Microsoft workers form group to save canceled campus pub |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Microsoft workers form group to save canceled campus pub
Microsoft employees aren't letting the company's plans for an on-campus pub die quietly. A senior Xbox manager, Matt Patriot Gradwohl, has formed a Facebook group called "Bring Spitfire back to Microsoft" that has attracted nearly 70 members, many of them Microsoft workers, as of late this morning.
"I am embarassed to work at Microsoft sometimes," Gradwohl writes on the new group's page.
The reaction follows the news Friday afternoon that Microsoft has canceled plans for a Spitfire pub in the new Entertainment & Devices complex west of state Route 520 on the company's Redmond campus. Company spokesman Lou Gellos said Friday that Microsoft had reconsidered the potential impact of having a bar in the middle of a business setting.
The decision came three days before entrepreneur Jonathan Sposato and his team were to open the new pub. Sposato said Friday that he was "completely stunned and disappointed by the decision." The space was ready to go with a giant bar, a fireplace and eight beer taps -- plus 22 pub employees ready to go to work. Spitfire has an existing pub in Seattle.
The last-minute nature of the decision seems to be adding to the level of frustration. "It's way too late in the process for this reason to have killed it now," writes one member of the newly formed Facebook group.
In the comments on our original post, some readers are drawing parallels to the time when Microsoft ended complimentary towel service for employees who play sports on campus or ride their bikes to work. The towels became a lightning rod and a symbol of broader cutbacks made at the time, and the company ultimately brought them back.
Meanwhile, Sposato said Sunday that he did not know if there was any work going on inside Microsoft to save the pub. But he said he's received a number of personal emails and Facebook messages from employees offering their support.
We're also trying to track down whether other companies serve alcohol on their corporate campuses (A TechFlash reader said Nike may have a pub). It will be interesting to see how those facilities operate.
[Follow-up: Microsoft revives Spitfire pub under compromise arrangement.]
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
