CNet reports that Microsoft is offering $5 (yes, 5) for data loss due to it's new AntiSpyware software that's in beta testing. Gee, thanks. That will buy me a cup of coffee so I can calm down after you destroy my data. Yeah, sure.

This is another case of how Microsoft (and so many other organizations) just doesn't understand (or care) how enormous an impact their buggy software has on users. This goes part in parcel with the wonderful example in my old blog entry Anatomy of Insanity? Of course, they will claim that this offer is somehow helpful to the customers but, I must say, it's just plain insulting. Why not try something revolutionary like actually writing high-quality software?