Gary Flake (MSFT technical fellow) on how MSN Search “sucks”

by on April 6, 2006

Usually when I see executives from companies give interviews I don't expect them to be, um, honest about where they are.

John Battelle's interview of Gary Flake (technical fellow on MSN) broke that one open.

Interesting interview John!

  • Richard
    After reading Mini-Microsoft. It is pleasing and refreshing to hear from a senior person from M$FT to give his honest opinion, I hope that he doesn't get a whack over the knuckles from his bosses from this blog. I agree with Robert Dewey when he wrote "Microsoft has just chalked up another numeral in my book of respect." I just hope more senior Microsofties can give their honest opinions about the technology they are developing for us, which in turn we rely on to make a living cutting code.
  • anon
    Stick to the UI improvements. MSN's "core 64-bit architecture" and "relevance framework" suck.

    Earth to Borg: the UI isn't what's slowing adoption of MSN search.

    Maybe when MSN search is bundled with Vista, you can fool some of the less knowledgable customers long enough to tick up marketshare which is sagging on its own merit.
  • Saeed
    Wow, another "moderate contrition gains credibility" ploy, straight from the Scoble book of lies... too bad it's completely obvious.

    What did he actually say of substance in that interview that isn't obvious to anyone with a modicum of clue? OOOOH, 64-BIT, SHIIIIIIIIIIINY. But Scoble, who knows nothing about what is impressive and what isn't, fawns anyway...

    And Microsoft isn't evil, really. They just steal fonts (perhaps the smallest among other such transgressions that you refuse to blog). Tell me, for such an ethical company, is someone getting fired for that? Or, like Chris Jones, just the "no bonus"?

    I want to like Microsoft, but it sucks. Engineers are shielded by PMs and bozo management and PR flunkies like yourself.

    The rare chance someone who is obviously very impressive like Dr Flake gets to talk, he probably has to be mindful of a bazillion lawyers.

    While I'm ranting, as you often make me do - Channel 9 is crap too BTW - yes, we know, you use a handheld camcorder - wow, how "down to the ground" and semi-secretive!! How innovative?! Except you can't see the &*%*ing screen. Use Camtasia and stop being deliberately dumb.
  • Wow, this is impressive to say the least. Nothing gains more respect in my book than a company (or person) who can admit their flaws. That's the first step in correcting them!

    Microsoft has just chalked up another numeral in my book of respect.
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