ON SCOBLE DEFENDING MICROSOFT

CLASS ACT

By now, if you're at all into blogging and into tech, you've heard that Microsoft's uber-blogger Robert Scoble is likely leaving the Seattle company for start-up Podtech.net in the Bay area.  You just have to check techmeme for all the posts on the partially confirmed "rumor".

What's surprising is not that Robert is leaving.  He's had many opportunities to consider of late by his own admission:

"I've turned down quite a few offers for more money than I'm now making."

What is surprising is how people assumed the worst of his employer Microsoft, while speculating on the reasons for his impending departure.

In fact, SiliconValleywatcher, one of the first to post on the news (from Andy Plesser of Beet.tv) had this to say of Microsoft:

"Mr Scoble has expressed frustration working at Microsoft and he has also been unhappy with his compensation.

He has created a tremendous amount of positive publicity for Microsoft but there have been many within the organisation that have resented his very public position.

The company has not been able to control his views or his travels to various conferences and blogger meetings."

And it goes downhill from there on the Microsoft-related causation of Robert's departure.

What I found classy is the way Robert finally spoke up and defended his current employer, with an eight-part post:

"First, I love Microsoft and Microsoft did not lose me — at least as a supporter and friend. I am not throwing away my Tablet PC or my Xbox or my other Microsoft stuff. :-)

Second, my management team is awesome and I don't have a beef with them at all. They have ALWAYS supported me."

And it goes uphill from there in terms how Robert feels about Microsoft.

It's interesting how easily folks can assume the worst about Microsoft, and build on it before any confirmation of the facts.  We all know it's become the tech company company to hate in recent years, although Google seems to coming up potentially to take it's place of late.

Shoot Microsoft first and wait for the answers second, seems to be the current state of mind in some quarters of the blogging world.

Congratulations to Robert for standing up for the company that gave him a seat at the table.

And of course additional congratulations to Robert on whatever he's going to do next.

We wish you the very best, Robert.

And look forward to hearing your voice from your new perch.

DISCLOSURE:  Like Robert, I'm a Microsoft shareholder.

Comments

[Dennis Chan]

Michael,

Don't be naive. Of course, Robert is not going to bad mouth his former employer. Remember the old adage "Don't burn any bridges." But one can read between tea leaves.