Linux Peanut Gallery Razzes Microsoft Transition

Last week's Microsoft succession news sparked an array of definitely NOT-for-attribution-comments from those who've watched the company forever. Face it, few tech execs have been as demonized as Microsoft chairman Bill Gates. Well maybe Steve Ballmer, his CEO, but I digress.

As the nearly inaudible teleconference kicked off Thursday afternoon, many had to use the wire release as a closed-caption aid.

One IM buddy with Linux proclivities rejoiced when it became clear that Gates was stepping back, albeit in slow motion. The following are outtakes from an IM thread---a sort of buddy list peanut gallery reaction to the news as it happened.

It dawns that Gates is stepping back.

Nelgom: good heavens. The linux community has driven gates out of his own company!!! Victory is ours!!!

Gates talks about his future in charitable work.

Nelgom: Is it true gates is leaving to work on a linux startup? Let's call Szulik

Gates talks more about his goal to spend more time on his foundation.

Nelgom: News flash: Richard Stallman counterattacks, announces he will step down from free software foundation to focus on screwing up the efforts of the bill and Melinda gates foundation.

Mention is made of Gates' planned seven-week vacation this summer.

Nelgom: how long is your vacation? It started 5 years ago.

More transition stuff....

Nelgom: Question: Will gates also stop killing babies and drinking their blood?

More on Gates fazing out day to day duties in two years, ceding more jobs to Ozzie.

Nelgom: Hedline: Dr. Evil enters escape pod.

Gates/Ballmer outline Ray Ozzie's and Craig Mundie's new duties as chief software architect and chief strategist/researcher, respectively.

Nelgom: zzz....zzzzzz......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.............zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Execs say Microsoft will continue to lead, to innovate.

Nelgom: Yeah, nobody else is innovating like MSFT. Live is so big. It still doesn't work but it's big baby. Ditto Vista.

You get the picture.

Face it, if Microsoft wasn't around to abuse, we'd have to make it up.