apophenia: I will be joining Microsoft Research in January

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September 21, 2008

I will be joining Microsoft Research in January

Guess who has a post-dissertation job? [Yes, that implies I'm actually going to finish this *#$@! dissertation.] ::bounce:: In January, I will be joining the newly minted Microsoft Research New England in Boston, MA. w00000t!!!!! I couldn't be more ecstatic.

For those who don't know Microsoft Research (MSR), it's a pure research lab. What this means is that researchers are hired to advance the state of knowledge in their respective areas of research. MSR is a different structure than Microsoft proper and researchers are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and they are evaluated on the contributions they make to the field. Researchers are welcome to collaborate with whoever they please, engage with students at local institutions, and co-teach classes if that'll help them fulfill their research agendas. Researchers are welcome to pursue the research topics that they find to be interesting and important. In essence, being a MSR researcher is quite similar to being a faculty at a research institution. To the shock of most folk, MSR is not about directly contributing to the bottom line of Microsoft, but about advancing knowledge that will benefit the future of computing.

As many of you know, I've been quite cagey about the possibility of the future for quite some time. I've been frustrated with academic restrictions and fearful that academia wouldn't let me do the kind of research that I wanted to do. I've been equally scared of industrial research because I've watched too much research get trapped down behind closed corporate walls. I've always been in awe of MSR because of its openness but I wasn't really jumping to move to Redmond. I had been pretty set that I was going to go independent and pay the bills through freelancing. Then, a funny combination of events happened.

It all began with Dopplr. Linda Stone noticed that I was swinging through Seattle and she called me up and told me that I had to do dinner with her. Linda's plots are always tremendous so of course I said yes. When I arrived, she introduced me to Jennifer Chayes and Christian Borgs, the physicists who were starting the new MSR lab. Jennifer immediately began interrogating me about my research and about social science more broadly. To say Jennifer & I clicked is a bit of an understatement. Like me, Jennifer is loud, crazy, and intense. We got along like peas in a pod and spent the night chattering away. When she told me that I should come work for her, I laughed it off and didn't think much about it. But I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Jennifer and Christian's vision for the lab aligned with my view of research. They believe in interdisciplinary work, believe in the ways that new ideas can come from unexpected collaborations. While I know a lot of social scientists who curl their nose at the idea of a lab full of physicists, mathematicians, and economists, I find that quite appealing. I love the idea of such a diverse group thinking about how the world works from different angles. Plus, meeting the folks at the new lab - Henry Cohn, Yael Kalai, Adam Kalai, and Butler Lampson - only made me more intrigued by it. Everyone was so ridiculously nice and even though we didn't work on the same problems we found funny intersections.

The more that I talked with folks at MSR, the more I fell in love with the possibility of going there. And then I started meeting with execs and realized that what MSR researchers were telling me fit with broader strategy. I met with Rick Rashid, the head of MSR, who explained why he started MSR and how he saw it fit into the company. I met with Ray Ozzie (who I've known and adored for quite some time) and he confirmed the importance of research for the future of Microsoft. Both of them made me feel fully confident that my approach to research would not only be tolerated but welcomed. Plus, there's a broad desire to understand the intersections between computing and all things social which is straight up my alley.

As the pieces came together, I realized that it just made complete sense. Going to MSR will allow me to continue the research I do and it will give me a productive, collaborative, interdisciplinary environment in which to do it. There's amazing work at MSR concerning social media and even those at MSR-NE who are not working on social media are more than open to the topics engendered by it and more than ecstatic to engage with me. Being in a room full of scientists might not seem like the most obvious fit, but really, you have to meet them to understand how invigorating an environment it is.

Personally, going to MSR will mean a continuation of the good things that I do and a reduction of the things that exhaust me. I will continue to publish, go to conferences, and blog. I will keep my Berkman Center fellowship. I will continue public speaking, political interventions, and sitting on advisory boards. I will get involved in the intellectual communities in Cambridge and collaborate with scholars. I will escape dissertation hell (w00t!). I will escape IRB bureaucracy and have a much more sane ethics review process. I will stop consulting and doing private corporate talks. I will get to lower travel to a sane level. All of this will be possible because I will get paid to do the research that I want to do.

