We and They: Microsoft and Apple

Two comments on the "We" and "They" discussion. First, Fred, over at the VC blog, says: "Microsoft is the poster child for a "they" company." Of course, MS designated hitter Scobelizer comments that Microsoft is already a "we" company.

The Scobe says, as per usual MS spin, that Microsoft wants to empower their customers to win and win massively. "If we take an "us only" approach then more and more companies and people will take their business elsewhere to companies that have a more inclusive set of offerings.... There's a big hint there for Microsoft: start getting along with others or others will route around you and build their own systems.

Lots of work ahead. Luckily we have something going for us: more than 1,500 bloggers. Now you can at least talk to us efficiently. Now it's time to turn what we're hearing into new kinds of products and services: ones that everyone can participate in."

Unfortunately, Scobe kind of misses the point in the "original Microsoft 'they' posting." As VC writes: "It's an incredible temptation when you are managing a company that's hitting on all cylinders to overreach, to push for more, more, more. But its the wrong temptation."

Microsoft has never managed to push back against that temptation. In fact, the MS back-lash is a direct consequence of MS always overreaching.