Samsung has stated its intention to take 10 percent of the MP3 market this y
ear, and aims to become the global leader by 2007. That is a tall order. Eve
n a company representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, calls such s
uccess unlikely.
"The real problem is Allen Green," Brad said. "In our contract, we committed
to a start date, and if we miss that start date by more than a week, he can
walk, with his full paycheck. Pay or Play. That's 20 million, shot right do
wn the tubes. The start date's in ten days, Tom. Even if Michelle comes out
of her coma today, she's not going to be ready to go in ten days. You know t
hat."
"Tom," Roland Lanois said, stepping out of his office. "What an unexpected p
leasure." His intonation stressed unexpected slightly more than it emphasize
d pleasure.
"I know, I know," I said. "But it's not optimal, you know. It would be bette
r if she won."