I have no doubt that this move prompts concerned questions from those who know me as well as those who don't, so let me take a moment to pre-emptively respond to criticisms that I've already heard...

But you hated Boston... It's true that Boston and I weren't the closest of friends. We've called a truce and we're going to see what happens. One thing is for certain: I can't wait to get back to some very dear friends (although I will miss my west-coast pals). And I *cannot* wait to get back to my favorite gym in the whole wide word: Healthworks. Mmmm... oh goddess do I love that woman-friendly place. I'm even kinda excited by the idea of turtlenecks. I think I look HOTT in turtlenecks.
But you're a Mac fiend... In every company I've ever worked for, I've always used products produced by competitors. I think that companies who expect employees to buy into their product line hook, line, and sinker are cults. Much can be learned by understanding why people know about your product and prefer a different one. There are plenty of Microsoft products that I use and adore, but I ain't giving up my beloved Xanadu. And, surprisingly, Microsoft respects this and is willing to let me continue to work on a Mac.
But industry research is selling out! When research is useful, people use it. It doesn't matter if you're in industry or academia - if you publish for others to read, you're a fool if you don't think it'll get used. MSR is giving me the opportunity to direct my research agenda and produce scholarship for the public good. They will inevitably use what I produce, but they would've anyhow. In any other configuration, I would have (and have) consulted for private companies to make ends meet. There is no doubt that I will effectively consult for Microsoft but my research, like always, will be for the public good. I will continue to publish and I will probably publish more since I won't be writing grant applications or consulting.
But job security!?!? I find it odd that academics always point to job security as the reason to stay in academia because I am watching too many of my favorite elder scholars struggle desperately to get research grants to keep their labs going. How is grant-driven academia that forces you to give up research to go out begging for grants considered job security? And besides, I'm happy to keep producing quality work steadily over time rather than racing the hamster wheel for 7 years. At least at MSR, I don't have to wait to get tenure to be rebellious.
But Microsoft is the devil incarnate! Years ago, I crafted a post comparing search companies to evil nation states of the 20th century. I think that my metaphors still hold and I've already worked for (and survived) Japan and the States. There is plenty about Microsoft's history that I have problems with. There are even issues today that I disagree with. But I've never been a part of a company (or a nation-state) that I fully agreed with. Even though I dream of going to Canada, I plan to stick it out here and push to make change. Likewise, even inside Microsoft, when I disagree, I will say so. I don't think that Microsoft is the devil, but I think that they've done some really stupid things and are actually working hard to right some of their past wrongs. I commend them for this. And hopefully I can do some good by being there. When I told Bill Buxton that I intended to address this issue here, he offered another perspective: "there's no merit to being an angel in heaven." I like that. That's a good one.

I have every expectation that folks out there will not understand my reasoning and will think poorly of me for choosing to go to MSR, but I'm utterly ecstatic. My interactions with folks at MSR have been non-stop fantabulous. It's an intellectually stimulating environment where I will have the resources and space to do my research and the encouragement to pursue a social media agenda. And frankly, I can't wait. I can't wait to be a part of an invigorating research environment. I can't wait to think about the intersections of science and social science. I can't wait to begin a new project and publish, publish, publish. I'm a bit wary about the snow, but we'll work on that one. At the end of the day, I couldn't be more pleased. w00000t!!!!!

Category: my life

Tags: microsoft research future job

Posted by zephoria at September 21, 2008 8:46 PM | TrackBack

Comments (78)

Robert Scoble:

Wow, congrats! They are great people (I interviewed them back in March). Looking forward to seeing what you do with them!

Posted by Robert Scoble | September 21, 2008 9:17 PM

Posted on September 21, 2008 21:17

Noah Carter:

Well okay, as long as you PROMISE "to continue to publish, go to conferences, and blog." ;-)

But seriously, they are extremely luck to have you. As a former MSFT employee, (tho not MSR), I can tell you it's an amazing place to work.

Congratulations!

