In today's column, I looked at whether Bill Gates is accelerating his plans to spend more time on philanthropy. I asked him about it directly, but his e-mail response didn't come until 11:41 p.m. last night -- too late to incorporate into the column.

Gates said last week's reorganization at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation doesn't reflect a change in his role. He also praised the efforts of Patty Stonesifer, the foundation's chief executive. But he didn't say anything about his transition plans.

Here's his response to my inquiry:

The evolution of the Foundation organization is something that makes sense for the foundation. Melinda and I have the same role we have always had.

Patty does a great job running the foundation and using the finite time she gets from us very effectively.

Patty has driven a number of organization changes as the foundation has grown and they have been critical to the ambitious goals the foundation has.

So this organization doesn't reflect anything about the co-founders role related to the foundation.