Microsoft's WP program manager leaving over unauthorized tweets about a Nokia Windows Phone

Joe Marini, who a few days ago we had tweeting with passion about "I just got a chance to try out one of the slickest looking #Nokia phones I have ever seen. Soon, you will too!", has apparently left Microsoft.

Sources say the reason behind the Windows Phone PM parting with the company is that his outlays on Twitter were unauthorized, and not coherent with the NDA agreements everyone has signed.

We thought it a bit strange at the time that a Microsoft employee is disclosing freely stuff about the upcoming Nokia Windows Phone, despite the Apple-style secrecy that CEO Stephen Elop promised during the development phase. The Nokia CEO himself produced what had every indication of a controlled leak with the Nokia Sea Ray phone during the summer, so we assumed this was authorized as well.

Turns out that wasn't the case, and Mr Marini might have been the latest victim of scratching his social networking itch with company information. Not that the details revealed were anything major - he rated the phone 8 out of 10, citing a good camera, and said he'd like a slightly larger display.

source: GeekWire

13 Comments

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posted on 21 Sep 2011, 03:33 7

1. android_hitman (unregistered)

if it were an apple employee, he would be dead right now :)

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 04:58 1

5. pongkie (Posts: 654; Member since: 20 Aug 2011)

hell yeah they lost the damn prototype.. i would do the same

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 06:52

8. remixfa (Posts: 14604; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)

get the cement filled shoes!

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 03:52 4

2. PhoneLuver (Posts: 481; Member since: 05 Jul 2010)

Don't see what the big deal is! Looks like he had some passion and enthusiasm for WP7. Microsoft could benefit from such grass roots almost guerilla marketing. Traditionally, their marketing sucks and so far has failed to attract the masses.

They should grasp any and all possible marketing opportunities.

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 15:32

12. jroc74 (Posts: 6019; Member since: 30 Dec 2010)

I dont really see the problem either. Its not like he posted pics or anything.

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 04:14

3. Loubie (unregistered)

Microsoft/Nokia have done the correct choice,as for years loads of Nokia phones were leaked out to early an it made people anxious an got people slagging Nokia down saying they were to slow releasing phones,if Apple can keep quite about there phones,Nokia should now be allowed to do the same,so October 26th at Nokia World event,we might be able to see Nokias first Windows phone

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 04:46

4. Phullofphil (Posts: 805; Member since: 10 Feb 2009)

I aggree that thier should be utmost secrecy. Microsoft has always told everybody what they are doing throughout all there upcoming operating systems and plans. While apple keeps quite and keeps people guessing. I noticed when the ipad 2 came out especially it seemed to catch everone by surprise, causing companies such as samsung to re-engineer thier new tablet to be lighter and skinnier than the ipad 2. Its hard to stay ahead of the game and come out with inovational things if your constantly leaking out what your doing. It helps the compitation to almost stay ahead of that company.

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 05:34 1

6. Stoli89 (Posts: 333; Member since: 28 Jun 2010)

It seems fair that the fella was fired for this disclosure. As well, it is perfectly clear that Nokia is launching its first WP device based upon the N9 chassis; given speed to market pressures. This is not going to be a flagship phone, but a phone well suited to compete just below the premium price point. Likely a 3.7 inch screen (0.2 shaved off of the N9 screen dimension to make room for WP buttons) and single core specs.

I would imagine this type of PR from the Windows camp must've been pretty embarrassing for Ballmer.

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 14:51

11. snowgator (Posts: 3604; Member since: 19 Jan 2011)

100% right. Nokia has said it will be 2012, maybe even clos to Spring time, before a high end Nokia/WP7 comes to market. This will be a 2nd tier release to get some of the market back Nokia has lost, as lower end Symbian devices were their bread and butter. Hopefully, this will be a great indication of the type of device we can expect from them.

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 06:05 2

7. PeterIfromsweden (Posts: 1230; Member since: 03 Aug 2011)

Haha, MS is so funny : )
They have huge problems selling WP7, and then they fire their own people for marketing WP7, how stupid can it get ?

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 14:18

9. dave (unregistered)

no, he got fired for breaking the NDA.

posted on 26 Sep 2011, 08:53

14. death7 (unregistered)

lol.. look whos talking ..
dude u have a stupid bada os logo as ur pp..

imao .. its the worst os developed in the history of mankind..
bada sucks.. and ur making fun of ms..
thats so sad.. :X :x

posted on 21 Sep 2011, 14:48 2

10. snowgator (Posts: 3604; Member since: 19 Jan 2011)

Heard about this on WP central yesterday. Had he just rated the Nokia a 10 out of 10 instead of an 8 of 10, maybe he just gets a wrist slap instead of canned. How do you not pump up your most important partner as high as you can???? Silly Rabbit, these trix are for top executives.....