TRANSLATION: VERSION 2.0 WILL SUCK LESS

“We may still be losing money, but we have gone from nowhere to a significant player with a whole different approach. I bet we can take Sony next generation.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, on why he’s proud that the Xbox proved to be an also-ran, News.com, 16 July 2004

ON THE COVER THIS MONTH: SEVEN GREAT STORIES I NICKED FROM A BLOG!

“Thank God for Spymac. I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Ian Harris, deputy editor of MacFormat, on the rumor site he steals all his ideas from, Wired News, 15 July 2004

ALL THE NEWS THAT’S FIT TO REPURPOSE

“There isn’t a compelling business argument today that would suggest that giving away our content is a good idea.”

New York Times Digital CEO Martin Nisenholtz, summarizing how his site operates today, Wired News, 14 July 2004

BORG? NO, BORK BORK BORK.

“My ambition is to make the whole world Danish.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, running out of good ideas for a new mission statement, News.com, 13 July 2004

EVERYONE’S FAKE IN HOLLYWOOD

“What Friendster is doing with these movie-character profiles is actually a brand-new paradigm in media promotion.”

Lisa Kopp, purportedly a real spokesperson for Friendster, on the fake profiles it’s allowed movie studios to create on its service, Wired News, 12 July 2004