Microsoft Picks Up Tab for Apple-Exiled Journalist Isaacs

Chelsea Kate Isaacs, the CW Post journalism student who was excommunicated from the Apple cult by an email pal identified as Steve Jobs, has been welcomed by Microsoft. Gawker reports:

Isaacs says she's boycotting Apple after the company's PR department ignored her calls and Jobs told her to "leave us alone" in a heated email exchange over Isaac's attempts to collect information on Apple for a journalism school assignment. Isaacs told CNET reporter Ina Fried, "I wouldn't be comfortable giving [Apple] a dime. If that's the way you treat consumers, that's not right." She added "I hate Apple, but I don't hate Apple," and will be objective in covering the company.

Isaacs spoke from the New York launch of Windows Phone 7. The Long Island University student's travel expenses to the event were paid by Microsoft after she won a contest sponsored by the software company, which issued the award after her spat with Jobs. Nevertheless, added CNET, "the group's adviser told them to be tough and hold Microsoft's feet to the fire while meeting with various company executives and learning about the company's products."

"…after she won a contest sponsored by the software company, which issued the award after her spat with Jobs…" I don't think I could write a more opaque phrase if I tried, and regular readers know I try pretty hard. Best wishes to Isaacs, and congratulations to Microsoft and Apple, still hanging on as the Kang and Kodos of American technology after three decades.