Flicker photo: World Economic ForumI was in DC last week to attend the NPTimes Top 50 dinner, honored to be in the same room with some of the most amazing people in the field. Of course, I wouldn't be me if I didn't try to stir the pot a little bit.

One of the fellas on the list was Bill Gates. I assumed his schedule would be full, but as I was getting ready, I had to wonder: What would I say to Bill Gates if I got the chance? Since I'm terrible in a clutch, I turned to you guys; you're funnier anyway.

I asked on my Facebook page, "What do YOU want me to ask Bill Gates?"

I got some hilarious questions, wrote my favorites down on hotel stationery, stuck it in my clutch, and hoped he'd show.

Sadly, Bill did not grace us with his presence. I'm hoping he was off releasing mosquitoes into an audience somewhere. But I liked the questions too much not to ask them.

Luckily, I spotted Gene Austin of Convio across the room. Here's something you should know about Gene: he's charming, and a really good sport. He immediately agreed to answer the questions as Bill might.

So no real Bill, but here's Gene's faux-Bill answers to your awesome questions (2:10 audio):