Microsoft uses PR Jim, but not as we know it

Microsoft has unveiled a new online resource for developers called Channel 9.  It combines blogs and discussion forums and aims to promote better interaction between Microsoft and third party software developers.

According to the site’s rules:

“Channel 9 is all about the conversation,” according to the posted rules. “Channel 9 should inspire Microsoft and our customers to talk in an honest and human voice. Channel 9 is not a marketing tool, not a PR tool, not a lead-generation tool.”

I wonder if that was written by a Microsoft PR person?

So Microsoft’s Channel 9 is all about conversations, all about interaction and better communication with customers, but it’s not about Public Relations.

Ahem. Indeed.

So would anyone there like to explain what PR is? In this case the author obviously views PR as a euphenism for some dark, hidden and nefarious practice. To me Channel 9 is all about Public Relations.