[aclug-L] [humorix] Microsoft FUD Campaign Exposed (fwd)

[Cheez-Czar <cabrubak@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The scary thing is that might not be a joke

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 21:15:55 -0500
From: James Baughn <jbaughn@xxxxxxx>
To: humorix@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [humorix] Microsoft FUD Campaign Exposed

Microsoft FUD Campaign Exposed
September 13, 1998

Sources have provided Humorix with internal Microsoft
e-mails about an upcoming anti-Linux FUD campaign.  The
campaign, code-named "Penguin Killer", involves spreading
rumors, lies, and misconceptions about Linux to the public
while continuing the Windows NT 5.0 vaporware strategy. 
One particularly revealing e-mail obtained by Humorix is
quoted below.

=====

Subject: Operation Penguin Killer
From: Eric Dobinzky <dobinzky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: Bill Gates <realbill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
CC: Steve Ballmer <steveb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: August 15, 1998

Emperor Gates --

The anti-Linux FUD campaign "Operation Penguin Killer" is
underway.  Ballmer has already been briefed on his upcoming
duties.  In summary, here is the revised schedule of
events:

1. Early September - Ballmer mentions Linux and open source
software at upcoming publishers' conference.  He will say
that "open source is not beneficial to consumers".

2. Mid-September - Distribute press release about how
Microsoft is "considering" releasing "some" source code to
NT to the public.  Be vague about when, how, or how much. 
Employ standard vaporware strategy - MS has no intention of
releasing the most valuable intellectual property in the
world (Windows) to the public.

3. Late September - Begin "Astroturf 2" program.  Spread
made-up Linux horror stories.  Harp on "lack of support"
and "security through obscurity" FUD.

4. Early October - Secretly sponsor "Linux Boycott
Campaign".  Begin rallying Microsoft "partners" and
"friends" against the evil OS (Linux) that could harm their
bottom line.  Focus on Stallman, Stallman, Stallman! Tell
them Linux will suck up all their profits.

5. October/November - Keep low profile during vigilante DOJ
anti-trust trial; continue to influence media (especially
Ziff-Davis and our friend Jesse Berst) about how crappy
Linux is, also lie about NT5 release date (which is really
late 2002, but no one has to know that).

6. November - Infilitrate Linux/open source advocate's
mailing lists, forums (i.e. Slashdot.org), meeting places,
etc.  Spread rumors about serious Linux security holes and
bugs.  Resurrect "Linux Standards Association"; attempt to
split Linux/OSS community over trivial matters (i.e. Rehash
GNOME vs. KDE controversy).

7. December - Slowly begin to acquire companies and
technologies related to Unix/Linux and open source. 
O'Reilly, Caldera, Transmeta, Informix, etc. are all
targets.  Try to keep low profile during acquisitions.

8. January - Begin making "calls" to ISPs who host
Linux-related sites. If can't intimidate, sue.  If can't
sue, acquire.

9. February - Announce interrim NT 4.5 release (codenamed
"East St. Louis"); hype, hype, hype it!  (NT 4.5 is the
same as 4.0 except for a few added service packs) Launch
largest ad campaign since Win95.  Leave no chance for media
to mention Linux at all.

10. Rest of 1999 - Continue above steps, intensify and
redouble efforts as needed.

This plan can't fail.  Remember that a similar plan
(code-named "Big Blue Sadness") destroyed OS/2.  While
Penguin Killer could be speeded up, it's best to keep a low
profile during the DOJ trial.  After all, our party line is
that Windows isn't a monopoly because of alternatives like
Linux (yeah, right!).  After the trial is over we'll attack
Linux without hesitation.  This is going to be fun, Bill!

----

Eric Dobinzky
Vice President of Marketing

P.S. The microsoft.com e-mail servers seem to be acting up
again. If you can't get through to me, try calling me at
[withheld].

=====

Microsoft and Linus Torvalds were unavailable for comment
at press time.

---

James S. Baughn
http://i-want-a-website.com/about-linux


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