What would you ask Steve Ballmer?

Due to a variety of work related circumstances I've been meeting some of the directors of Microsoft UK recently and it looks as though there may be an opportunity for me to meet and ask a some questions of Steve Ballmer next time he is in the UK (towards the end of the month). I'm afraid I cannot elaborate any further so please don't ask.

Obviously my main focus will be on the work we are potentially engaging in with them but I can probably add one or two unrelated questions too.

If you were in my position what would you ask? Please bear in mind that this is a privilege so anything insulting or rude cannot be used.

Darkheart

I'd ask about the future of Windows beyond Vista and what they will be doing for developers of software (probably good to say "for the Window OS" while asking that).

Really, that is what I'd ask.

Maybe tack on some questions about XNA. If you haven't seen the videos of it or tried the XNA Build CTP yet, you should. It's really quite impressive.

Does he agree with the fact that software publishers are allowed to install potential system breaking DRM into legitimate users systems without the knowledge of the end-user? e.g. Starforce/Sony's Rootkit

Dabz

i'd ask, can i have a small loan... no, make that a small grant.... about half a mill would do...

--Mike

I'd ask him - with a name like Ballmer - what was his nickname at school. But I don't suggest that you do.

hahahaahah :)

I'd ask him "What's your name again? What is it you do?" just to make him feel small.

I would ask what he thinks of programs that misuse Windows's various services (such as Adobe Reader) by writing themselves to Startup.ini when they really shouldn't be there, and placing their data in the user's "My Documents" folder instead of "Application Data"... and if anything is planned to fix said problems.

I think that after seeing some of his public addresses... That I'd have to ask him "just how much coke DO you do in the average day, Mr Ballmer?"

I'd say "so ... Steve .. have you given up coffee yet?"

Ask him to dance

What a goofball.

Who to ask "How do I prevent WindowsXP from changing my preferred audio devices around when I plug in an USB headset or Bluetooth dongle."

Then I'd ask him whether he actually uses Windows himself.

"So you work at Microsoft? I really love that Linux thing that you do. It feels so stable. Nothing like that windows crap that comes with new computers."

Then I'm probably on my way to the hospital.

heh, my coffee joke was about that video, he's a dork.

This thread ... LOL!

It's always tough but if you want to actually make some sort of impression and get to the point where you might get some technical detail out of him (which he probably doesn't deal with too much anyway) then get to him on a philosophical level. If you can say something on the macro level and get him thinking that would open up the opportunity to ask him anything else.

I'd read him first and see what sort of underlying things he's thinking about. Then I'd strike right there to get him to open up. Once you do that the rest of the conversation will just flow.

Of course someone like Steve Ballmer is going to be very business like. I'm not saying he won't open up in someway but he probably won't care much for small talk and will want to just get stuff done and go. Who knows though ... he did seem pretty emotional/passionate on stage that one time ... maybe he's not such a machine like Bill Gates.

Anyway, I wouldn't have any prepared questions. Keep it dynamic just like your code ;)

"Will Vista crash more or less than XP?"

"Who does your hair?"

"Why such a blatant disregard for local laws in the markets you choose to sell your operating system?"

> Please bear in mind that this is a privilege so anything insulting or rude cannot be used.

i thought some of you guys should read that bit again.

i have no idea what i would ask steve ballmer, but after a bit of thought i came up with,
"what's your favorite operating system?"
made me laff, but i probably wouldn't ask that.

I would ask to see the full version of that Microsoft The Matrix thingy... ;-)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6893626981877095239&q=microsoft+matrix&pl=true

I would ask if they plan to keep future versions of Windows open to indie programmers.

Just two questions. Who's your dealer, and can I have his number.

A bit dissapointed that nobody has posted a serious response yet. By rude/insulting I include responses where the insult is implied in the tone or content of the question so those will not be asked. If someone in a such powerful position makes an effort to take an interest in you and listen to what you have to say the least you can do is be respectful and not try to score points off them or embaress them. IMHO that's very juvenille behaviour.

I have my own questions I want answered, if I'm lucky enough to get any answers I feel would be interesting enough and appropriate to release I'll let you know.

Darkheart

Come on. You're asking us to take Steve Ballmer seriously!

Well I think

"Will Vista crash more or less than XP?"

is a very valid question that I'd love to ask anyone at MS. After a decade of rather shoddy quality assurance testing from various builds of Windows. It's like the industry thinks, Windows is buggy you just get used it and that's why we love it.

Silence!
Don't waste a good thread with that flamebait...

Flameduck has already summed it up just fine; any more is unnecessary.


I think there are a few fine questions nearer to the top. Mine would be interesting to know (in my opinion, which nobody else seems to share), and is not in the slightest bit rude, either.

Colin's question is completely sensible, and similar to mine.

Noel's question would also be interesting, (maybe a bit too broad, though)... he would probably just tell us that it's not to be said at this time, as they always do.

Will Vista auto-reboot upon the slightest error (like XP before SP2?) thus scaring the poop out of complete beginners?

Now that he owns the rights to OpenGL..What are Microsofts intentions regarding the future of it. Sit on it, support it
or kill it?

Regards
Gnu

I was serious with mine and don't think it is inappropriate, although it could probably be phrased better.

Impressive... MS... Hah! *Dies of laughing so hard*

I read a quote attributed to Microsoft in an Asian computer mag to the effect that a person's personal computer is called a personal computer for a reason and the owner should have full control over what does and doesn't get installed. Maybe some Googling will turn it up? Whatever the case, you're almost certainly going to get a consumer-friendly answer.


If you want a(nother) serious question then ask him if they plan to start making Windows smaller and more efficient rather than bigger and more bloated - the PC has been "feature complete" for ages now. Let's have some goddamn elegance back on the cards.

can you lend me 5 pounds till thursday?

I'd ask him to kick Bill Gates in the nuts for me next time they meet !

ROFLMAO @ Wedoe

XP has never crashed on either of my systems. Worst has been a app closing back to the desktop. Been rather excellent compared to win2k which was an entirely different ballgame..

"What level of DRM will Vista have and how will it affect game programmers"

Great question, Sibly. Im wondering this myself.
Would you have to buy a "security check" from Microsoft to be able to release your freeware in the future? :(