THE symptom of the decline of The Register, I think, is the hiring of Microsoft Tim, as well as his assignment to cover "Open Source" affairs (while boosting Microsoft at the same time, in spite of Microsoft's attacks on software freedom).

"This sort of abuse (or domination by Microsoft) of the media is a rampant epidemic far more deadly than COVID-19 considering what Windows does in (or to) hospitals."We've written a great deal about Microsoft Tim over the years and we prefer not to link to his latest 'work' (PR); instead, let's just remind readers of his relationship with Microsoft and advancement of Microsoft's takeover of the Linux Foundation and kernel.

The video above is hopefully polite enough to get the point across. It mentions in passing Gavin C. and Simon S. It's definitely factual as far as I am aware. Younger people may not remember this (I'm almost 40 already), but The Register used to be a notable source of Microsoft criticism. It really used to shed light on Microsoft's crimes. Then, after some obscure (unspecified) Microsoft deal things changed and ever since then the publisher has not really covered Free software and GNU/Linux fairly. This sort of abuse (or domination by Microsoft) of the media is a rampant epidemic far more deadly than COVID-19 considering what Windows does in (or to) hospitals. Who's left to frankly speak about these serious and urgent issues here in the UK? The sole person who used to cover EPO scandals at The Register, Kieren McCarthy, has not even touched this subject for years (or about a year). Being a Microsoft megaphone (for hypocrites and liars) isn't proper journalism. ⬆