In Silicon Valley, there is such a tremendous focus on technology and engineering that it sometimes doesn't allow the perspective that we have a lot to learn. In many circles, it is often thought that TV executives dismiss their computer counterparts as techno-nerds. But Microsoft is no ordinary technology company. If ever there was a software company with egos to rival those in the entertainment industry, it would be the Redmond juggernaut. People knew how Microsoft behaved, and they didn't want to have anything to do with that.
People know when they're getting screwed.
The Microsoft acquisition is approved by the Justice Department. WebTV experiences widespread network slowdowns and outages, attributed to servers straining under the load of too many new subscribers. To date, WebTV has never announced plans to ship a product with high-speed DSL or cable modem connections. WebTV is widely criticized for letting Microsoft's public battles with Sun Microsystems and RealNetworks influence technology decisions. WebTV later announces it will work with RealNetworks to offer support for new versions of its media player.