As if it wasn’t enough that Scoble’s post sparked wide-spread debate on the net a couple of days ago, isn’t it funny how that can in turn spark an email debate within the four walls that I work?

 

Here’s what I am talking about. A bit of background: This all started when I read Robert’s original posting and forwarded the link over to a colleague, who whilst a developer, has a keen technological interest. From there the debate unfolded….

 

From: Correspondent 2
Sent: 15 February 2008 16:03
To: Me
Subject: MS Research

 

Cheers for that MS Research email. Found it fascinating and have forwarded it on to a couple other people.

 

> From: Me
> Sent: 15 February 2008 16:04
> To: Correspondent 2
> Subject: RE: MS Research
>
> No problems. Interesting to see what the Blogosphere is making of Scoble’s blog yesterday. Also interesting to see  he has had to write a tempering blog entry to cool people down
>
 
From: Correspondent 2
Sent: 15 February 2008 16:05
To: Me
Subject: RE: MS Research

 

Yeah… but whilst doing so points out that he’s not over-hyped it

I’ve read a few knowing (well, they believe they’re knowing) blog comments suggesting its in relation to ‘space’.

Hope not. Call me selfish but space doesn’t interest me.

 

> From: Me
> Sent: 15 February 2008 16:06
> To: Correspondent 2
> Subject: RE: MS Research
>
> What’s space?
>
 
From: Correspondent 2
Sent: 15 February 2008 16:06
To: Me
Subject: RE: MS Research

 

As in the final frontier.

 

> From: Me
> Sent: 15 February 2008 16:08
> To: Correspondent 2
> Subject: RE: MS Research
>
> Hhmmm.. can’t say I can see that myself. It’s not really within MS’s area of expertise. I think that’s just uneducated speculation of how “big” people can think. If it’s great it’ll be a service we can all use - that’s the nub of his original post.
>

 

From: Correspondent 2
Sent: 15 February 2008 16:09
To: Me
Subject: RE: MS Research

 

But he did mention in one of his two posts even if 50 people find it useful or amazing, its no less a feat. Or something to that affect. He was sort of hinting it wouldn’t have mainstream appeal, that it’s a niche and those who appreciate the sort of things its related to, will find it amazing.

> From: Me
> Sent: 15 February 2008 16:13
> To: Correspondent 2
> Subject: RE: MS Research
>
> But it has to be something that fits within MS’s interests and profitability desires. Space is nothing but a cost centre - always has been, which is why it always needs government funding. That would fly in the face of MS. I’m not saying this is a no-way, but it is more than unlikely to be in this area. MS is in the business of services and profit acquisition, not investing in cost-holes
>

 

From: Correspondent 2
Sent: 15 February 2008 16:24
To: Me
Subject: RE: MS Research

 

He said himself though that it won’t make vasts amount of money. You couldn’t make a business case around it. I get the impression that it’s not a ‘for profit’ creation, even if that is MS’s goal.

 

Regarding my earlier statement about it not having a mainstream impact:

 

“There isn’t a business model here. But does every damn thing need a business model? Does a scientific paper that changes the world need a business model? Does it need more audience than just the other 50 scientists in the world who care about that topic? No.”
 
> From: Me
> Sent: 15 February 2008 16:30
> To: Correspondent 2
> Subject: RE: MS Research
>
> It may not make vasts amount of money, but MS aren’t in the habit of ploughing money in to non-money making ventures. They are a capitalist company and that’s no bad thing. The reality, in my opinion, is Scoble is talking as geek when he says “There isn’t a business model… etc…” MS will need a business model to develop it further. Every scientific paper only develops into a commerical venture when there is a investable business plan in place. That’s the fact of business. Geeekery is great, but there comes a time when simple economic commericalism kicks into play.
>
> I can’t accept that MS will give life to something which has no business model and does not make money
>