Scott Hanselman

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Ssshh...Secrets and Betas and NDAs, oh, my

February 01, 2007 Comment on this post [19] Posted in Musings
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I'm testing something right now that is so cool, so simple, so obvious, so elegant, so clever, and well, just so secret, that I can't say a word to anyone.

That's what the NDA says. James Bond and his Quartermaster "Q" would be proud of me for saying nothing because I haven't said a word.

This product kindels sparks of enthusiasm in me, but I can't speak about it. I will wait though, and when I am allowed to talk about it, I'll say nice things.

It's basic, this product, but it's improving a fundamental aspect of my life the way the iPod, ReplayTV and GPS did. It's lame and it's sad to be a secret because this product deserves its praises to be sung.

I'm not sure what the point of keeping it secret is, but it's a 2.0 world and the {set of folks who are not I} make the rules.

What are you currently testing or working on that is so secret you dare not speak its name?

What have you worked on in the past that was kept secret, but by the time it finally came out, no one cared?

About Scott

Scott Hanselman is a former professor, former Chief Architect in finance, now speaker, consultant, father, diabetic, and Microsoft employee. He is a failed stand-up comic, a cornrower, and a book author.

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February 01, 2007 14:52
It wouldn't be Windows Home Server would it? <<:)
Andrew
February 01, 2007 16:49
While I did not test it, wasn't the a@http://www.segway.com/@Segway (a.k.a. Ginger?) supposed to be life changing?
Jay
February 01, 2007 17:55
Is it so secret that the "kindels" site in your link has been taken down?
Bob Balfe
February 01, 2007 18:23
The link Scott provided doesn't work, but if toy scroll down the page to this entry:

posted @ 1/7/2007 5:41 PM

You'll see what he's taking about. I wonder why Scott is under NDA when it seems to have been announced almost a month ago.
TGnat
February 01, 2007 18:33
Of my secrets from the past nothing stands out more then Every single product I tested at XEROX!

With all of their secrecy and code names I never heard anyone talking about them once they actually launched.

Oh well...
Robbie Coleman
February 01, 2007 18:46
Sorry, can't tell. <g>
Oliver Sturm
February 01, 2007 20:05
Cached "Kindel" link (thanks Microsoft!):

http://cc.msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q=5879168918545&lang=en-US&mkt=en-US&FORM=CVRE
Peter {faa780ce-0f0a-4c28-81d2-3
February 01, 2007 20:27
If the product is indeed Windows Home Server, someone should tell Matt Pietrek it's a secret. He's been documenting his experiences with it: http://blogs.msdn.com/matt_pietrek/ ;-)
Phil Weber
February 01, 2007 20:41
I'm not sure how much of a secret WHS can be: http://www.stopdigitalamnesia.com/ :-)
Coleman
February 02, 2007 2:18
Just because a hypothetical product has been announce, doesn't mean all its features or complete strategy has been announced. ;)
Scott Hanselman
February 02, 2007 3:43
.... and, it doesn't mean anyone on the beta can confirm they are on the beta, or that the beta exists (standard MS NDA)

:) -- Nic, who also may, or may not, be on the beta that may, or may not, exist, for the product, which may, or may not, be WHS.

It is freaking cool tho.

Scott, from memory, assuming you ARE talking about WHS, you CAN blog about it, and it's existance. Just not stuff which hasn't been publicly talked about my an MS person (usually cek) without clearance.

And I think, so far, he's talked about almost all the cool things in it, so it's close to fair game.....
Nic Wise
February 02, 2007 4:27
"What have you worked on in the past that was kept secret, but by the time it finally came out, no one cared?"

Do offspring count?


I keed, I keed...
Peter Stathakos
February 02, 2007 5:29
Anything I worked on between 1997 and 2000.
Scott
February 02, 2007 8:39
Well, can you at least tell us when we'll be able to learn about this secret product? =-)
Josh
February 02, 2007 8:48
Personally, I think NDA's are silly. I've had to sign them in the past while beta testing various games, however, a product without an NDA and some well placed fan sites can generate some great hype. NDA's simply try to put a mysterious veil over the product, making people wonder, when most of the time it’s an anticlimactic launch. Granted, I am not an inventor of the product, so I am sure they serve a worthwhile cause.

Aaron Corcoran
February 02, 2007 10:31
Josh - I dunno. I'm asking if I can do a write up. Since it's been announced to exist, the NDAs are unclear on what can be talked about. I assume, of course, that anything that's public is fair game, but I want to do a thorough review so I'm asking.
Scott Hanselman
February 02, 2007 22:43
I think all the WHS talk is a smoke screen and you are playing with a "Q-bean". :)

http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/01/ltb-audios-q-bean-wireless-everything-fob/
Tim K
February 03, 2007 4:07
Because you're so Microsoft crazy I'll say Zune Phone or Service Ceneter Service Desk.
Scott
February 03, 2007 13:56
I would say that you are testing WHS with window live drive. Am i right? I know i am :P.
Praveen

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are my own personal opinions and do not represent my employer's view in any way.