Don Dodge is Leaving Microsoft • Hacker News Board

Re: Don Dodge is Leaving Microsoft

#21

Post by abossy » Thu, Nov 05, 2009, 1:10 AM UTC

gsmaverick wrote: post #20

abossy wrote: post #16

His termination shouldn't be all that surprising. Remember, Don Dodge is a big name and costs Microsoft a lot of money. How much value is he producing, exactly? It's difficult to say, since he doesn't work on a directly revenue-generating product. Companies like Microsoft tend to hire well-known guys when they can afford it for the less tangible rewards (brand value, etc.), but have difficulty justifying their employ…

How is it not surprising. He worked tirelessly to improve Microsoft's image with developers and others.

That's exactly my point. How do you measure image? During tough times, you focus on measurable returns.

Re: Don Dodge is Leaving Microsoft

#22

Post by adamc » Thu, Nov 05, 2009, 2:46 AM UTC

The fact that Microsoft needed to make layoffs kind of underscores the fact that they are the big, vulnerable dinosaur these days.Twenty years ago, the recession wouldn't have touched them.

Re: Don Dodge is Leaving Microsoft

#23

Post by alexitosrv » Thu, Nov 05, 2009, 5:04 AM UTC

boundlessdreamz wrote: post #11

myth_drannon wrote: post #6

His new(?) contact email is Gmail .... ouch.

He was waiting to be out of MS to publish it :)

perhaps, after a while to be google.com?

Re: Don Dodge is Leaving Microsoft

#24

Post by x3m » Thu, Nov 05, 2009, 5:05 AM UTC

neilc wrote: post #9

amichail wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The TechCrunch post will help him in his job search. In fact, companies will come to him.

I'm pretty sure Don Dodge will do just fine looking for a new job, regardless of what TechCrunch posts.

I am sure he does fine not even looking for a new job

Re: Don Dodge is Leaving Microsoft

#25

Post by gcheong » Thu, Nov 05, 2009, 5:40 AM UTC

mrshoe wrote: post #13

jswinghammer wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think the point was directed at Microsoft.

I never claimed otherwise, but that's not even relevant. No doubt this guy is looking back at what he accomplished at Microsoft. Whether it's his fault or not, I doubt that he wants to hear that his work was a waste of time.

I don't read it that way. More that it's a sympathetic statement kind of like "Well, at least you tried...".

Re: Don Dodge is Leaving Microsoft

#26

Post by bootload » Thu, Nov 05, 2009, 8:13 AM UTC

concretecode wrote: post #15

yan wrote: post #2

"Don Dodge laid off from Microsoft" is more accurate. Arrington's thoughts: http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/04/microsoft-loses-don-dod...

He didn’t have a bad word to say about Microsoft. He was more concerned that I not write anything negative about the company than anything else. This guy's a class act. That level of professionalism is something we don't see often enough in this industry, and it'll reflect well on him while he looks for his next job.

"... This guy's a class act. That level of professionalism is something we don't see often enough in this industry ..."

I'd tend to agree with you here. I remember Don really getting stuck into YC, not in a negative way but fundamentally questioning the reasons for the niche b/w Angel and VC. Once explained what was going on and the reasons (benefits to Startups, VC's, customers, companies). Given the evidence and seeing the advantages Don changed tack. So it's not the first time I've seen how well Don has behaved in the sometimes bitchy world of Tech.