Comments on: The Stupidest Business Decisions in History http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/ The Neat Side of the Web Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:35:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Barbara Thornton http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-1969379 Barbara Thornton Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:08:31 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-1969379 Subject: Great decision Blunders and Lessons Learned- Does anyone know why H. Ross Perot missed out on an opportunity to buy Microsoft? I'm taking a class and need the answers ASAP!!! 1.Review the circumstances leading to the decision, research or data used, the decision itself and main reasoning behind it; outcomes (who was affected and how-look inside and outside the organization), errors in the decision; and any corrective taken. Subject: Great decision Blunders and Lessons Learned-
Does anyone know why H. Ross Perot missed out on an opportunity to buy Microsoft? I’m taking a class and need the answers ASAP!!!
1.Review the circumstances leading to the decision, research or data used, the decision itself and main reasoning behind it; outcomes (who was affected and how-look inside and outside the organization), errors in the decision; and any corrective taken.

]]> By: PokerPro001 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-1939933 PokerPro001 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:22:16 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-1939933 Does anyone know the real story of movie producer, TYLER PERRY? This man started by writing and producing plays and performing them on the "Chitlin' Circuit" of churches and small venues throughout the South. After a difficult start, his plays created sold-out, standing room only crowds for several consecutive years. He then approached Hollywood studio executives with screenplays to be made into feature films. Even though he had already grossed about $75 MILLION over 8 years of touring his plays, Paramount, MGM, Disney and several others ALL declined to work with him. They all felt it was too risky to create low-budget comedy films with a primarily African-American cast, and with a religious undertone. In fact, they refused to give him necessary distribution, even if HE himself put up the majority of the money needed for filming and production. Tyler Perry used the $75 Million he had saved to build his own studio lot near Atlanta, and began making and distributing his own films. With guidance from Oprah Winfrey, he has since released 12 Blockbuster films, and his brilliant formula and body of work has earned the highest ROI in movie history (higher ROI than Speilberg, George Lucas, James Cameron, etc). As of 2010, his net worth is just shy of ONE BILLION dollars, and he owns complete distribution rights to all of his work. Take THAT, you Hollywood snobs!!!!!!!!!! Does anyone know the real story of movie producer, TYLER PERRY?

This man started by writing and producing plays and performing them on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” of churches and small venues throughout the South. After a difficult start, his plays created sold-out, standing room only crowds for several consecutive years. He then approached Hollywood studio executives with screenplays to be made into feature films.

Even though he had already grossed about $75 MILLION over 8 years of touring his plays, Paramount, MGM, Disney and several others ALL declined to work with him. They all felt it was too risky to create low-budget comedy films with a primarily African-American cast, and with a religious undertone. In fact, they refused to give him necessary distribution, even if HE himself put up the majority of the money needed for filming and production.

Tyler Perry used the $75 Million he had saved to build his own studio lot near Atlanta, and began making and distributing his own films. With guidance from Oprah Winfrey, he has since released 12 Blockbuster films, and his brilliant formula and body of work has earned the highest ROI in movie history (higher ROI than Speilberg, George Lucas, James Cameron, etc).

As of 2010, his net worth is just shy of ONE BILLION dollars, and he owns complete distribution rights to all of his work.

Take THAT, you Hollywood snobs!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Rob-Texas http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-1900546 Rob-Texas Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:08:35 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-1900546 by far the WORST business decision in history is the FAILURE of Xerox to listen to it's own researcherse. Xerox became concerned about the new "Personal Comuputers", and creatd Palo Alto Reseach Center ( PARC) to tell them the future of PCs..PARC invented the Mouse, the ethernet the Grpahic USER interface and basically built the first modern PC.. Xerox wasn't intested in anything that didn't have paper put in one end and copies come out the other.. I think both Steve Jobs & Bill Gates should send them Christmas cards every year for their inability to realize what they had :-) by far the WORST business decision in history is the FAILURE of Xerox to listen to it’s own researcherse. Xerox became concerned about the new “Personal Comuputers”, and creatd Palo Alto Reseach Center ( PARC) to tell them the future of PCs..PARC invented the Mouse, the ethernet the Grpahic USER interface and basically built the first modern PC.. Xerox wasn’t intested in anything that didn’t have paper put in one end and copies come out the other.. I think both Steve Jobs & Bill Gates should send them Christmas cards every year for their inability to realize what they had :-)

