Author: Matt

“I think the environment for doing major research and development — real innovation — is better now than it was before.”

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, on the dot-com implosion’s effect on Microsoft’s research-by-acquisition strategy, The New York Times, 17 December 2001

“If only a company like Outback Steakhouse or Krispy Kreme would throw us a bone, we could lead the way in Internet radio to becoming solvent.”

Radio Margaritaville program director Steve Huntington, on the Buffett-backed Internet broadcaster’s inability to find advertisers, Los Angeles Times, 13 December 2001

“We have definitely seen the Web return to its roots this past year.”

Webby Awards impresaria Tiffany Shlain, on Internet companies’ return to their original focus on losing buckets of money, News.com, 13 December 2001

“Not being able to program is going to be like not being able to drive — lacking a fundamental skill in our society.”

Brian Behlendorf, inventor of an open-source Web server, on readin’, writin’ and algorithms, The New York Times, 12 December 2001

“There was an emperor’s new clothes thing going on. No one wanted to believe the whole thing could crash. But it surely did. When I went back in April earlier this year, I wanted to hug everyone.”

Archaeologist Christine Finn, on how Silicon Valley’s boom-and-bust cycle left techies feeling naked and vulnerable, BBC News, 11 December 2001