"Microsoft has clearly entered a phase of self destructive behavior that began with the "tissue paper campaign" in 1995."

--Reactor-core.org

BILL Gates and Paul Allen have moved much further since the days of sabotaging computers for personal gain. Now they are associated with some big companies and they possess personal wealth (separate from the companies'). However, Allen's company has just filed for bankruptcy and some might be wondering whether Microsoft is next. The idea is not far fetched and other people independently suggest it as well.

Here are some reports on the subject:

• Charter to apply for post-Chapter 11 Nasdaq listing



• Charter Communications to file for Chapter 11



• Paul Allen's cable firm files for Chapter 11

Charter Communications Inc, which is controlled by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by 1 April after striking a deal with senior debt holders yesterday.

• Wave of Bad Debt Swamps Companies

Charter, which was started by Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen, said its planned Chapter 11 filing was intended to trim about $8 billion from its $21 billion in debt. After extensive negotiations, a committee of debtholders agreed to the plan, under which Mr. Allen will retain control of the company.

Allen turns out to also have influence on the media. Like Microsoft and the Gates family, he owns shares in at least one media company -- shares that he is now selling, according to MSN and this report from the Canadian Press:

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has sold all of his remaining shares in DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.

It's very fascinating to see just how much of Microsoft's money is hovering among and landing on media companies that inform or misinform people. Apple's Steve Jobs is another party that's involved in this type of investments.

Lastly, according to Associated Press, Bill Gates keeps dumping his shares of Microsoft. It does not inspire much confidence in this company, whose leadership he gave up after it had reportedly lost $18 billion in just one year. Now he keeps busier with politics and pharmaceuticals. ⬆