Another Microsoft Ad…

I couldn’t help but put this in. Last September, Microsoft launched a couple of these ads featuring Gates and Seinfeld in hopes to create a hipper image to counter Apple’s the PC vs. Mac campaigns. While I personally find them hilarious on their own, they don’t make any connection whatsoever to the products they are offering to consumers – in this case Vista. The responses to these videos weigh down the success teeter-totter, with many people saying “I’m still waiting for what Microsoft has to say,” and “this is a replica of Seinfeld’s old show: about nothing.” Other comments have a little bit more of an ouch factor:

“I don’t get it”

“Absolutely Pathetic”

“Really Bad”

As is the case with every issue however, there are other opposing thoughts. “All of you are missing the point,” one user said. “These are not defensive campaigns, they are ones of brand-repositioning.” Research a little more and you’ll read about how these initiatives were Microsoft’s attempt to stray away from their cash-hungry corporate giant status to one that was more human, hence the duo living with an “average family.” Needless to say, majority ruled on this one; The campaign was cancelled and a third commercial remained locked in the vault. Here is the first commercial: It may be worth a watch to see Gates’ 1977 mugshot photo make an appearance again.