Posted by Noah Carter | September 21, 2008 10:43 PM

Posted on September 21, 2008 22:43

Katharine Bostick:

Welcome! It's great to have someone with your talent and expertise onboard!

I am with Microsoft in Asia Pacific and we are working together to build global networks to ensure the internet is safer and more secure. I have not met you yet so I am looking forward to meeting you and learning from you. I will also be looking for opportunities to share your expertise with our networks around the globe.

I just happen to read your message on the Berkman Center website and I am glad I was your message. You will definitely add perspectives that will contribute significantly to strategies and solutions with greater impact. Take care and congrats.

Posted by Katharine Bostick | September 21, 2008 11:53 PM

Posted on September 21, 2008 23:53

souris:

w00000t indeed! Congrats, big ups and big love! we'll miss you on the westside...

Posted by souris | September 22, 2008 12:09 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 00:09

LivePaola:

Congratulations danah! It sounds wonderful. Yes, you will be criticized. But as long as your gut tells you you're doing the right thing, you will do great.

Posted by LivePaola | September 22, 2008 12:23 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 00:23

Sharon Greenfield:

Nice danah. MSR is a cool group (*cough* not as cool as PaPR *cough*), but a great place to land. ;) I look forward to the work you'll soon be producing in your new home!

Posted by Sharon Greenfield | September 22, 2008 12:59 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 00:59

tilly:

Bonjour danah et f�licitations !
All I hope sincerely is that you will continue to deliver nice articles on your site, free (open) for publication, distribution, and ... translation into French. I can understand that you may use MS professional translation/localization services though, but I will be really glad and honoured to give you more translations into French of your papers. (I am currently working on "Digital handshakes in networked publics", it should be finished in a week or two).
A bient�t
Tilly

Posted by tilly | September 22, 2008 1:45 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 01:45

funkyboy:

Congrats! I often follow your work. Very interesting!
You lucky to have found a place where you can fully exploit your knowledge.

Good luck!

Posted by funkyboy | September 22, 2008 1:49 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 01:49

dumbledad

Wow. I'm in the Microsoft Research lab in the other Cambridge (ye olde Cambridge) and this is fantastic news. We're also a group combining Social Science with more technical disciplines: http://research.microsoft.com/sds/
Very exciting, welcome aboard.

Posted by dumbledad | September 22, 2008 2:46 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 02:46

Bertil:

Congratulations!

Posted by Bertil | September 22, 2008 4:45 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 04:45

Jeff:

Meow!

Crepes. Seriously. I can even make some more duck confit to fill 'em with. ;-)

Posted by Jeff | September 22, 2008 6:02 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 06:02

Eric Dewhirst

Awesome news! Congrats and I know this will give you that extra bit of energy to finish off your dissertation. Very happy for you.

Cheers - Eric

Posted by Eric Dewhirst | September 22, 2008 6:11 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 06:11

Mark Federman:

Congratulations and much success! For the life of me, I can't understand why people would criticize you for landing yourself in an environment that will enable you to do (a) what you love; (b) what is interesting; and (c) something that contributes to knowledge that benefits the rest of us. Anything less, and you could be accused of selling out. But the way you describe MSR and your enthusiasm for it sounds like they, you, and the rest of the world that cares about what's happening will all win.

As they say, when the time is right, the right path opens.

Posted by Mark Federman | September 22, 2008 6:51 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 06:51

Darius K.:

Sweet, welcome back to Boston (er, Cambridge). I'm sure I'll see you around at an MIT CMS event or two...

Posted by Darius K. | September 22, 2008 7:44 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 07:44

Charlie:

Score one for the East Coast! (Of course, not the IDEAL East Coast city, but close enough...)

Posted by Charlie | September 22, 2008 7:47 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 07:47

epc

Congratulations!

Posted by epc | September 22, 2008 7:54 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 07:54

The Quantitative Harun Azis Research Study of Dreams:

my dream is working in microsoft. but how much money make my dream will happen if me is not enough knowledge about computer programming.

Posted by The Quantitative Harun Azis Research Study of Dreams | September 22, 2008 7:59 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 07:59

Tom Armitage:

That sounds like an excellent fit. Congratulations on the post!

