Apple vs. Microsoft In Slate, Jack Shafer follows the webzine's model—figure out conventional wisdom, write opposite in 350 words, cash check, go back to bed—by trashing journalists for sucking up to Apple and, specifically, getting excited about the iPhone.

Well, maybe there's some truth to that. But then, the iPhone does seem to be a product that a lot of people are excited about. (Let's face it, except for the Blackberry, all cell phones suck.) And it's clearly having an impact on the tech world, as competitors race to catch up.

A more interesting story, IMHO, is the fact that Microsoft has begun paying bloggers to use its ghastly catch-phrase, "people-ready."

Does anyone praise Microsoft if they're not paid to?  ¶ 7:27 AM