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Jerry Seinfeld Will Plug Vista

Posted by timothy on from the for-all-that-is-good-stop-sending-this-one dept.

Barence writes "Microsoft has signed up comedian Jerry Seinfeld to its $300 million Vista PR blitz, as it attempts to turn around the negative perception surrounding its operating system. Reports suggest Bill Gates will also appear in the ads, which, given the comedy timing he displayed in his 'Bill's Last Day' video, and the deadpan manner of Seinfeld, could result in a huge hit for the company." Reader Zarmanto notes in his journal that "Mac users might be quite amused, considering that (like many other TV shows) the set of Seinfeld always had a Macintosh prominently displayed in the background."

6 of 776 comments (clear)

  1. Out of touch much? by sokoban · · Score: 5, Interesting

    So, this could either be a great move on MS's part or an illustration of how woefully out of touch with popular culture they are. Seinfeld hasn't been on the air in over 10 years at this point (new episodes at least).

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    1. Re:Out of touch much? by olclops · · Score: 5, Interesting

      You have to assume that Crispin Porter (their new agency) is well aware of that, and plans to use it to their advantage. They have a reputation in the ad business of being the hippest of the the hip ad shops.

  2. VISTA = CHEVROLET by sco_robinso · · Score: 5, Interesting

    There's only so much you can do when people hate your product before trying it. Chevy's been battling this for a couple years now. They hold focus groups to look at new/prototype designs and the ones with the Chevy 'bowtie' logo consistently score lower. They even show the same model twice slightly modified in some way (different angle, different color) and adding a Honda or Toyota logo drastically improves its score. Consumers dont want to buy the same re-hashed crap over and over. You eventually have to release quality products.

    I dont think Vista's all that bad, but reputation is powerful.

  3. Re:It won't work. by mrroot · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I agree, many people have a vague dislike for Vista. I think it has to do in part with allowing Apple to be the one to tell consumers about Vista. And not surprisingly they did not paint it in a good light. I run Vista and it is not _horrible_, but a few of the big problems I have with it are: 1. Drivers were slow to become available. This is not as much of an issue anymore. 2. Windows Explorer (and the open file dialog) is broken. I think they could have heeded the rule if it ain't broke don't fix it. Now, I just want to get to my C: drive, it SHOULDN'T be this complicated. 3. Finally, and this is a general complaint about Microsoft's latest user interface strategy, but why have they chosen to get rid of traditional menus (which everyone is already familiar with) and effectively "hide" functionality. If I am trying to help my Mom over the phone, I can't tell her to click on the File menu anymore, because now it is some multi-color orb in the upper left hand corner of Word 2007. WTF? Can someone who is trained in UI design tell me why you would want to move away from menus that have real words as titles? The only thing I could think of is it saves them on translation costs for localizing their applications, but how much, really? The same thing on Windows Media Player, it is completely non-obvious how to get to the Options dialog for example (you have to right click on the control box, WTF?)

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  4. The Episode by lymond01 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Elaine (with Apple-ish grin): I just bought a Macbook
    Jerry (non-chalantly sipping his coffee in front of his Dell): So? I've got Vista.
    Elaine (frowning): But this is a Mac, Jerry.
    Jerry: But it's not Vista.
    Elaine: No, it's not Vista. It's a Mac.
    Jerry: It's very shiny. What'd that thing cost you?
    Elaine (defensive): What does that matter?
    Jerry: One thousand?
    Elaine: Jerry...
    Jerry: Two thousand?
    Elaine: Stop...
    Jerry: Three th--
    Elaine: $2755.
    Jerry: Inclu--
    Elaine: Including tax.
    Jerry: 1250
    Elaine: 1250 what?
    Jerry: Vista.
    Elaine: But it's not a Mac!
    Jerry: It checks email.
    Elaine: So does my Mac.
    Jerry: Surfs the web.
    Elaine: So does my Mac.
    Jerry: Makes movies.
    Elaine: So does...it does? I thought Windows didn't make movies.
    Jerry (shrugs and sips): Vista.
    (Door explodes open!)
    Kramer: Jerry! The Dell store down the street is selling computers with Vista for $1500!
    Jerry: 1250
    Kramer (walking over to Jerry's laptop): Oooh, is that...
    Jerry: Vista.
    Kramer: Niiiice.

  5. Re:Now wait a minute by prockcore · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Seinfeld was doing HP commercials last year.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BraU_cpfBeI

    Guess he just decided to switch.