How did they get in that house? I mean if they're going to tell a story, I'd love some continuity.
Perhaps they got in through one of the...
I heard there was a back door.
The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
31–40 of 85 posts
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#32It's ironic. Just months after a much publicized retirement that emphasized "Microsoft after Gates", Microsoft wants to build some brand. And who do they bring back? Is there Microsoft beyond Gates? More broadly, what does it take for a startup to outlive its founders?
More broadly, what does it take for a startup to outlive its founders?
A very interesting question. All I can really give is, it probably has a lot to do with the popularity and recognizability of said founder(s) not to mention their stories, their time with the company, and numerous other factors that all together make it a lot easier for the company to outlive its founders.
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#33would be much funnier if they gave Gates some jokes.. how bad can he be?
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#34Earlier quoted context omitted.
Agreed, though it still does little to convey any sort of useful message. I thought this campaign would be targeting Vista as opposed to brand awareness but apparently that's not the case.
Doesn't need to convey a message, its just to get you all talking about it. Its working.
Yeah but we talk about microsoft all the time anyway. Who else is it reaching?
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#35This is one of the most disturbing things I've seen in a long time.
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#36The fact that both ads have been understood in so many different ways (here, on the blogosphere) shows that the message isn’t clear and in marketing that means trouble. Thus, being funny (for some more, for some less, for some not at all) or being talked about isn’t going to improve Microsoft’s image or sell more licenses (in particular of the problem child Vista). Apple, with the Mac vs. PC campaign, has a clear message besides being funny (not to me, but many like it) and being talked about.
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#37The fact that both ads have been understood in so many different ways (here, on the blogosphere) shows that the message isn’t clear and in marketing that means trouble. Thus, being funny (for some more, for some less, for some not at all) or being talked about isn’t going to improve Microsoft’s image or sell more licenses (in particular of the problem child Vista). Apple, with the Mac vs. PC campaign, has a clear mes…
I have the opinion that the 'misunderstandings' largely consist of either preconceived notions of what the ad campaign would be like or, more commonly, anti-Microsoft sentiment repeatedly raising its ugly head and any Microsoft advertising campaign would not please those people. I think the ads are generally quite strong - kooky, memorable, unique and a talking point... if not particularly funny (FWIW, I didn't find Seinfeld funny either) and a little long. I think they do the job they set out to do well.
So, I would ask you (and, as an extension, the Hacker News hivemind):
What would make a good Microsoft ad campaign that the collective Internet would have actually liked and not heaped scorn on? Note that this pretty much precludes mentioning Vista positively in any way anyhow...
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#38I can see where they're going with this, they're getting buzz about the ads by starting off with something "bad" and then gradually making it "better" - perhaps a nod to Vista? Anyway, the 4 odd minutes was worth it to see Gates do the robot.
Wait, I can create buzz by creating something bad and gradually making it better? That sounds brilliant - suddenly a lot of my projects have gained a new perspective...
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#394 minutes seems like a long ad, what does the short version look like?
Same thing except a lot more cuts, and it ends right after the dad says 'Gates and Seinfeld...!'
The long version of this ad does a better job of conveying the 'normal people' theme, but the short version is as confusing as the first.
Re: The second Seinfeld and Gates Microsoft ad
#40It's ironic. Just months after a much publicized retirement that emphasized "Microsoft after Gates", Microsoft wants to build some brand. And who do they bring back? Is there Microsoft beyond Gates? More broadly, what does it take for a startup to outlive its founders?
A company whose well-being depends on the public charisma of its leaders is buying a ticket for a big crash.
But then, software companies are short-lived, compared to any other kind. Software technology is all about getting obsolete quickly while selling the next big thing. The trick is perhaps to keep doing so from within the same company.