Even Microsoft wants G5s

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on October 23, 2003). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

UPDATE: Please take the time to read my followup post, Fifteen Minutes of Fame, for my thoughts on what happened after I posted this picture, why it happened — and most importantly, why I don’t blame Microsoft for their actions. Thanks!


It looks like somebody over in Microsoft land is getting some new toys…

Microsoft's shipment of G5s come in

I took this shot on the way into work on the loading dock (MSCopy, the print shop I work in, is in the same building as MS’s shipping and receiving). Three palettes of Dual 2.0Ghz G5’s on their way in to somewhere deep in the bowels of Redmond. Hopefully they’re all in good condition when they arrive — the boxes are slick enough that a few of them took a bit of a tumble (you can see them back in the truck)!

443 thoughts on “Even Microsoft wants G5s”

  1. OH MY GOD! THIS IS THE BEST THING I EVER READ! YET I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT YOU SHOULDNT HAVE GOT FIRED FOR THIS. I THINK ITS UNFAIR. IF I WAS YOU, I WOULD SUE MICROSOFT (ALTHOUGH I LOVE MICROSOFT HEHE). YOU SEEM LIKE A VERY ETHICAL PERSON TO HAVE TAKEN NO ACTION. WAY TO GO AND GOOD LUCK IN LIFE!

  2. MS missed out on some lines there pal. The ones that says, “Hopefully they’re all in good condition when they arrive…” They must have been so enraged that they didn’t noticed the concern that you have shown for their shipments. Or MS must be really that “insensitive” for not noticing that, that they have done the worst to you. Sigh Well, what can I say. Everything happens for a reason. Goodluck and God Bless you and your family..

  3. Mike,

    I’ve used LINUX and (begrudgingly) some MAC stuff but I’ve been a longtime user of MS products and most likely always will be. It is, however, so sad to see that MS has taken something so menial (and obviously not done maliciously) and made it so mountainous.

    It seems to me that they are more embarrassed that they got ”caught” than anything. So, kudos to you, Mike for your humorous and ”honest” picture.

    Shame on you, MS, for being to childish and petty as to terminate an (apparently) honest and upright guy.

    Always remember, MS, if you don’t want to get caught doing something embarrassing, it’s probably a good idea to simply not do it to begin with.

  4. I just came across this blog and photo and story about Microsoft. I am absolutely amazed at the hostility and name-calling engaged by some “people” (I use that term very loosely); they are in reality poisonous spiders and snakes “posing” as human beings. I am so glad I don’t and won’t ever have to work around people like them.

    If this is what “corporate culture” is all about – no cameras, no cell phone cameras, no blogs, no freedom of speech, then it’s good to not be in that environment. Just because one wears (or has to wear) a white collar shirt and tie doesn’t mean they aren’t just as mistreated as the miners of old. Has anything really changed?

    Slavery still exists, apparently, it just has another name: MICROSOFT and “CORPORATION.” The downfall of Rome is not far behind. Long live freedom and responsibility; the responsibility of choosing to live well, and to live and treat others humanely. It appears that this is just what you did. Whether you intentionally chose the “freedom” of unemployment or not. Surely there is something out there much better for someone as intelligent and kind as you.

    What are you up to now? You sound like a really nice person; especially as you don’t blame Microsoft even when you, working for an outside independent contractor, hadn’t been informed of the rules. I would not find myself to be as charitable as you.

    Thanks so much for such enlightening posts…
    Yours, Catherine Todd, ctodd1000@gmail.com

    P.S. I use my real name on all my blogs and internet dealings as well. We have to be individuals and live without fear, or we are lost. I love my life and won’t let anyone take it away.

  5. Capitalism is shit when an image’s question is more important than human job, and dignity of a salary for survive in this society.

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