If this were about Apple, I don't think anyone would even think that the person were being paid. No, Microsoft did not pay me, just the same as Google did not way me to write my article about Google Wave.

It's just that it sounded very one-sided in a very weird way. For example pointing to the countless .NET developers. There are countless Java developers, too. Same with the "they'll throw money at it to make it successful" - so will Apple and Google.

Many of the other points are mostly a matter of taste, I suppose.

Why does Microsoft care that you earn money?

Good luck with Windows Mobile!

Edit: I just remembered another thing - smart people can rationalize everything. Maybe you are just trying to rationalize your decision for yourself, that is why it sounds a bit weird to the outside.

Obviously, deluding myself into believing what I want to believe is a big problem that we all face. But I'm well aware of this, and I've factored it in into my decision. I'm here for the money, not for any misguided loyalty to open or free software or any company. It appears to me that Microsoft is going to do the right thing. It has the prerequisites for this.