No company creates conspiracy theories like Microsoft - or maybe that should be Microsoft observers. Sharing facilities with a Microsoft backed blogger is no great hardship, but what if the software giant is recruiting local taxi drivers to deliver its marketing message?

Microsoft PRs at the court have been restrained and helpful, although running the gauntlet through assorted flacks from the interveners has been harder work.

Register expenses are restricted to beer and bus tickets rather than taxis, so the following story is second-hand.

A reporter, who begged anonymity, caught a cab to the court on the second day of the Media Player and was surprised to find the driver not only aware of the case but also keen to discuss it.

The cabbie said, in fractured French and English that he hoped Microsoft won the case. “Why is that?” asked our anonymous fellow hack. He said he was very happy with Windows Media Player and didn’t see why any court should take it away.

“Couldn’t you download a replacement?” asked our gobsmacked colleague. She was told downloading was far too much hassle and the Court should leave Microsoft alone.

Should Bill come to Luxembourg he’ll at least find the cabbies on his side. ®

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