Whoa there

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is a fascinating guy. He's the brains behind the company's strategy, which I take serious issue with. However, he's also pretty straightforward about admitting when things haven't gone well for Microsoft. And he's not afraid to come across as a raving maniac.

I respect his enthusiasm, if not his strategy.

Robert Scoble's got a video interview with Ballmer up on Microsoft's Channel 9 web site.

Channel 9 is a grassroots effort from within Microsoft to capture video interviews with key Microsoft employees and publish them in a public forum, primarily for the benefit of Microsoft's independent software developers. It's a great idea and provides an interesting insight into the company.

Ballmer's interview is worth watching. This guy is a piece of work. He comes across as, well, insane. His energy level is through the roof, recalling Chris Farley's motivational speaker character from SNL. I respect what he's saying, but man, this guy's adrenaline levels are humming.

Here's what I think is going on: Bill Gates cloned himself, and in the process mixed in some DNA from a high school football coach and the president of a college frat. When his creation proved unstoppable, Bill decided to hand over the reins of the company and slowly, quietly, back away.