]]> By: Affordable Software http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-1568526 Affordable Software Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:25:34 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-1568526 HAHAHA, bath room reader :) Ya turing down the beatles would of made me cry. HAHAHA, bath room reader :)

Ya turing down the beatles would of made me cry.

]]> By: gerard pawling http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-1287983 gerard pawling Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:05:26 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-1287983 how about W bailing out the auto companies...who's next? how about W bailing out the auto companies…who’s next?

]]> By: JWW http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-803677 JWW Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:20:25 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-803677 So, Computer Repair, you say that you won't buy a Ford because you say that they steal ideas... How many of MS's products do you currently use? So, Computer Repair, you say that you won’t buy a Ford because you say that they steal ideas… How many of MS’s products do you currently use?

]]> By: Red Five http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-801341 Red Five Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:53:41 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-801341 @me and pylenyh: Apple paid Xerox a lot of company stock to see the GUI research being done at PARC (or Palo Alto RESEARCH Center). PARC didn't develop products; they did research and let others buy the rights to use it. The only thieving that happened was when BillG extorted the Macintosh UI from Apple on the threat of killing applications in development for the Macintosh. Oh, and Xerox's GUI research was actually nothing like what we take for granted today. All of the concepts in the modern GUI were developed by Apple, based on the research they paid to see from Xerox. @me and pylenyh:
Apple paid Xerox a lot of company stock to see the GUI research being done at PARC (or Palo Alto RESEARCH Center). PARC didn’t develop products; they did research and let others buy the rights to use it. The only thieving that happened was when BillG extorted the Macintosh UI from Apple on the threat of killing applications in development for the Macintosh.

Oh, and Xerox’s GUI research was actually nothing like what we take for granted today. All of the concepts in the modern GUI were developed by Apple, based on the research they paid to see from Xerox.

]]> By: josh http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-634126 josh Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:23:13 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-634126 Kiss taking the makeup off? Metallica cutting their hair? George Bush, jr? Kiss taking the makeup off?
Metallica cutting their hair?
George Bush, jr?

]]> By: Richard http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-550910 Richard Tue, 13 May 2008 23:35:28 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-550910 Be careful what you believe; some of these stories aren't true or are mis-remembered/reported. An example right at the (current) bottom: As a hardware designer in the late '70s, I can tell you that liquid crystal displays (LCDs) didn't exist as an option when HP started making digital calculators. They went with LEDs because that's what was available at the time for a reasonable cost. ...If there's a back-story wherein HP turned down the opportunity to be the first to use the LCD, it would STILL have to be something more than ten years after they were already making the LED-display calculators... R Be careful what you believe; some of these stories aren’t true or are mis-remembered/reported. An example right at the (current) bottom: As a hardware designer in the late ’70s, I can tell you that liquid crystal displays (LCDs) didn’t exist as an option when HP started making digital calculators. They went with LEDs because that’s what was available at the time for a reasonable cost. …If there’s a back-story wherein HP turned down the opportunity to be the first to use the LCD, it would STILL have to be something more than ten years after they were already making the LED-display calculators…

R

]]> By: Blog Quiz http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-537493 Blog Quiz Mon, 05 May 2008 04:12:08 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-537493 I wonder if the guys who turned down the beatles got fired I wonder if the guys who turned down the beatles got fired

]]> By: Ev Beran http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-533462 Ev Beran Thu, 01 May 2008 15:59:43 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-533462 See also HP's rejection of LCD displays in favor of LED's for their hand held calculators. (Homework left to the student) See also HP’s rejection of LCD displays in favor of LED’s for their hand held calculators. (Homework left to the student)

