...many ads use a slogan, "1 billion = 7," suggesting that the billion people who use PCs helped bring forth the new operating system.

"Our customers co-create the product with us," said David Webster, general manager for brand and marketing strategy at Microsoft in Redmond, Wash. "We're using the customers' voice to tell our story."

If Microsoft were really listening to users, it would have committed seppuku a long time ago. It certainly would not have continued to push the notion that Vista was the greatest thing since sliced bread when it was clear the thing was more like stinky cheese. If Microsoft is listening, it's selective listening at best.

As Elliott points out, the notion that Windows 7 was somehow an exception to the usual Microsoft product development process is essentially a lie.

Microsoft has always done extensive usability studies with every software product. And it has always resulted in Microsoft products being confusing and condescending at the same time. (Are you sure you want to do that? Really? Are you really really sure? OK then, just reboot and click Yes five more times. Oops, sorry -- there was a fatal exception error. Here's some nonsense hexadecimal code to chew on.)