MICROSOFT BIGGER CULT THAN HEAVEN'S GATE?

MICROSOFT BIGGER CULT THAN HEAVEN'S GATE?

DALLAS, Tex. (Wireless Flash) -- Is Microsoft more cult than corporate? According to Dave Arnott, author of the new book, "Corporate Cults: The Insidious Lure Of The All-Consuming Organization" (Amacom), Microsoft is using techniques favored by religious cults to get its employees to tow the company line. Arnott claims the Microsoft doctrine teaches employees -- who call themselves "Softies" -- that they've been chosen to help liberate the world through software code. Microsoft also provides employees with exercise facilities, errand boys and plenty of job-related parties to ensure they have no life outside of work. Arnott claims Microsoft bigwig Bill Gates uses his charisma in the same way as Heaven's Gate guru Marshall Applewhite: by inspiring both fear and devotion in his underlings. Although Arnott doubts "Softies" will ever commit mass suicides a la Heaven's Gate, he fears they may become workaholics unable to talk about anything other than their own jobs.