Microsoft has been untraditional in their ways with Silverlight by developing and openly promoting cross platform versions of it. I know there is an OSX version and I think a Linux version is in the works.

They must realize that the only way they will gain acceptance amongst hackers is to convince them that Silverlight is not a traditional MSFT product. A few months ago they were kissing ass to Arrington and a few others trying leave positive impressions about the platform and convince everyone of its openness.

But they may already be in trouble because AIR seems to have an edge in early adoption so far. Pownce is written in AIR for example.

It'll be interesting to see how things play out. There is a huge need for certain features of Silverlight and AIR (like local file system access and a network API), but I dont know if those will be compelling enough to drive either of these to "critical mass".