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Microsoft's new marketing strategy

By: James Harrison Posted: 08/25/08 9:55pm

So The State News now has a blog all about technology!

What’s the best way to start out? Why, everybody’s favorite technology whipping horse, of course!

Those who have used Windows Vista are well aware of all the wonderful quirks that have given the operating system the shoddy reputation it has. Between the constant security prompts, lackluster performance and untold amount of driver issues, the whole thing is kind of a mess.

I’ve been using Vista for more than a year now, and while I’m not quite as negative as a lot of people, even I have to admit that there’s been many a time when I wanted to put my fist through my screen.

So what’s Microsoft’s solution to all this?

Jerry Seinfeld.

Seriously.

The tech giant has hired the comedian to begin shilling the operating system in commercials. He’ll be appearing with former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates in a series of ads designed to combat Apple’s brilliant and effective Mac vs. PC campaign.

For this, Seinfeld is being paid $10 million.

This begs the question: Why pay a comedian to shill a substandard product when you can just take that money and possibly develop an OS that people won’t hate?

I guess when you have billions of dollars in the bank, $10 million is the equivalent of lunch money.

I also wouldn’t be surprised if Apple’s ads have been getting under the skin of Microsoft executives. I’m guessing they hope to beat Apple at their own game.

If they really wanted to achieve that goal, they probably shouldn’t have gotten someone who peaked in the early ’90s.

So good luck, Microsoft.

You’ll need it.

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Geeks & Gadgets

State News reporter James Harrison blogs about the latest developments in the world of technology.

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Commentary:

carlos

08/27/08 1:22pm

I was told microsoft was paying people to test there beta system is this a hoax/scam the email stated it was on good morning america?

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Dave in NY

09/04/08 10:07pm

That was an ad for Vista? A counterpunch to the Mac vs PC commercials. I am a PC user and I like Jerry and the ad was funny, but it doesn’t click as an argument against Mac.

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