Posted by Tom Armitage | September 22, 2008 8:07 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 08:07

Adrienne:

congratulations danah!

Posted by Adrienne | September 22, 2008 8:20 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 08:20

Brian Williams:

Congratulations! MSR sounds like a great fit for you. It would also do well for those concerned about this move to remember that there are other examples of excellence going into industry research. Some brilliant people went into Xerox PARC, and some wonderful stuff came out of it. No doubt MSR is similarly focused on finding the best and brightest in order to provide the alchemical conditions for spectacular innovation. Best wishes on the new job.

Posted by Brian Williams | September 22, 2008 8:23 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 08:23

DC:

Just don't get a big head. The MSR people I've talked to have been consistently brilliant, amazing researchers, big contributors, and had the biggest egos ever (only noticeable if you're not cool enough for them, of course). I believe it's a natural outcome of a very competitive position, so I definitely don't blame them, but I think it's unfortunate.

Posted by DC | September 22, 2008 8:23 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 08:23

Adam Shostack:

Welcome! I've been a fan of your work for a while. I went through perhaps similar "Microsoft?!?!" contortions when I joined a bit over two years ago (eg, http://www.discourse.net/archives/2006/06/adam_shostack_joins_microsoft.html) but I've been having a blast. I'd love to compare notes on MS internal culture sometime.

Adam

Posted by Adam Shostack | September 22, 2008 8:50 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 08:50

Nancy White:

danah, congrats on the next leap off the cliff of life. Brava. I'm sorry I won't be at the MSR social media confab up here in Seattle next month (I'll be across the world) but please, consider a big hug of congratulations delivered.

Posted by Nancy White | September 22, 2008 10:04 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:04

Dave Ambrose:

Congratulations danah!

Posted by Dave Ambrose | September 22, 2008 10:05 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:05

Jeremy Zawodny:

Congrats on the new job. I expect you'll meet a lot of amazing people and teach us all a lot more about what we're doing on-line.

Posted by Jeremy Zawodny | September 22, 2008 10:16 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:16

Randy Farmer:

Congratulations on your new home! Hope you'll still post pointers to your work here...

Randy

Posted by Randy Farmer | September 22, 2008 10:17 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:17

Randy Farmer:

Congratulations on your new home! Hope you'll still post pointers to your work here...

Randy

Posted by Randy Farmer | September 22, 2008 10:17 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:17

Laura Porto Stockwell:

Congrats! They are *lucky* to have you! I've worked as a consultant with MSFT in the social media space (on Live QnA and Office Live community). There's lots of great, smart people there. And they could use your help ;) Feel free to email if you ever want to chat.

Posted by Laura Porto Stockwell | September 22, 2008 10:18 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:18

Andrew Hyde:

Congratulations! I've heard great things about the research labs, exciting to see what you do while there.

Posted by Andrew Hyde | September 22, 2008 10:21 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:21

Cindy Stanford:

I'm so happy for you, I can't stop tweeting about it! You're paving a way for others. It's a win for you, win for Microsoft, and a win for all the other smart people, knowledgeable about social media, that Microsoft & other forward-thinking companies will hire because of your work. THANKS! and CONGRATS!

Posted by Cindy Stanford | September 22, 2008 10:25 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:25

Coturnix:

Congratulations!

Posted by Coturnix | September 22, 2008 10:35 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:35

amy.leblanc:

huge congratulations - sounds like a great fit. you're gonna rock that lab!

Posted by amy.leblanc | September 22, 2008 10:49 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 10:49

Aleta Fullenwider:

Congratulations! Thank you for the explanation of what MSR does and stands for. I applaud your decision to preemptively respond to criticisms. Often it is easier to stand in judgment of a company that work with them to overcome obstacles that will ultimately benefit the human race. It's that what we're all working for?

Posted by Aleta Fullenwider | September 22, 2008 11:12 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 11:12

Stowe Boyd:

Best wishes on your work there, cuz.

