At Microsoft, one of the preferred channels has been the ThinkWeek process, instigated by Microsoft Founder and Chairman Bill Gates. “ThinkWeek” referred to the twice-annual retreats by Gates, during which he read over research papers, articles, books and employee-contributed suggestions in isolation as part of his process for setting Microsoft’s near- and long-term directions.

A recent blog posting claiming that Microsoft management finally has decided to pull the plug the Think Week information-gathering process — has spurred more than a few tips and questions in my inbox as of late.

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