Microsoft Bob

No second act

"Microsoft Bob was one of the most publicly scorned programs Microsoft has released. Microsoft, like other companies who made software for OS/2, BeOS, and others that flopped in the retail sector, learned a hard lesson; if you try to be a smart aleck in your user interface or application software, it won't sell. You might have a few loyal users that are supportive of your wit, but will they sustain your business?

And speaking of Bob's "creator," a lady named Melinda French was the Project Manager for Microsoft Bob and also came up with the concept of Bob's "personal guides" (and Microsoft Office has never been the same since 1996).

Ms. French went on to become none other than Mrs. Bill Gates."

Also see:

Melinda Gates goes public



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