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Microsoft Considers Pulling Out of China

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the no-windows-for-you dept.

icefaerie writes to let us know that a senior executive for Microsoft has said the firm could pull out of non-democratic countries such as China. From the article: "Fred Tipson, senior policy counsel for the computer giant, said concerns over the repressive regime might force it to reconsider its business in China. 'Things are getting bad... and perhaps we have to look again at our presence there,' he told a conference in Athens."

14 of 443 comments (clear)

  1. Ethics by Kell+Bengal · · Score: 3, Funny

    When Microsoft leads the way in business ethics ahead of a company with a motto of "Don't be evil", I know it's time ot look for aerial pork.

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  2. Pulling out? by Lurker2288 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Microsoft, when will you learn? Pulling out is NOT a reliable precaution. It's almost as bad as counting business cycles.

    1. Re:Pulling out? by nacturation · · Score: 2, Funny

      Everyone knows that pulling out is unsafe. That's why you're supposed to use condoms instead.

      There were several other jokes in this discussion that one or two people may not get. Can you explain those as well? Thanks!

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  3. Won't happen by nnnneedles · · Score: 5, Funny

    Everyone who thinks this won't happen, mod me up.

    Thank you.

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    1. Re:Won't happen by mark-t · · Score: 2, Funny

      That, sir, may just qualify as the most unabashedly shameless example of karma whoring I have ever been party to witness here or any other place that uses similar moderation processes. Were there a plaque or trophy for such an accomplishment you would certainly receive my vote for recieving it. Well done!

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  4. Re:Shareholders by Digital+Vomit · · Score: 4, Funny
    And why stop there? What about other countries who support terrorism, for instance. Are they going to relocate to Canada?

    NOOO--, I mean, I don't think that's a good idea. Don't you remember how Canada was an entry point for the 9/11 terrorists? We-- I mean, those Canucks can't be trusted. Microsoft should not move here!

    I mean, "there"!

    --
    Modern copyright is theft of culture from everyone and it retards the progress of the useful arts and sciences.
  5. Re:Victory! by Rik+Sweeney · · Score: 3, Funny

    China will never take over the world.

    It's only really used by the upper class or people who'd like to think they're upper class. Most people just use the regular material that plates and cups are made out of (whatever that it). Some even use paper to avoid having to wash up at the end of their meal.

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    Summation 2
  6. Re:correction by ozmanjusri · · Score: 5, Funny
    When he gets back to Redmond he'll be in deep shit.

    Precisely.

    Microsoft's pulling out of the biggest potential market in the world because of piracy, like I'd be pulling out of Natalie Portman because she farts in bed.

    --
    "I've got more toys than Teruhisa Kitahara."
  7. Re:All democratic companies should pull out by Aceticon · · Score: 4, Funny

    I vote that all US companies move out of any countries that hold prisioners for an indefinite period without a right to a fair trial, practice torture and/or bug their citizens phones without court orders .... oh wait...

  8. could pull out of non-democratic countries by smchris · · Score: 2, Funny

    Oh, great. More jobs going overseas.

    [This time next week we can only hope to see how wrong that statement is.]

  9. Re:correction by Simon · · Score: 2, Funny
    s/non-democratic countries/countries where piracy is rampant/

    That's a bit harsh don't you think? After all China has taken great strides to help reduce the use of illegal software. The Chinese government is even sponsoring development of a Chinese linux distribution, Red Flag Linux. I'm surprised that Microsoft isn't applauding and encouraging these anti-piracy efforts. Think of all of the millions of dollars Microsoft will no longer lose each year to the pirates. ;-)

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    Simon

  10. Re:The real reason by freeze128 · · Score: 2, Funny
    And think of all the applications that would be made available on Linux. Sweet!
    Yeah, but the documentation would SUCK!
  11. Re:correction by Entropy · · Score: 3, Funny
    Microsoft's pulling out of the biggest potential market in the world because of piracy, like I'd be pulling out of Natalie Portman because she farts in bed.


    The difference is, you haven't fucked Natalie Portman, whereas Microsoft has fucked China.
    --
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  12. Re:The real reason by drinkypoo · · Score: 4, Funny
    And think of all the applications that would be made available on Linux. Sweet!
    Yeah, but the documentation would SUCK!

    CHAPTER 1: HARD DISK THE PARTITIONING

    Before install the operating system the hard disk partitioning. cfdisk run courageously at prompt, arrow key use select to hard disk installation for...

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