Filed under: iPod Family, Cult of Mac
Ballmer to his kids: "You don't use Google, you don't use iPods"
Microsoft CEO
Steve Ballmer is, let's say, a passionate guy. With Microsoft stagnating while the iTunes Music Store and Google (which
is practically synonymous with "search" these days) becoming the standard of what they do, he's got a lot of
stress to deal with. How does he manage? When he isn't sweating profusely, he's spending time with his kids...and
telling them not to use Google or iPods. In an interview with CNN Money, he was asked if he owns an iPod. He replied:
"No, I do not. Nor do my children. My children--in many dimensions they're as poorly behaved as many other children, but at least on this dimension I've got my kids brainwashed: You don't use Google, and you don't use an iPod."
Call me crazy, Steve, but telling kids not to do something only makes that "something" more appealing. He also mentioned that Micorsoft intends to make announcements "...within the next 12 months" about their plans for dealing with the iPod.
So, Steve's announcement was basically "come back in 12 months for another announcement." Gee, I can't wait.
[Via MacDailyNews]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
urban said 9:12PM on 3-28-2006
when he say's 12 months he means 24 months, and when that rolls around he needs 6 more.
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Suspense said 9:14PM on 3-28-2006
That's pathetic. Prohibiting his kids from using competitors from HIS business life is ridiculous. I also fail to see why Microsoft needs to "deal with the iPod". iPods aren't competing with Microsoft's business.
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Nathaniel said 9:15PM on 3-28-2006
So in the next year, they will make an ANNOUNCEMENT about how they intend to compete with the company who has been leading (indeed, defining) the market for five years already? Gosh, I can't wait, if it took 6 years to come up with this plan it must be as great as PlaysForSure!
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ImperiusBlack said 9:16PM on 3-28-2006
he's like a big monkey.
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Alex said 9:16PM on 3-28-2006
Steve: "Kids, i think its time we talk... I know its a crazy world out there, especially at your age, but I just want to make sure you don't give into the pressure. I know all the kids are doing it, and you might want to try it once. But when it comes to ipods, and googling, JUST SAY NO. They're gateways into other things like, OSX..."
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Joseph Matt said 9:17PM on 3-28-2006
Wait wait...... annoucement in the next 12 months about dealing with the iPod?
Wasn't that PlayForSure?
Wasn't that MSNmusic Store?
Wasn't that MS helping all the 3rd party vendors?
Wasn't that Bill saying brining the iPod to the PC would be a good idea (oh wait, they don't like to remember that back in 2001).......
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timothy said 9:22PM on 3-28-2006
@ Alex
Hahhaha! That's great!
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Doug said 9:27PM on 3-28-2006
That's what Ballmer thinks. Just wait until he hears noises coming from Timmy's bedroom.
Ballmer: Dear God what are you doing with yourself Timmy?
Timmy: Just listening to some music on my new iPod?
Ballmer: I have no son!!!
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Henry Mumford said 9:29PM on 3-28-2006
Man, that guy is so weird! Weirdo!
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leojsoap said 10:06PM on 3-28-2006
I file reports for DHS part time, but I got this the other day…
[DHS report #405-87
Offender(s): Steve Ballmer & profusely sweat stained button-up.
Children in DHS custody: 2
Comments: Mr. Ballmer quoted saying "I'm going to f***ing kill Google and Apple! and you kids!!" Ballmer continued to yell "whoo!! yeaaah!" while trowing chairs at his children after finding them using a Google search engine to find software for their new iPod.]
hmmm…
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fcodc :: Exploding Barrels said 10:25PM on 3-28-2006
Taking a page out of The Waterboy:
Steve Jr - Papa, what are iPods?
Ballmer - Papa invented the music! iPods are stealing from papa! The iPods are the devil!!!
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Mitchell said 10:49PM on 3-28-2006
Sounds like vista.
Check back in few months and we'll have another announcement.
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Ireland said 11:01PM on 3-28-2006
One word: "Loopers"
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Blake said 11:28PM on 3-28-2006
What a dick.
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Silver said 11:29PM on 3-28-2006
Addendum: "You don't use Google, you don't use an iPod, and you don't use anti-perspirant."
Ballmer is the richest clown on the planet.
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dogfriend said 11:58PM on 3-28-2006
Umm....Me Ballmer...iPod Bad....Google Bad...No Use Google...No Use iPod....Ooh Ooh (throws chair at kid)
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yap said 1:16AM on 3-29-2006
It's funny to laugh at Ballmer whenever you can, but over this? Come on. He'd probably lose his job if he said otherwise.
I've known people who have been put in similar situations - IE: Pepsi employees who out of fear refuse to drink competitor's products when they're away from work - the same goes for their kids.
What's he supposed to say during an interview? "Aww hell yea, all my kids use iPod/Google. Who doesn't?!"
I'd be willing to wager that the vast majority of commentors who are snickering now would do the same put in his shoes.
Ballmer does suck though, don't get me wrong.
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Wheels said 1:19AM on 3-29-2006
Instead of gamma rays, Steve Ballmer got into a freak scientific accident where his DNA was infused with Tex's Super Hot Nuclear Chilly, and from that point 'til eternity, whenever he gets mad, Steve Ballmer will turn into the Incredible Sweat!
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Andy Lee said 1:29AM on 3-29-2006
Even if I knew nothing else about Microsoft, the video clips I've seen of Ballmer would make me feel repulsed by the company. What a profoundly unpleasant person. The guy is a prick and he is out of his mind.
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Ahmed said 3:08AM on 3-29-2006
If this guy has really told his kids that then ...
1. He's seriously pathetic and MS is going down into the gutters.
2. If he's *unashamed* of saying it to the news in public, then he's lost contact with the surrounding too!!!!
This guy reflects the future of Microsoft...plain and simple
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