Posted by Stowe Boyd | September 22, 2008 11:24 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 11:24

J. Smith:

I've always been a fan of your writing and research. I can't wait to see what kinds of things you cook up at Microsoft. Congratulations!

Posted by J. Smith | September 22, 2008 11:47 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 11:47

orcmid:

Wow! Jealous that you won't be based in Redmond, but maybe we'll be seeing you more often in Puget Sound country as well. I love your excitement about this.

Posted by orcmid | September 22, 2008 11:49 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 11:49

Aprille:

Congrats, danah! Sounds awesome and makes me rather jealous - best wishes!

Posted by Aprille | September 22, 2008 11:50 AM

Posted on September 22, 2008 11:50

Danica Radovanovic:

Congrats danah! Sure you'll take your mac with you:)
Best wishes on your new work.

Posted by Danica Radovanovic | September 22, 2008 12:20 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 12:20

Jan Schmidt:

Cool, great news! Congratulations - to you, but most of all to MSR for hiring you!

Posted by Jan Schmidt | September 22, 2008 1:08 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 13:08

jinal shah:

Congratulations! Very happy for you!
Looking forward to having you on the east coast.

Posted by jinal shah | September 22, 2008 1:13 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 13:13

Ariel:

I had a sneaking suspicion when I interviewed Jennifer & Christian for Microspotting a couple months ago that you might be joining them. VERY EXCITING!!!

Posted by Ariel | September 22, 2008 1:34 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 13:34

Laz:

danah,

Congratulations. Best wishes for all the success in the world.

Laz

Posted by Laz | September 22, 2008 2:12 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 14:12

Daniel Tunkelang

Danah, congrats! Looks like MSR is developing quite a team in Cambridge, MA. Looking forward to great things from you and your new colleagues.

Posted by Daniel Tunkelang | September 22, 2008 2:17 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 14:17

Chris Tolles:

Danah:

Congrats on the Trifecta -- Yahoo, Google, Microsoft. Glad to see you still happy and interested in the space we all are trying to figure out. Sometime we should chat about what we're seeing with connecting people up from deepest rural America here at Topix :-)

Drop a line whenever you land in the Bay Area...

Chris Tolles
CEO, Topix

Posted by Chris Tolles | September 22, 2008 2:44 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 14:44

crawford:

Wonderful news. Follow that still, quiet voice. It will not lead you astray.

Posted by crawford | September 22, 2008 2:50 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 14:50

crawford:

Wonderful news. Follow that still, quiet voice. It will not lead you astray.

Posted by crawford | September 22, 2008 2:51 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 14:51

Sherman Dorn:

Congratulations!!!

May MSR understand what they've got. And keep blogging!

Posted by Sherman Dorn | September 22, 2008 3:14 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 15:14

John:

What Microsoft needs is a herd of good programmers, not yet another egomaniac talking head. They have plenty of good ideas, but always fcuk it up in the execution phase.

And here's a quest for you: Either post this comment as my honest opinion about the topic or don't post it. It's the first test to see whether M$ has also bought your soul.

Posted by John | September 22, 2008 4:19 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 16:19

weston

Congratulations danah!

Posted by weston | September 22, 2008 4:42 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 16:42

Alvin Chin:

Congratulations on the job! You have very thought provoking ideas and research, as I've followed and read some of your work. Hope that Microsoft will be able to use your work to drive social networking to the next level and improve their collaborative products.

Hope to also see you at some of the conferences, as I've followed your work, but haven't met you in person before.

And about the dissertation, I know what you mean, I'm in the same boat as well. I've just started a new research position, but still have the lingering dissertation to finish up which I'm towards the end.

It's a good feeling to finish one chapter and start the next.

Good luck and keep us up to date on your work.

Posted by Alvin Chin | September 22, 2008 6:24 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 18:24

susan mernit:

danah--this is exciting news and I hope this group lives up to all the promise it seems to have. Perhaps Cambridge will be very different this time around; I bet you've evolved as well. I'm looking forward to research that pushes the envelope from you and hope you will get more involved with the great energy at Berkman and the MIT/Knight Digital Lab.
Best, Susan

Posted by susan mernit | September 22, 2008 6:57 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 18:57

Christopher Herot

Congratulations to Microsoft. And danah, welcome to Boston.

