Microsoft Steals Code From Microblogging Startup

Readers davidlougheed and TSHTF both let us know that microblogging service Plurk reported today that Microsoft China not only copied look and feel from its interface, but also copied raw code from Plurk's service, when it released its own microblogging service called MSN Juku (or Mclub). In instances of the code released on the Plurk blog, the layout, code structure, and variable names were very similar or in some cases 100% identical. The story has been covered in multiple media sources. The software theft is hypocritical, given Microsoft's past threats against Chinese software piracy."

Comments

They failed at copying

[Thanshin]

That's why, when I copy source code I always change all variables, functions and classes to a, b, c, ...

Copyright immunity and job security all in one.

Re:They failed at copying

[bezenek]

That's why, when I copy source code I always change all variables, functions and classes to a, b, c, ...

Whenever I copy code, I make sure it follows my current employer's coding standard.

Unfortunately, this makes it hard to find code to copy, so I always have to write my own.

-Todd

Re:I wonder

[ahankinson]

Yeah! If only there were links in the story where you could go and see that it is actually a blatant and shameful copy-and-paste job, instead of just complaining about the editors and not bothering to actually RTFA for yourself.... If only....

Re:Of course being in China,

[Anonymous Coward]

Chinese moderators.