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09/01/2001 Archived Entry: "1-September-2001 -- Microsoft's So-Called Monopoly"

Microsoft's So-Called Monopoly (Bohmann Usability via LucDesk) -- "Web users prefer Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser to competing browsers for one reason: It's a better product." (Comments: Interesting article, but I think it is full of bullshit. While there are many reasons to like Microsoft's products, there are many reasons to dislike Microsoft the company.)

Replies: 3 comments

I agree completely with the article. IE has much more functionality than Netscape and far fewer bugs (applies to Netscape 4 and Netscape 6).

I remember when IBM was dominant it was reviled in the same way. My impression then was that IBM was the most professional company around and most of its competitors lacked professionalism. I feel the same now about Microsoft and its competitors.

In most markets which Microsoft now dominates, other companies had their chance to become dominant and blew it (CP-M, Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, Netscape).

My impression of Microsoft's behaviour and of the writings and speeches of their top people is that they like creating software and the money is useful because it enables them to continue doing that. The history of Microsoft's products shows a consistent pattern: versions 1 and 2 are unimpressive, version 3 is acceptable and version 4 is a killer. Most of Microsoft's competitors made a pile of money on early versions and failed to continue improving their products.

Posted by Philip Chalmers @ 09/04/2001 08:24 PM EST

Greg,

I definitely remember writing those words. Definitely!

It is good to see that someone is willing to comment on my comments. I've been baiting people on and off for several weeks now. I've been checking for a pulse. I've been looking for some zesty pushback.

How professional is WebWord? I'm not sure. In many ways, it is a direct reflection of my personality. I use inappropriate language all of the time. Thus, an occassional "bullshit" comment is just a reflection of some of my conversations. On the other hand, WebWord is a business front for my consulting endeavors. In that respect, I should never say "bullshit" if I want to come off as being professional.

I generally keep WebWord at the PG or PG-13 level. Even with "bullshit" I think I'm within those bounds. However, I like Bohmann and I am more concerned with my unquestioned assault on his work. I expected people to tell me that what he wrote was not "bullshit", but that didn't happen. What a shame. He says some interesting things from time to time.

So, is the language offensive or is the tone? Specifically, I hear people say "bullshit" all of the time. It doesn't really offend me. However, depending on the literal tone of the words outloud, I am offended. If someone says "bullshit" in an angry tone, I am disturbed. If they say "bullshit" in an offhand way, I might very well laugh. Is it the case that since WebWord has such good content that juxtaposition of "bullshit" to it doesn't jive? I mean, is the content so good that foul language really has the power to tarnish the rest of the site?

Sure. I think so.

That's why I am glad that someone finally threw a comment at me. That's the pushback that people need to understand. The tone of a web site is set not by literal voice inflections, but by text content, images, and so forth. Tone is set by the history of the web site. Isn't it strange that "bullshit" appears at times and it just doesn't fit? It would fit in other places but the history of WebWord indicates a higher level of professionalism, and certainly a more appropriate tone.

What do others think about tone? Is is the same thing as branding. That's a pretty spicy question, if you ask me. It implies that your language feeds your brand and that your language becomes your brand.

On a can of Coke you will easily pick out "Coca Cola" but do you also see "enjoy" above those words. It is there, like a friend. Imagine if "bullshit" showed up again and again on WebWord. Imagine a big long comment full of nothing but "bullshit", what would you think? Would it be reasonable to write it again and again and again to get people thinking about it?

Rock on. Thanks for the feedback.

Posted by John S. Rhodes @ 09/04/2001 03:58 PM EST

Ahemm. John, do you remember writing the following:

"The best way to gear your Web site writing and content in this situation is to be as professional as possible. Do every thing that you can to ensure that your site is the best-in-class. "

Now, would you find the comment on this article to be professional? :) Seriously, it would be a good idea to tone down the profanity in your comments. I've noticed this a few times and decided to let you know how I'm perceiving it. It comes across as abrasive, immature and generally unappealing and doesn't really fit in with the otherwise excellent content.

Posted by Greg @ 09/04/2001 01:28 PM EST

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