Just weeks after launching their new Windows Vista ad campaign, Microsoft is reportedly ending their series of commercials featuring comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
The software giant made headlines when they inked the sitcom star for a reported $10 million, as they aimed to counter competitor Apple's long-running, and well-received, "PC vs. Mac" spots.
While Microsoft claims the Seinfeld spots were only a portion of the company's $300 million campaign, you've got wonder if reaction to the commercials was not what MS had hoped for.
I found the spots rather odd. The first features Seinfeld and Bill Gates shopping for shoes at a discount store. I was totally befuddled by this one. There's nothing that seems to connect with audiences - really, they spend a lot of time saying nothing, about nothing.
The second sees the pair spending time with a "real family." While this one attempts to highlight the fact that Microsoft connects with "real people," the message is really shrouded in the off-beat humor and even points out the fact that they haven't been "connecting." It's a far cry from the clear-cut way in which the "Mac" and "PC" guys highlight Apple's strengths.
Despite the short run, Microsoft has retained the services of their ad agency, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, whose created successful campaigns for Volkswagon and Burger King.
I guess we'll see what they come up with next; Will it be something with some substance, or just more "yada, yada, yada?"
[via Adweek]
I found the spots rather odd. The first features Seinfeld and Bill Gates shopping for shoes at a discount store. I was totally befuddled by this one. There's nothing that seems to connect with audiences - really, they spend a lot of time saying nothing, about nothing.
The second sees the pair spending time with a "real family." While this one attempts to highlight the fact that Microsoft connects with "real people," the message is really shrouded in the off-beat humor and even points out the fact that they haven't been "connecting." It's a far cry from the clear-cut way in which the "Mac" and "PC" guys highlight Apple's strengths.
Despite the short run, Microsoft has retained the services of their ad agency, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, whose created successful campaigns for Volkswagon and Burger King.
I guess we'll see what they come up with next; Will it be something with some substance, or just more "yada, yada, yada?"
[via Adweek]
