An Approach To Microsoft

4 July 2002

AN APPROACH TO MICROSOFT
Dave Winer may have them scoped out better than any analyst I’ve read!


I should write a FAQ about arguing with Microsoft and how not to fall into their trap, as Mitch Wagner does here. Here’s the first question that would be in the FAQ. Why is it pointless to argue with Microsoft people? Answer: because they hold you to a higher moral standard than they themselves support. When discussing their transgressions, they argue that they have the right to do that. When that doesn’t work, they question your objectivity or qualifications, or resort to veiled ad hominems (a quick subject-change). It’s very disgusting. I used to fall for it all the time, arguing with them as if they were willing to be convinced, when they want nothing of the sort. They want to confuse you and tire you out until you give up. So I don’t argue with them anymore, I just form my opinion, state it, and don’t worry if I’m being terribly fair to them, because they clearly don’t worry about being fair to anyone else, including me (and you). [Scripting News]

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