So it would appear the rumours are true – Robert Scoble is leaving Microsoft.  Predictably, it's causing something of a stir in the blogosphere.  It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out.  I subscribe to the school of thought that change is, more often than not, a good thing, so I can only see this working out positively for all concerned.  'The Scobleizer' has done a phenomenal job of turning around his employer's perception, initially among the tech developer community and latterly the world at large.

In operational terms, Microsoft will continue unchanged.  From a comms perspective, one of its many talented bloggers is going to have to step up and fill the void (my money – and many others' besides – is on Niall Kennedy).  Because, make no mistake, Microsoft is losing a passionate and authoritative communicator – arguably the most effective it's ever had.  The blogosphere will be watching closely to see how the company officially reacts.  Should be a lively day on the blogs, esp. once the US wakes up to the news.

(Same-size print: Microsoft is a Weber Shandwick client.)