Windows Phone Thoughts: The Off-Topic Story That Keeps Coming Back, Flush After Flush

"Microsoft reversed its position for the second time in 24 hours Tuesday over whether it had ever planned to launch a portable toilet with a built-in Internet terminal in Britain this summer. On Monday, the world's largest software maker had said the "iLoo," which was described in minute detail in an April 30 press release by its British subsidiary, was a hoax and apologized for any "confusion or offense."

But Microsoft switched its story Tuesday and said that the iLoo had been a legitimate project by its British MSN Internet service that was terminated after the initial announcement prompted controversy, ridicule and disgust. "Corporate headquarters in Redmond, Wash., looked at it and decided maybe this wasn't a good idea," said Lisa Gurry, MSN group product manager."

We first reported this as being a real product. Then we reported that MSN was claiming it was a "joke", and I disputed that fact. Now it seems that I was right after all - this was a real product, and someone at MSN thought it would be a good idea to lie and tell people it was a joke rather than have the courage to own up to the fact that it was a poorly-conceived idea. It's always easier to stand up and say "It was a stupid decision" rather than cover it up. Kudos to Microsoft HQ for doing this so quickly, even if it was after the fact. Next time Microsoft, be honest with people - we're smarter than you think!