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by LVB 5164 days ago
I've seen this type of story many times. All that can be concluded is that Max and Microsoft simply aren't compatible with each other. Nothing shocking with that... he picked the wrong place to start his career and they hired the wrong guy.

I take more seriously the critiques of long-time employees who are truly devoted to a company or project, try and try different approaches to improving things (which of course includes putting up with a lot of unsavory BS), and eventually (and usually sorrowfully) have to part ways because they can't influence things enough and need to move on with their lives.

Max's account is of someone who was annoyed within a year or two, started protesting in a way that wasn't effective, and pushed it until he got fired.

There are ways to get changes made in Big Co., but it won't be 100% on the individual's terms. You need to first get them to really listen to you, and I don't think that occurred here.

1 comments

> There are ways to get changes made in Big Co.

Very true. I have this book in my head that might one day get written. Title would be something like "Intreprenauring: Innovating within Large Stupid Organizations" with a focus on practical "hacks" for getting stuff done. Probably all been said by Dilbert already though.

Please kickstarter that book right away. Dilbert identifies problems but does not provide solutions, only an outlet for the rage.
That's a great idea. Now you've got me thinking... Initial hurdle is I'm in Europe, based in Switzerland and kickstarter T&C require US citizenship. Looking for solutions right now (anyone with advice appreciated)
Why not do it the normal way of submitting a proposal to suitable publishers?
There's always the tried-and-true option of writing it in your spare time, and then finding a publisher or self-publishing with Amazon or the like.
I'm happy to offer publishing advice. Contact information is on my profile page.
Hey, I'm from Switzerland too, are you working on anything interesting atm?
> "Intreprenauring: Innovating within Large Stupid Organizations"

Please write that book

Anyone trying to learn to work in LSOs, should read the Political Savvy book first: http://www.politicalsavvy.com/docs/book.html (ignore all the colour scheme and additional monetization junk, just borrow/buy the book itself)
Really looking forward to this...