Microsoft’s Communications boss Frank X. Shaw laid it to Google’s communications executive Jill Hazelbaker on Twitter, Friday, after becoming upset over her comments in a New York Times article.
The story in question was about a Mark Penn, who was recently hired by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) as head of “strategic and special projects.” The story goes on to talk about how Penn made millions of dollars in the 90’s through negative advertising, which he has faced criticism for.
But the part that really got Shaw riled up was a quote from Hazelbaker about the money that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) spends on lobbying, which is apparently different to Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s spending. In the New York Times article, Shaw said: “our focus is on Google and the positive impact our industry has on society, not the competition.”
This prompted Shaw to aim some vitriol at Hazelbaker over Twitter. After a fairly polite introduction: “Hello @jillhazelbaker. Could be time to come out of the shadows and unprotect your account. We could talk. Or tweet,” Shaw began to lay the boot in: “So, @jillhazelbaker how about a little light? So far this year, Google has outspent Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) by a factor 2.3 to 1 lobbying.”
Shaw proceeded to call Hazelbaker out for her quote in the New York Times, writing: “And don’t make me laugh w/ another silly NYT quote about “Our focus is on Google and… not the competition.” Really?”
Continuing his barrage of tweets at the communications exec, who apparently would not reply, Shaw wrote: “@jillhazelbaker says Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) not focused on competitors. She better let @ericschmidt know so he stops blaming us for all their problems.”
Although Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has apparently blamed Microsoft for the European Antitrust Investigation, the company has not gone after Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) as much as Shaw claimed. Schmidt also previously said that Microsoft had done a “brilliant” job of “creating a model of control and licensing.”
Coming to the end of his Tweet-spree, Shaw offered a challenge to Hazelbaker, writing: “Want to talk about privacy? Name the time and place. And don’t sent [sic] the NYT next time. Or BusinessWeek. Use your own voice.”
Hazelbaker has so far remained silent on the issue. Her tweets are protected so it is as yet unknown what she thinks of Shaw’s comments.