]]> By: Geoff http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-528886 Geoff Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:07:18 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-528886 The story about Perot and Gates was a missed opportunity. Perot's most notorious mistake involved a meeting with Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus. They had gotten Perot to agree to buy a large block of their company and to provide further financing for growth and development. The deal came down to discussing executive perks, particularly cars. Marcus wanted Perot to simply pay off the 6yr old Cadillac he was driving. Perot told him to get a new Chevy since, "my people don't drive Cadillacs". The difference would have only been a few thousand more for the Chevy, but it was money that didn't need to be spent. The discussion broke down, leading Blank and Marcus to walk out and develop their company on their own. You may have heard of it: Home Depot. An investment of less than $20million would have netted Perot more than $10billion, but he wanted to split hairs between a used Caddy and a new Chevy. Talk about value shopping... The story about Perot and Gates was a missed opportunity. Perot’s most notorious mistake involved a meeting with Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus. They had gotten Perot to agree to buy a large block of their company and to provide further financing for growth and development. The deal came down to discussing executive perks, particularly cars. Marcus wanted Perot to simply pay off the 6yr old Cadillac he was driving. Perot told him to get a new Chevy since, “my people don’t drive Cadillacs”. The difference would have only been a few thousand more for the Chevy, but it was money that didn’t need to be spent. The discussion broke down, leading Blank and Marcus to walk out and develop their company on their own. You may have heard of it: Home Depot. An investment of less than $20million would have netted Perot more than $10billion, but he wanted to split hairs between a used Caddy and a new Chevy. Talk about value shopping…

]]> By: gerard pawling http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-525155 gerard pawling Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:21:56 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-525155 how about DIAGEO scouping up UNITED BRANDS for the unlimate coup? how about DIAGEO scouping up UNITED BRANDS for the unlimate coup?

]]> By: me http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-522688 me Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:11:15 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-522688 How about Xerox allowing Apple to reach into their closet of inventions which would never go anywhere, and come out with the mouse. No charge. How about Xerox allowing Apple to reach into their closet of inventions which would never go anywhere, and come out with the mouse. No charge.

]]> By: Patrick http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-522106 Patrick Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:32:14 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-522106 To continue The Beatles-EMI story, it was largely The Beatles' commercial success at EMI that helped fund EMI's Central Research Laboratories division. It was there at EMI's laboratories that the CT Scanner was invented (originally called the EMI Scanner). So you can almost say that Decca Records turning down The Beatles was one of the worst business decisions in history but indirectly, one of the best medical decisions in history as well. To continue The Beatles-EMI story, it was largely The Beatles’ commercial success at EMI that helped fund EMI’s Central Research Laboratories division. It was there at EMI’s laboratories that the CT Scanner was invented (originally called the EMI Scanner). So you can almost say that Decca Records turning down The Beatles was one of the worst business decisions in history but indirectly, one of the best medical decisions in history as well.

]]> By: Tim http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-521651 Tim Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:47:39 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-521651 What about the publisher(s) that turned down J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter books? Bet the person(s) who turned her away are no longer employed! What about the publisher(s) that turned down J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter books? Bet the person(s) who turned her away are no longer employed!

]]> By: Masodark http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-521525 Masodark Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:40:47 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-521525 What about New Coke? How did that not make the list? What about New Coke? How did that not make the list?

]]> By: Drewbot http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-521269 Drewbot Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:57:17 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-521269 Let it be known that Schlitz has released its original formula in long-neck bottles, and it is being sold in ten Chicago venues. I think they are testing to see how it sells. I tried it at Schuba's, and it was really good. Let it be known that Schlitz has released its original formula in long-neck bottles, and it is being sold in ten Chicago venues. I think they are testing to see how it sells. I tried it at Schuba’s, and it was really good.

]]> By: Computer Repair http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-521089 Computer Repair Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:50:23 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-521089 Bill gates never made his own stuff. Everything was also bought or mostly stolen from other companies or small time programmers. One reason why I will never buy a ford. They never innovate, only copy. Kind of like Microsoft. Bill gates never made his own stuff. Everything was also bought or mostly stolen from other companies or small time programmers. One reason why I will never buy a ford. They never innovate, only copy. Kind of like Microsoft.

