If only I had followed my own advice...

I found this on Google Groups. It is a post I wrote in 1994 (using my then-girlfriend's account at NCSU). Had I actually bought $1,000.00 worth of Microsoft stock back then, I'd have $144,000 today. I never imagined back then I'd be actually working at Microsoft on the Windows operating system itself.

"Dear people of the world,

I work for small development firm. I was the first Windows programmer.
Before I came to the company everything was DOS/Novell.

Within 6 months the company is now Windows/WindowsNTAS/DOS/Novell.
All the software that used to be at the company still is, with added
products from Microsoft.

We have Word 6.0, Excel, Access, SQL Server for NT Adv.Serv..
The network administrator is in love with NT Adv. Serv.
The secretaries now actually get their work done without confusing
DOS applications.

The programmers have had no trouble in learning/using Windows and
writing programs in VB, PowerBuilder, ObjectView, Visual C++,
SQL Server for NT.

The company is more productive overall, and products are developed faster,
have more functionality, and are easier to use. And no additional hardware
was ever required. (And I've gotten a nice 6 month review for "helping the
company evolve..." with a raise to boot.)

There are many more positive things happening...
People who used to sneer at Microsoft (Mainframe guys I like to call 'em)
now seem to like Microsoft's development tools and/or tools that work
with MS operating systems.

Although I am usually quite objective, have come from a UNIX background,
have worked for IBM (extensively with OS/2), have done consulting work for
companies locked into a character-based mindset, and acknowledge that I don't
know everything about all software, I feel I must defend Microsoft.
I appreciate what they have accomplished not only for themselves, but for
those of us who program small computers or a living.

I know Microsoft's strategy and tactics can be difficult for some to deal
with, but it's all part of the evolution of the computer. Competition is
good for the market, and the products. It keeps everyone on their toes.

I don't close my eyes. I have OS/2, DOS/Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, Windows
NT, Daytona (beta), SCO Unix, and CICS systems around me everyday. I have
seen the strengths and weaknesses of these environments. Each has a place in
the market, each performs some useful function. But the products I find
I like the most and use most often bear the Microsft name. And if had the
money to buy stock, it would be in Microsoft.

Keep up the good work Microsoft!

Regards,
Bruce Shankle"