Well… sort of! First things first: according to Microsoft “the move was planned”. Add to that the fact they say that “this was not unexpected”. Even further, apparently the reason for the departure (nice way of putting it, I know) was *not* the popularity (or lack thereof) of the commercials, although “people would have been happier if everyone loved the ads”. Sigh…

Come on Microsoft! The only “product” coming from Redmond that truly engaged me in the last few years has been “discontinued”? Are you kidding? I loved the ads. In fact, I was hoping they’d turn them into a Friday night TV show. I’m sure it’d be a huge success and, anyway, both actors desperately need the money and fame… right? Seriously now, to me this campaign feels like Microsoft’s attempted to do a “gut move” approach to marketing. You know, one of those ideas that come up in a meeting and everybody thinks it’s just plain crazy and nonsense and your boss goes all crazy about it and approves it… Ya, Microsoft does have $10M to contract Seinfeld, then pay him $3M per ad and after two fire him (and probably the rest in the $10M for settlement). So why not do “what the crazy creative dude suggested in the meeting”?

I can’t believe they actually did these commercials… Just like I can’t believe they did the whole Mojave Experiment campaign! Do they realize that what attracts users to Apple is brand identity and “connection”? Does anyone connect with the whole Mojave-fast-food-style “brand”? The one where fake people (aka paid actors) act like they’re really surprised by the awesomeness (”wow factor”, right?) of Vista? How is that supposed to sell more of something that’s been selling a lot (better than XP) and most of the people really argumentative against it are the ones that have actually used it, thus rendering Mojave an overall failed argument?

Anyway… I really hope Microsoft gets their act straight! Apple needs good competition and Microsoft has the money and market positioning to do so… But they need to start by firing everyone in the marketing and product branding department… and Balmer.

I do have an idea for Apple: a set of “Switch” commercials featuring… Seinfeld! They could go on and on mocking his Microsoft ads and how he gave up on Microsoft and their inability to connect with people, bla bla bla… In my opinion, with the talent Apple has in this department, they could not only capitalize on Microsoft’s flop, but even help Seinfeld career get back on its feet. I actually think he can be quite funny! Maybe he’d charge almost nothing since Apple would be actually benefiting him at the end of the day…

Pretty darn good idea huh?? Ya, I thought so too… :p

PS: If Apple uses this idea I should probably be hired in the process… right? ;) hehehe