]]> By: Chris http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-521059 Chris Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:10:07 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-521059 Yeah these are easy to bash now, back in the front seat at the time? Not so easy. Yeah google tried to sell to excite/yahoo, etc., but think what they were asking. For a million we'll give you a search engine. Umm, "we already have that!", "yeah but ours is better", "um, yeah right get out of here!". No one has a time machine... Yeah these are easy to bash now, back in the front seat at the time? Not so easy. Yeah google tried to sell to excite/yahoo, etc., but think what they were asking. For a million we’ll give you a search engine. Umm, “we already have that!”, “yeah but ours is better”, “um, yeah right get out of here!”.

No one has a time machine…

]]> By: pylenyh http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-521048 pylenyh Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:01:04 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-521048 What about Xerox PARC? They had PCs, GUI, Email, everything way before MS or Apple. The execs said it was all useless and would never come to anything. They then demonstrated it to Steve Jobs and he stole all the ideas. As soon as I saw this I expected to see that at the top. BAD NERDS! BAD! Dummies What about Xerox PARC? They had PCs, GUI, Email, everything way before MS or Apple. The execs said it was all useless and would never come to anything. They then demonstrated it to Steve Jobs and he stole all the ideas.

As soon as I saw this I expected to see that at the top. BAD NERDS! BAD!

Dummies

]]> By: Eric http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-521011 Eric Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:18:02 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-521011 HP turned down the Apple I. HP turned down the Apple I.

]]> By: thewisemonkey7 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-520833 thewisemonkey7 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:49:53 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-520833 The winner has to be Gerald Ratner, former CEO of Ratners Group jewellers (now Signet Group). He said, about his own products: "We also do cut-glass sherry decanters complete with six glasses on a silver-plated tray that your butler can serve you drinks on, all for £4.95. People say, "How can you sell this for such a low price?" I say, because it's total crap." This nearly bankrupted the company. XD The winner has to be Gerald Ratner, former CEO of Ratners Group jewellers (now Signet Group). He said, about his own products:

“We also do cut-glass sherry decanters complete with six glasses on a silver-plated tray that your butler can serve you drinks on, all for £4.95. People say, “How can you sell this for such a low price?” I say, because it’s total crap.”

This nearly bankrupted the company. XD

]]> By: elpumpy http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-520813 elpumpy Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:06:41 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-520813 @ltwally MS never bought CP/M, CP/M was Digital Research's operating system. Knute has it right. @ltwally
MS never bought CP/M, CP/M was Digital Research’s operating system. Knute has it right.

]]> By: zarathustra98 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-520786 zarathustra98 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:06:07 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-520786 Can we not forget <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Coke" rel="nofollow">New Coke!<a> :) Can we not forget New Coke! :)

]]> By: maki http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-520765 maki Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:28:19 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-520765 not surprising www.makeoverfun.net not surprising

http://www.makeoverfun.net

]]> By: ltwally http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-520700 ltwally Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:10:57 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-520700 If memory serves, Microsoft bought CP/M (which became DOS) for a meger $40,000. Digital Research didn't really lose out, as Microsoft screwed the creator of CP/M and probably wanted to screw over Digital Research as well. If memory serves, Microsoft bought CP/M (which became DOS) for a meger $40,000. Digital Research didn’t really lose out, as Microsoft screwed the creator of CP/M and probably wanted to screw over Digital Research as well.

]]> By: Matthew Hall http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-520699 Matthew Hall Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:05:52 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-520699 You forgot about not publishing Harry Potter, lots of people turned down the series. You forgot about not publishing Harry Potter, lots of people turned down the series.

]]> By: Leon123 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-520141 Leon123 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:11:25 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-520141 Mego was offered a chance to produce action figures for a new sci fi move but turned it down. That movie was Star Wars. Mego was offered a chance to produce action figures for a new sci fi move but turned it down.