Posted by Christopher Herot | September 22, 2008 7:04 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 19:04

Sam Jackson:

Wow, fantastic! I still owe you a long existential email, it is pending. I am super excited for you! Can I come visit? : )

Posted by Sam Jackson | September 22, 2008 7:06 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 19:06

Michael Zimmer:

Congratulations!

Posted by Michael Zimmer | September 22, 2008 7:21 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 19:21

ExSoftie:

"there's no merit to being an angel in heaven" ? Really ? Not that I believe in either of those things, but that makes zero sense to me.

That has to be the lamest justification for selling out that I've heard :)

I stopped reading your blog because you used the word "windoze" once, and am only back because I'm again disappointed by how low Microsoft will go in sucking up to people who hate the company and its products. They're like an abused spouse.
Instead of trying to improve their products and image, they waste time and money hiring people who have their own agendas and are just there for money.

All your words above simply boil down to one thing: You don't have the courage of your prejudices.

Posted by ExSoftie | September 22, 2008 7:38 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 19:38

Joe Wehr:

Congrats to danah

I saw danah in October 2007 when she participated in the Connecticut Forum in Hartford

She was on a panel with Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia) & Craig Newmark (Craigslist) & moderated by Jonathan Zittrain - all stars of the internet world

For me, danah was the brightest star, a visionary offering great insight into our networked future. Several times danah's comments triggered praise from Jimmy Wales.

Microsoft is lucky to have her on their team.

Posted by Joe Wehr | September 22, 2008 7:46 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 19:46

Hollie:

COngrats- I'm sure it will be nice to have a "real" job! LOL There must be something about Boston- both my brother and his fiance went to school there, and although they live here now, they still talk about moving back someday! On a personal note- new pictures of the little one on my facebook site! She's adorable

Posted by Hollie | September 22, 2008 8:47 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 20:47

SEV:

Congratulations ! Best of luck.

Posted by SEV | September 22, 2008 8:51 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 20:51

Current Softie:

Dear ex-Softie:

Those of us still with the company don't want un-ending supplies of kool-aid. I'm glad that Danah is going to join the company in MSR, and look forward to her helping us improve products in some way that reflects our ongoing desire for self-improvement.

Posted by Current Softie | September 22, 2008 9:13 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 21:13

Kontra:

Ms. Optimism: "To the shock of most folk, MSR is not about directly contributing to the bottom line of Microsoft, but about advancing knowledge that will benefit the future of computing."

Please meet Mr. Reality: "I met with Ray Ozzie (who I've known and adored for quite some time) and he confirmed the importance of research for the future of Microsoft."

'Nuff said.

Posted by Kontra | September 22, 2008 9:48 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 21:48

Kontra:

Ms. Optimism: "To the shock of most folk, MSR is not about directly contributing to the bottom line of Microsoft, but about advancing knowledge that will benefit the future of computing."

Please meet Mr. Reality: "I met with Ray Ozzie (who I've known and adored for quite some time) and he confirmed the importance of research for the future of Microsoft."

'Nuff said.

Posted by Kontra | September 22, 2008 9:49 PM

Posted on September 22, 2008 21:49

Niall Larkin:

Cool. Congratulations. Sounds brilliant. No better woman :)

Posted by Niall Larkin | September 23, 2008 3:43 AM

Posted on September 23, 2008 03:43

Jim Parker:

Congrats on the job. I teach classes in online communication here at Vanderbilt much like Howard teaches out west. If you are interested you could probably use some of my students for subjects. Also I have some good places for you to publish and conferences to attend.

Posted by Jim Parker | September 23, 2008 5:34 AM

Posted on September 23, 2008 05:34

Neha:

Congrats! Stop by CSAIL when you get a chance.

Posted by Neha | September 23, 2008 6:23 AM

Posted on September 23, 2008 06:23

Neko:

Congratulations, it sounds like a great environment! My supervisor just raised the prospect of what to do 'after' with me; I know I want to do some sort of Post Doctoral Research with a goal of becoming a lecturer, but I have no idea how to start securing funding. I was there was a research lab like this for archaeology!

