I'd like to explain my Hotmail email address

Recently, I read an Inc. Magazine online Q & A with a post from a job searcher asking a recruiter whether a Hotmail or AOL email address hurts his job opportunities as it appears dated on his resume. The answer was…it depends. I’d like to explain my Hotmail (and Outlook now) email address for my professional (outside company) communications.

I dig Bill Gates. I just do. I so admire the work he and his wife (and father!) are doing through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I find intellectually stimulating and inspiring books through his Gates Notes reading recommendations. I participated in his ‘Coop Dreams’ chicken donation (sorry, Bolivia). I want to contribute to his/their vision to help people lead healthy, productive lives.

Bill Gates still owns about 4% of Microsoft stock - it's a dwindling portion of his portfolio. My use of a Hotmail/Outlook account does not move the needle on Microsoft’s valuation, on Bill Gates net worth, on the money that flows into the Foundation - not even a little bit.  I know it’s silly to think one email address can do that. I’ve thought long and hard about whether I should use a Gmail (or whatever) account professionally and I keep coming back to the same conclusion – I still want to be whatever tiny, tiny ripple I can be in the world Bill Gates envisions, and I’m willing to risk the sideways glance to do so. My email address may appear dated - but it is deliberate.