That movie was Star Wars.

]]> By: mommy g http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-515960 mommy g Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:42:37 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-515960 i had read these in the 13th bathroom reader (we have them all in our "library", haha) but it's nice to see them here, too, so that people who don't usually pick up books might read one!! i had read these in the 13th bathroom reader (we have them all in our “library”, haha) but it’s nice to see them here, too, so that people who don’t usually pick up books might read one!!

]]> By: laughing at your mistakes http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-515236 laughing at your mistakes Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:10:15 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-515236 Bill Gates never came up with DOS, he was unable to, he had to buy it from another man, as a result, Microsofts success comes from bill gates inability to produce anything at all, only buy other peoples innovations. Bill Gates never came up with DOS, he was unable to, he had to buy it from another man, as a result, Microsofts success comes from bill gates inability to produce anything at all, only buy other peoples innovations.

]]> By: Alex http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-514938 Alex Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:01:19 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-514938 Oops - I did mean #3, thanks graffiksguru! I blame these fat figners for these typos. Doh! Oops – I did mean #3, thanks graffiksguru! I blame these fat figners for these typos. Doh!

]]> By: graffiksguru http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-514315 graffiksguru Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:25:42 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-514315 I liked the story, I think you had a typo in the Mash one though, I'm assuming you meant "#3", instead of "$3", not a big deal, I do it occasionally too. I liked the story, I think you had a typo in the Mash one though, I’m assuming you meant “#3″, instead of “$3″, not a big deal, I do it occasionally too.

]]> By: CheeseDuck http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-514221 CheeseDuck Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:39:30 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-514221 Ouch. Ouch.

]]> By: Rosi http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513887 Rosi Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:28:23 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513887 I know a guy who was the drummer for The Animals (who sang the House of the Rising Sun) but left to start his own band. He works at the guitar shop down my road... Also my grandparents used to have their own dentist clinic, and one day the Beatles (ALL of them) came in for some kind of emergency treatment or something along those lines. But this was before they were famous, so they didn't think to get their autographs or a picture of them or anything... I know a guy who was the drummer for The Animals (who sang the House of the Rising Sun) but left to start his own band. He works at the guitar shop down my road…
Also my grandparents used to have their own dentist clinic, and one day the Beatles (ALL of them) came in for some kind of emergency treatment or something along those lines. But this was before they were famous, so they didn’t think to get their autographs or a picture of them or anything…

]]> By: Knute http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513878 Knute Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:21:13 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513878 Microsoft didn't buy DOS, they bought QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System) for about $50K. It was a plagiarized version of Digital's CP/M operating system. They turned around and licensed this OS to IBM, then later licensed to Compaq and other clone PC makers. In the end they wound up paying Digital damages, and paid off the Seattle man who "created" QDOS as well. Of course most of this has either been forgotten or buried... Microsoft didn’t buy DOS, they bought QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System) for about $50K. It was a plagiarized version of Digital’s CP/M operating system. They turned around and licensed this OS to IBM, then later licensed to Compaq and other clone PC makers. In the end they wound up paying Digital damages, and paid off the Seattle man who “created” QDOS as well. Of course most of this has either been forgotten or buried…

]]> By: Richard Jones http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513765 Richard Jones Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:19:26 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513765 I also think the Watergate story is wrong. I also think the Watergate story is wrong.

]]> By: weerdwolf69 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513747 weerdwolf69 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:58:28 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513747 Ted Waite turned a South Dakota pasture into one of the largest most respected computer manufacturing centers in the world. He then hired a "business manager" to take the company the next step. The business manager strangled the help line, changed the marketing strategy, and moved the corporate headquarters to San Diego. Within 3 years, Gateway 2000 was a never again worth a crap laughing stock. Ted Waite turned a South Dakota pasture into one of the largest most respected computer manufacturing centers in the world. He then hired a “business manager” to take the company the next step. The business manager strangled the help line, changed the marketing strategy, and moved the corporate headquarters to San Diego. Within 3 years, Gateway 2000 was a never again worth a crap laughing stock.