Posted by Neko | September 23, 2008 10:11 AM

Posted on September 23, 2008 10:11

Davee:

ooo, titilating news. i really appreciated working with occasionally and talking with generally the folks at apple's advanced technology group when i was at apple. it was a wonderful concept within the corporate world, and really great ideas i think came out of it that pushed things forward. may you inspire there and help folks understand more, while getting access to really interesting data. :)

Posted by Davee | September 23, 2008 10:46 AM

Posted on September 23, 2008 10:46

orange:

sounds fantastic. good luck!

Posted by orange | September 23, 2008 11:13 AM

Posted on September 23, 2008 11:13

Siva Vaidhyanathan:

Ah, danah. This is a perfect fit. Congratulations. You will continue to rock the world.

Siva

Posted by Siva Vaidhyanathan | September 23, 2008 1:27 PM

Posted on September 23, 2008 13:27

greg pine:

hey, i cracked a smile when i heard this news! wtf? who are you?

Posted by greg pine | September 23, 2008 4:17 PM

Posted on September 23, 2008 16:17

secretGeek:

wow, this is awesome news.
best of luck.
(and butler lampson is there too! amazing.)

Posted by secretGeek | September 25, 2008 10:29 PM

Posted on September 25, 2008 22:29

Laura "Pistachio" Fitton:

congratulations danah. @kevinmarks has been positively with child for us to meet sometime, and i know you're beyond busy. so perhaps being in the same city will boost our chances of crossing paths. sounds like a wonderful and well-deserved connection for you.

Posted by Laura "Pistachio" Fitton | September 26, 2008 8:51 AM

Posted on September 26, 2008 08:51

Kevin:

Congratulations danah! I personally love Cambridge and hope you enjoy your time there. MSR in MA sounds pretty exciting. There's great talent in the Boston area, so I'm happy to hear Microsoft will be expanding their presence there and you'll be a part of it. Say hi to Tommy Heinson at Healthpoint, a random nice benefit of being there :)

Posted by Kevin | September 26, 2008 7:47 PM

Posted on September 26, 2008 19:47

Aaron Bowen:

Congratulations on getting your dissertation finished and ready to send out, and on your upcoming job! It sounds fantastic!

Posted by Aaron Bowen | September 28, 2008 10:09 PM

Posted on September 28, 2008 22:09

jackvinson

Congratulations on the position. And FINISH YOUR THESIS. The last days seemed to be the hardest. But my wife and I have a funny story about my absolute last day of writing (an all-nighter) being just before Valentine's Day and I hadn't bought anything yet.

And i am sure the East Coast will enjoy your presence. I've been enjoying Boston so far.

Posted by jackvinson | September 29, 2008 8:42 PM

Posted on September 29, 2008 20:42

jon:

Congratulations! Wow, what a great place for you -- and what a great opportunity for Microsoft. I got to work a little bit with Jennifer, Christian, and Butler when I was at MSR and know most of the others by reputation ... adding you to the mix along with them, and it's hard to imagine what's next. Exciting!!!!!

Posted by jon | October 1, 2008 12:55 PM

Posted on October 1, 2008 12:55

Daren C. Brabham:

w00t. congrats danah! i'm glad someone as high-profiled as you is going to show us all that industry ain't teh evil.

Posted by Daren C. Brabham | October 8, 2008 12:40 PM

Posted on October 8, 2008 12:40

nina:

just can't wait to see your work, you will be an inspiration to us who are following so closely social trends..greetings from MS Greece

Posted by nina | October 8, 2008 6:10 PM

Posted on October 8, 2008 18:10

Cathy:

Congrats! To add onto your disclaimer points - being a researcher might also empowers you to articulate the needs of openness and why it vital to remain competitive for big corps like M$.

Have fun!

lurker of your site ;)

Posted by Cathy | October 14, 2008 5:23 AM

Posted on October 14, 2008 05:23

September 21, 2008

I will be joining Microsoft Research in January

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