Bill Gates: My 1979 Memories
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When he wrote comments for his Thinkweek papers (atleast until the last one), I was always amazed by how much he kept track of stuff happening on the web. He would usually know the nitty gritty of some API of some hot new site on the web. He would have test accounts in every hot new social networking site and would have installed and played with every new product, Microsoft and non-Microsoft. He would also have very sharp, insightful commentary on macro strategy as well as micro-level tactical issues.
I think the sad part is that very rarely have people seen that BillG outside of Microsoft. My feeling is that people outside MSFT have this slightly stereotyped image which is either a) evil corporate overlord who got lucky b) wimpy software nerd billionaire or more and more c) wealthy old philanthropist.
I don't think any of the 3 are really accurate or do justice to him.
"I was always amazed by how much he kept track of stuff happening on the web. He would usually know the nitty gritty of some API of some hot new site on the web. He would have test accounts in every hot new social networking site and would have installed and played with every new product. He would also have very sharp, insightful commentary on macro strategy as well as micro-level tactical issues.
I think the sad part is that very rarely have people seen that Mark Z outside of Facebook. My feeling is that people outside Facebook have this slightly stereotyped image."
Mark gets passed off as the "goofy young CEO who had to get Sandberg in to play adult", but everyone forgets how much of the Facebook strategy he drives, how connected he is with new technology and also how quick he is to adapt strategy. It's also interesting how Facebook was not his first big success (I believe he was offered a $1,000,000 signing bonus from Microsoft?)
http://gizmodo.com/5318253/1979-the-golden-age-of-lego/galle...
Here is the "article" he could have been part of http://gizmodo.com/5316206/the-desperate-times-before-intern...