS products priced they way they are? Not everyone in the 3rd world can afford to spend 10 months salary on a copy of MS Office. Gates would also understand the realities of developing countries, like no phones or power. And broadband? Sheesh. #5: What a load of crap. He's very arrogant, but that's irrelevant. People in developing countries don't need a $2500 PC with Windows Vista, much to Gates' dismay. |
| #6 By 23275 (68.17.42.38) at 3/18/2006 9:28:42 PM |
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...and Latch wakes up again...to consume yet another small mamal...
#6, Electricity in the USA remained available to only 9 percent of people for more than 50 years. It took another 20 years to reach 80%. The rural electrification act still struggles to reach all Americans. Mr. Gates may only get a tiny number of people up to speed in his lifetime, but you know what, one would not call his desire to see all people have access to technology arrogant - one would call it a "start." And Office costs what it does, because some 12,000 people work for five years to produce it - yes the version after 2007 is already being worked on - as the framework for the next is being formed...and so on.... ...somebody throw Latch another small mamal to eat...he seems mean enough to go for the kids... This post was edited by lketchum on Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 21:29. |
| #7 By 12071 (203.158.60.13) at 3/19/2006 8:39:32 AM |
| #7 Are you claiming that the US of A is a developing nation? If not then your whole comment is irrelevant! Do you expect someone in a 3rd world country to pay the same price for Office that you do? I would hope not. I think they have more important things to worry about other than paying for a broadband connection and a Windows license so that they can live Gates' dream! |
| #8 By 32132 (64.180.219.241) at 3/19/2006 9:35:11 AM |
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People in developing countries don't necessarily need a lot of things ... like skyscrapers and Mercedes-Benz and space programs and nuclear weapons. But they have them. Or at least some of the people have them. And they aspire to own and consume as much as the "developed nations" do. And many of them will get the chance to buy lots of stuff even with condescending morons like Kabuki and Latch trying to tell what they should and should buy with their hard earned wages.
When Dell is selling real laptops for $499 today, why would you tell people their highest hope should be a 100$ hand cranked "laptop" with no internet connection and a tiny screen. They can get more than that in a mobile phone for less than $100 ... as Gates said. |
| #9 By 12071 (203.185.215.149) at 3/19/2006 9:33:33 PM |
| #9 You're the only moron here. |
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