Jan 23, 2003, 7:40pm
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MSN... Doesn't get it Microsoft still doesn't get it. Stop trying to hold our hands! Let us decide where "we want to go today"! |
So, the folks over at Microsoft are bemoaning the static and stale condition of signups for their MSN service (read about it here).
The numbers are flat, and many defections are taking place (read: people signing up with other services). Microsoft spin doctors "blamed the lack of growth on a wave of MSN defections in the fourth quarter of 2002. These subscribers had signed up for MSN through multiyear discount offers that had come to an end.".
Uh, maybe. But you know what? I tried MSN back last year, when I was in Anaheim. I signed up for the 30 day trial, and was not impressed. Here's why: - Microsoft shows its "hey, we're Microsoft, we know what you want to do, so let us do it through assumption" attitude at its fullest with MSN dialup. You can't use your own browser. You can't (easily) even set up a normal dial-up script. You're forced to use MSN Exploder and MSN's connectivity software (which is included, of course, in WinXP).
- I couldn't get it working on a Mac, no matter what I tried
- The setup program is so inflexible, I couldn't set myself up as a "travelling" location: in other words, register with my Richmond, BC address, but choose a temporary dialup in Anaheim for connectivity. I ended up giving my Anaheim hotel as my "address".
- MSN Dialup automatically blocks you from using your own mail servers. I own several domain names (including spiffle.com) and while I could check email on these servers, I could not send mail through them. I called to complain, and was told that was "policy". Boo Microsoft.
If Microsoft wants MSN Dialup to succeed, they need to reposition the service, or roll out something like ATT has for business users - dialup for business - no frills, no fancy Bob-like programs, just dial up access nationwide. You're free to use your own mail server, you're free to use your own mail program, you're free to use any browser (or operating system, for that matter) that you want. Dial up, and nuttin' but.
But they won't do it. It's Microsoft. They know where you want to go today, and will take you there without asking you first.
Previous Ten Daily Rants |
Title |
Date |
Comments |
The continued fallout on auto gratuities |
5:35pm, 08/09 |
3 |
Final thougths on price gouging, auto gratuities coming soon |
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The Real Reasons for Olympics Auto Gratuities |
7:20pm, 02/19 |
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Vancouver Olympics - Nice Prices, Profiteer (gouger) Restaurant Listings |
12:15am, 02/18 |
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More on Auto Gratuities |
6:45pm, 02/16 |
4 |
Price Gouging in Vancouver During Olympics (and Price Heroes!) |
12:20am, 02/16 |
25 |
Ideal Mac (or any pc) netbook.... |
8:05pm, 12/22 |
1 |
NetMacBook Hackintosh Update |
12:20am, 12/20 |
1 |
NetMac... er Hackintosh... er NetMacBook. Yeah |
5:20pm, 12/17 |
4 |
Balance Board Wii Game I'd like to see - Boxing! |
4:00pm, 07/26 |
0 |

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Mixelania Photos from Algonquin Park Photos from my trip to Algonquin Park this fall with my Mom and two brothers. War Stories Making Snow for the Fortress One of the worst jobs I ever had... till I got out. Webiffied Tools I Use The tools I use to build websites and lead a tech life.
iPod and iTunes Offline iMark's iTunes and iPod isn't iPlaying anything right iNow. Most Recent Songs Fiddlers Green by The Tragically Hip Around The Bend by Pearl Jam Here With Me (Rollo's Chillin' With the Family Mix) by Dido With arms open wide by Creed truffle pigs by Matthew Good Band
In the News
Burundi and Beyond - NY Times
Great article by Peter Meehan - provided some background.
St. Petersburg Times
Side mention in an article about good machines
AP Story on Espresso
Background and information provided
NY Times - Grinders Article
Especially proud of this one - got the reporter to focus on grinders
Globe and Mail
LOL - showing bad reporting, dude says I'm an American-based site!
The Olympian, WA
Talks about my love for the El Sal Siberia Pacamara
Seattle Times - Clover
Interviewed for comments on the Clover brewer
NY Times - How it Works
Background and information for various espresso machines
Time Mag Article
Just a brief mention, article about roasting beans.
NY Times
Front page article about consumers getting into specialty coffee.
Washington Monthly
Quoted reference to what I wrote in an article at CoffeeGeek.
USA Today - Barista Jam
Intereviewed for my thoughts on what the epitome of espresso is.
WSJ Article
The Wall Street Journal has interviewed me 3 times. This is the first time my name got in a story.
Reuters Interview
Interview with Reuters, Jan 2 - this is the USA Today version.
My Other Stuff
CoffeeGeek
Launched Dec 22, 2001, this is THE online community for espresso and coffee fanatics.
CoffeeKid Website
It's all new, as of March, 2002. My personal coffee obsession site.
WebMotif Services
My company's site - needs an update!
Amazon WishList
Hey, if you feel the need to buy me something, check here!
Daily Visits
enGadget
Great gadget site run by the guy who used to do Gizmodo.
Google News
This is how I get my daily news fix.
DPReview Forums`
The most active forums for digital photography online today.
Daily Zen
Need my Daily Zen fix!
Jalopnik
A blog about car stuff. Vroom Vroom.
MoCo Loco
An industrial design blog. Very cool stuff.
Friends and Family Plan
Beata Blog
Beata's got her own blog! She updates it most days.
Riddla on Flickr
Matt Riddle's flickr account, updated regularly
Irdy Photos
Irdy, my friend from Jakharta, on Flickr
Recent Acquisitions
Canon EF 24-105 f4 L Lens
The best lens I've ever owned. Super sharp and quick.
Canon 5D
A full frame dSLR, with luscious colour reproduction.
Alzo Digital Lights
Some amazing florescent cold lights for product photography
Canon Xsi dSLR
Amazing technology and image quality in a tiny package.
Canon 40D
Latest prosumer camera from Canon - a much better upgrade than the 30D
Fujitsu P1610
Great 2.2lb computer that does most of my travel / writing needs
28mm f1.8 Lens
A great lens for closeup work and full picture photography
Foodsaver Advanced
Finally got the right tools for freezing green coffee.
Canon 50mm 1.4
Most amazing lens I've ever owned. Produces stellar photos.
Canon 10-22mm
Super wide angle (full frame fisheye) zoom for my Canon 20D
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