]]> By: Tracy http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513697 Tracy Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:05:31 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513697 So that's why you see MASH reruns on t.v. almost every day. Very interesting. So that’s why you see MASH reruns on t.v. almost every day. Very interesting.

]]> By: Thomas http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513691 Thomas Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:00:56 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513691 what about crystal pepsi? what about crystal pepsi?

]]> By: mark http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513661 mark Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:26:09 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513661 Forgot about the "new" coke. Forgot about the “new” coke.

]]> By: bean http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513658 bean Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:24:32 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513658 Oops. I mistyped. I meant to say Dodge, not Chrysler. Oops. I mistyped. I meant to say Dodge, not Chrysler.

]]> By: Robert http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513630 Robert Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:56:56 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513630 A couple of years ago I was working for a startup that was seeking VC money. One of the VC's we talked to admited to one serious mistake a number of years ago. They turned down a small chain of coffee shops that was trying to go national. They could not see why anyone would pay $2 for a cup of coffee. Starbucks went elsewhere. A couple of years ago I was working for a startup that was seeking VC money. One of the VC’s we talked to admited to one serious mistake a number of years ago.

They turned down a small chain of coffee shops that was trying to go national. They could not see why anyone would pay $2 for a cup of coffee. Starbucks went elsewhere.

]]> By: bean http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513572 bean Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:05:14 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513572 When I was in college, I had to study a shareholder rights lawsuit that still sticks in my mind. Henry Ford was sued by some of his biggest shareholders for constantly taking the massive profits of his company and reinvesting them in the company, rather than paying a dividend on stock. He lost the suit, and one of the plaintiffs used his winnings to start his own auto company. That guy's name was Chrysler. When I was in college, I had to study a shareholder rights lawsuit that still sticks in my mind.

Henry Ford was sued by some of his biggest shareholders for constantly taking the massive profits of his company and reinvesting them in the company, rather than paying a dividend on stock. He lost the suit, and one of the plaintiffs used his winnings to start his own auto company.

That guy’s name was Chrysler.

]]> By: KT http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513556 KT Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:52:31 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513556 I think the date on the San Francisco Chronicle story is incorrect. By 1979 Woodward and Bernstein were well-known and celebrated for having broken the Watergate story 5 years earlier! I think the date on the San Francisco Chronicle story is incorrect. By 1979 Woodward and Bernstein were well-known and celebrated for having broken the Watergate story 5 years earlier!

]]> By: empty-minded http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513532 empty-minded Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:34:31 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513532 You gotta love Karma (or not, either way Karma wins). You gotta love Karma (or not, either way Karma wins).

]]> By: Skipweasel http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513483 Skipweasel Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:44:36 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513483 Would Microsoft have grown the way it did if Ross Perot had owned it? Like many things, these are imponderables. Perhaps the Beatles wouldn't have been a success under a different label... Would Microsoft have grown the way it did if Ross Perot had owned it? Like many things, these are imponderables. Perhaps the Beatles wouldn’t have been a success under a different label…

]]> By: * Miss UNIVERSE http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513304 * Miss UNIVERSE Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:35:39 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513304 You missed a real gem. Google's founders originally tried to sell the software to several tech companies before deciding to make a go of it on their own - because no one liked the Million dollar selling price they were seeking. Altavista, Excite & Yahoo TURNED THEM DOWN IN 1997 :-O You missed a real gem.

Google’s founders originally tried to sell the software to several tech companies before deciding to make a go of it on their own – because no one liked the Million dollar selling price they were seeking.

Altavista, Excite & Yahoo TURNED THEM DOWN IN 1997 :-O

]]> By: blm http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/comment-page-1/#comment-513257 blm Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:49:06 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/04/15/the-stupidest-business-decisions-in-history/#comment-513257 While I'm certain there are some dumb decisions in there, I also think it's easy to point them out after the fact, but maybe not so easy beforehand. While I’m certain there are some dumb decisions in there, I also think it’s easy to point them out after the fact, but maybe not so easy beforehand.

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