No iPods for Steve Ballmer's kids

Talk about tough love.

In an interview with Fortune, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated that not only does he not own an iPod--he's forbidden the popular music gadget for his family as well.

"My children--in many dimensions they're as poorly behaved as many other children, but at least on this dimension I've got my kids brainwashed: You don't use Google, and you don't use an iPod," Ballmer told the magazine. (Google is out of favor in the Gates household, too.)

But don't worry, he's not too tough--the kids do have an Xbox 360.

Blog community response:

"Call it brand loyalty, call him an over protective father - but in a world where there are way too many 11 year old girls walking around in pink shirts that say “Bitch”, Victoria's Secrets jogging pants, iPods hanging out of their ears, Starbucks in one hand and their cell phone in the other - Steve's statement is a bit refreshing."
--Search Engine Journal

"Of course, perhaps brainwashed is a telling word. Better that they were convinced that using Windows Live Search (TSEFKAMS - The Search Engine Formerly Known As MSN Search) is better. Brainwashed sounds like they know it's not but have been mindwiped to ignore the fact."
--SearchEngineWatch

"Call me crazy, Steve, but telling kids not to do something only makes that 'something' more appealing."
--The Unofficial Apple Weblog