Some priceless quotes that, well, didn’t work out exactly as stated…

“Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.”
–Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949.

“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”
–Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM 1943.

“I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won’t last out the year.”
–The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall 1957

“But what….is it good for?”
–Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.

“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”\
–Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp, 1977.

“This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.  The device is inherently of no value to us.”
–Western Union international memo, 1876

“The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value.  Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?”
–David Sarnoff’s associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920’s

“Who the hell wants to hear actors talk.”
–H.M. Warner, Warner Brothers 1927

“I’m just glad it’ll be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.”
–Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in “Gone With The Wind”.

“A cookie store is a bad idea.  Besides, the market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make.”
–Response to Debbi Field’s idea of starting Mrs. Field’s Cookies.

“We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.”
–Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962

“Heavier than air flying machines are impossible.”
–Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society 1895

“If I had thought about it, I wouldn’t have done the experiment.  The literature was full of examples that said you can’t do this.”
–Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M “Post It” notepads.