I’ve been reading some news today, most of it about Bill Gates talking about the future of Microsoft in 2007 - Anyways…

I was thinking - I know that when Bill Gates dies, his children will inherit the Gates Empire, obviously. Do you think their futures are cut out for them?

I mean, I know he has two daughters and one son, but you know that one of them will HAVE to go into computers in his future. Do you think that the girls will want to know about computers? Looking at the ISU ITK department and women in computing in general, I can safely assume - most likely not.

I feel kind of sorry for the son, Rory. I mean, one of the children would have to take over the Gates’ empire, become the CEO of Microsoft (unless they hire someone to do it for them, which wouldn’t give it that fairy-tale ending we all know and love). The obvious, and most likely choice at this point in time, would be Rory.

I guess I would not want to be put in that sort of situation. In a place where I would KNOW what would happen in the future - as in, my parents would pass away and I would inherit some millions (well, in the Gates’ case, BILLIONS) and a large corporation which then I in turn would run.

I guess I just think that’s not really fair. I would much rather choose what I want to be and then, in turn, let my children choose what they want to be for their future as well, even if it’s something that doesn’t make a lot of money like wanting to be a singer or a musician or a writer (before becoming famous I mean), you know?

I guess as long as whatever you are doing makes you happy, then that’s what counts.

I don’t think I ever want to own a large corporation, that way I wouldn’t feel the guilt of passing on that much responsibility to my children when I pass on.