That seems to be one of Microsoft's problems. They try and laugh everything off. To me it says "we're not serious." Ballmer doesn't seem like a very serious CEO

That seems to be one of Microsoft's problems. They try and laugh everything off. To me it says "we're not serious." Ballmer doesn't seem like a very serious CEO either - based on his public attitudes (which I think are an important sign.) Microsoft would be best if it was a relatively humble, quiet company with extreme, unrelenting focus. Hopefully if the market kicks them enough they will learn their lesson and start taking things seriously.