What do Microsoft and Seinfeld have in common? They both peaked in the late 1990’s.
Below is a video of the partnership of Microsoft, and Jerry Seinfeld, who was reportedly paid $10 million to do these ad spots.
There is something strange about Microsoft’s advertising agency, they really try hard to copy apple, but fail miserably. The ad agency is trying to portray Microsoft Vista as cool, edgy, interesting and innovative however the result is an unconnected ad that inspires no interest or desire to take action to purchase the product.
Shoe circus? This conjured visions of the Vista programmers being a team of clowns working at Microsoft. Not what they had in mind.
The ad will definitely go viral, and will get millions of online views, however the buzz will not increase Vista sales. It could possibly inspire people to check their local mall for cool technology, where they may potentially end up at an Apple Store.
Could these Vista video ads actually help sell Macs? One thing is certain, it will not increase Vista operating system sales.
Microsoft is good at making functional products and forcing corporations into endless upgrade cycles, but they have never made a really cool product.
I’m glad im not the only person confused by this advertising.
Microsoft SVP Bill Veghte sent an email to all employees where he talks about the goals of the campaign in one of the most impressive pieces of meaningless corporate PR ever created. The overall goal is to inspire consumers and “tell the story of how Windows enables a billion people around the globe to do more with their lives today.” This first phase, he says, “is designed to engage consumers and spark a new conversation about Windows – a conversation that will evolve as the campaign progresses, but will always be marked by humor and humanity.”
Thankfully no trees were harmed in sending this masterful piece of fluff.
