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Unfortunately, FUD from Microsoft is likely to be at least somewhat effective. The less technically-inclined are likely to actually listen to what Microsoft says, and if they do and they have the say as to what plugins get installed on their corporate network, then lo and behold, Chrome Frame won't get installed on their corporate network, and Microsoft won that small piece of the battle.
Anyone who really pays attention and actually knows anything about the issue will know that it's pure FUD, but unfortunately, FUD still affects what people think - especially when the people doing the listening aren't all that well-informed. So, this move may very well look stupid, but from Microsoft's point of view, it's likely better to spout FUD than admit that Google is actually helping to clean up Microsoft's mess.
This would all be true and of great importance if Microsoft's reputation was still what it once was.
However, Microsoft's reputation is very heavily tarnished. They have virtually no credibility left. Their announcement is clearly and demonstrably self-serving (and very transparent) FUD. Everyone with half a brain can see it for what it is.
Microsoft might even be digging a bigger hole for themselves here, if that was even possible.
The people who read Microsoft press releases on Ars and the less technically-inclined usually don't overlap.
Since 99% of the people that are going to hear about this either "know better" or don't have much respect for what Microsoft says, I don't think that this was a wise move.





Member since:
2006-01-19
I am also utterly displeased with Microsoft's response to this.
FUDing around never made Microsoft look good, and with motivations as transparent as here ("let's hold HTML5 back until we get Silverlight shoved down people's throats") is shooting themselves in the foot publicity wise.
Yes, dear Microsoft, it will hinder your controlling the internet protocols, but PLEASE will you give it a rest and start playing nicely?