Ballmer's Pretzel Logic

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has some interesting, puzzling thoughts in today’s “Bits” column by NYT’s Miquel Helft. Ballmer dismisses social networking as a “fad.” This comment comes less than two weeks after the pretty rampant rumor that Microsoft was contemplating taking a 5% stake in Facebook for up to $500 million. Maybe Steve’s trying to drive down the price. After all, Microsoft only has a $23 billion war chest these days.