The current administration in DC shows signs of life when it comes to enforcing the anti-trust laws that have been on the books since the days of Teddy Roosevelt and his trust-busters.
Ah, man. I remember when this ran. In just a couple of days, Alex will go through “the change”. No, not that one. It’s a change that only happens in Doonesbury-world. If you know, you know. If you don’t, wait a couple of days. I had always liked Alex a lot. I found her a fun, appealing character. But once “the change” happened, her entire personality changed with it. I never found her very likeable after that. I still miss this version of her.
I’m not a big fan of Microsoft at the moment, since they seem to be actively destroying every useful piece of software they ever made. But, for a guy who doesn’t understand what his company actually makes, being bought out by them is just obviously a good deal. Take the money and let them deal with the eventual collapse. Of course, unlike Mike, I know the dot-com collapse is coming and which companies survive it.
There were so many small software startups back then, now only a few mega conglomerates, I still wonder what would have happened had they been left alone.
Microsoft lost a patent suit and had to pay an expensive settlement. It found that it was cheaper to buy out the company’s stock, replace the board, dismiss the settlement, transfer the patent to itself, and dissolve the company.
We were the hardware side of the “revolution”. On one hand, our company was safe. No one wanted to buy us out. They needed us, sure, but didn’t need to own us.
BE THIS GUY 11 months ago
Rule number 1: ALWAYS LISTEN TO ALEX!
greenbird 11 months ago
Those of us who were in the industry at that time remember that there were startups whose sole business plan was to be bought out by Microsoft.
Richard S Russell Premium Member 11 months ago
The current administration in DC shows signs of life when it comes to enforcing the anti-trust laws that have been on the books since the days of Teddy Roosevelt and his trust-busters.
Johnny Q Premium Member 11 months ago
I’d take the money and run…
JLG Premium Member 11 months ago
Ah, man. I remember when this ran. In just a couple of days, Alex will go through “the change”. No, not that one. It’s a change that only happens in Doonesbury-world. If you know, you know. If you don’t, wait a couple of days. I had always liked Alex a lot. I found her a fun, appealing character. But once “the change” happened, her entire personality changed with it. I never found her very likeable after that. I still miss this version of her.
lalapalooza Premium Member 11 months ago
and start a new company
snsurone76 11 months ago
Betcha if Mike and Kim DO make a fortune, JJ and “Uncle Stupidhead” will be front and center with their hands out!!
grocks 11 months ago
I was waiting for this one in this arc. Always loved Alex’s “let’s be rich instead.”
mourdac Premium Member 11 months ago
Should have taken $ and MS stock.
Twelve Badgers in a Suit Premium Member 11 months ago
I’m not a big fan of Microsoft at the moment, since they seem to be actively destroying every useful piece of software they ever made. But, for a guy who doesn’t understand what his company actually makes, being bought out by them is just obviously a good deal. Take the money and let them deal with the eventual collapse. Of course, unlike Mike, I know the dot-com collapse is coming and which companies survive it.
Timothy Madigan Premium Member 11 months ago
The reality is… don’t fall in love with your product. You made it to make money, not be your child forever.
Alex’s understands that… sadly, Mike doesn’t.
erick.robinson 11 months ago
Ah yess… the heady days of Qemm, XTreePro and Dr. DOS
brick10 11 months ago
The kid has good business sense. Start a new company after the weekend celebration.
mindjob 11 months ago
There were so many small software startups back then, now only a few mega conglomerates, I still wonder what would have happened had they been left alone.
PoodleGroomer 11 months ago
Microsoft lost a patent suit and had to pay an expensive settlement. It found that it was cheaper to buy out the company’s stock, replace the board, dismiss the settlement, transfer the patent to itself, and dissolve the company.
Redd Panda 11 months ago
I’d like to put bill gates in a lifeboat with trump, in the North Atlantic.
mistercatworks 11 months ago
Saturday, at the latest.
Packratjohn Premium Member 11 months ago
We were the hardware side of the “revolution”. On one hand, our company was safe. No one wanted to buy us out. They needed us, sure, but didn’t need to own us.
On the other hand, no one wanted to buy us out…
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] 11 months ago
Somebody c harter a bank that doesn’t use computers and goes back to the old fashioned passbook.Just to see how many gravitate back to it.
Richard S Russell Premium Member 11 months ago
I’ll bet that Larry Page and Sergei Brin didn’t feel any irrational emotional attachments to their own cybernetic child.
banjoAhhh! 11 months ago
3rd panel. Has Alex grown a goatee?
cracker65 11 months ago
Ah yes. The beauty of capitalism.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member 11 months ago
Alex is wise beyond her years. I hope she is still living.
[Unnamed Reader - bddb15] 11 months ago
Hurrah! Alex is back!!!
baraktorvan 10 months ago
Netscape was the perfect example of this.