I think it's fine to point out Microsoft's flaws, as long as it's done objectively. Otherwise, how would Microsoft know it needs to improve anything? I like Windows 7, but it's less than perfect. It seems responsive and I like its features. But it still has file-locking issues that seem to have been present since 1995. Explorer doesn't do a good job syncing the left and the right panes anymore.
By reading about what the competitors do better, Microsoft is given the opportunity to improve. Even if no one pertinent from Microsoft reads this newsletter, the information can still trickle down to its headquarters. I was surprised to read so much about other products in these newsletters -- it was a refreshing change. Most other newsletters I've read only offer marketing fluff.
-Anonymous
I have honestly started to think that I was going to have to defend Microsoft on my own, and I am glad to see I am not alone in this war. I have been reading Doug's posts for quite a while, and I do get the feeling that he is becoming a Mac lover, which would be a terrible thing. Come on Doug, don't go to the Dark Side!
-Derec
Optimists are those who see the glass as half full (Microsoft as the best thing that has ever happened to computing). Pessimists are those with a half empty glass and who think MS is the evil empire. Realists think the glass is 50 percent larger than necessary and just want to get the most value out of their investments in MS products. Keep up the good work Redmond mag.
-Anonymous
Both of the Redmond publications read like they've been overrun by Macolytes. It is one thing to challenge Microsoft products or strategy in a thoughtful manner, but when a publication written for a pro-MSFT audience drinks the anti-MSFT Kool-Aid, that is a problem. There are plenty of publications -- even some who aren't MSFT-friendly -- who have found great things to say about Windows 8 and Windows Phone. The Redmond pubs can, at the very least, lead with positives instead of the constant 'MSFT Falls Short Again' headlines. You seem to spend more time suggesting that MS Partners start promoting Google and Apple products. Stop it.
-Anonymous