Microsoft's Windows 7 Launch Parties Prove Predictably Pathetic
You may remember that prior to its release, Microsoft tried to hype their new operating system Windows 7 with a series of exclusive "launch parties."The promotions folks in Redmond have been known for some screwy logic. But this one was truly baffling.
Scientists believe this to be the only known photograph of a successful Windows 7 launch party.
Sure it's easy to get friends to come over to watch the Super Bowl or Oscars. They only happen once a year. And they're actually, ya know, fun to watch.
But a new OS that's available from now until the day the next one comes out? It seemed like the kind of idea that would only attract the truly tech-obsessed. And it's easy to think even the biggest fanboys would have a hard time justifying spending $14 on a veggie platter.
Well prepare to be shocked. Because PC World's Tony Bradley is exactly the kind of guy Microsoft had in mind when they launched the launch party idea. And he says it was a complete and utter failure.
Bradley says that one colleague got so little response to his invites that he had to cancel. The BizWorld writer also highlighted the plight of one unfortunate reader who tried to host a party but was eventually worn down by Microsoft's voluminous legalese.
"With even GUESTS having to agree to everything short of giving up their BIRTHRIGHTS to Microsoft and its subsidiaries, heirs, etc.," he wrote, "how is ANYBODY supposed to actually get people to do the 'official RSVP?!?'"
Of course, by most accounts Windows 7 is a success. The 'Soft can still turn out a damn fine product. They just can't throw a party for shit.
25 comment(s)
drew says:
it was just an excuse to get drunk with friends on a thursday :]
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 10:15AM
Carolus Holman says:
I had a launch party it was a pretty good success, mainly due to the copious amounts of Refreshments. I made Windows 7 a part of the party experience by using Media Center, and a projector. long with laptops setup around the house.
MicroSoft's biggest fail was the marketing materials, they looked like something out of a Bad Artists Nightmare!
Technology should be functional, leave the art behind.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 10:24AM
Vinny says:
You really don't deserve friends if you threw a party to celebrate the launch of an operating system, only because one of the world's largest corporations told you to do so.
If I was invited to one of those, I wouldn't just not show up, but I'd actively campaign to ensure nobody else did either.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 10:43AM
Anonymous says:
I think many employees threw a party just to get the freebies
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 10:48AM
e cigarette says:
That is the greatest picture ever. Seriously what a group of party animals.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 11:11AM
Jp says:
I love the chubby kid jamming out
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 11:15AM
Rob L says:
Wow this is some hard hitting journalism... Next time, just post a link to the PC World article and say 'Click here for my opinion'
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 11:30AM
Rich says:
@Rob L
I thought it was good. Points were made and well supported
and the perfect picture to boot.
What more do you need.
not everyone goes to PCworld as a true source (need more than one source to confirm the info is solid on the net - Did Al gore say that?)
lighten up dude...
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 11:39AM
khopdi says:
What a lame and wasteful way to spend your marketing dollars. Remember the Seinfeld commercials? Microsoft should stop wasting shareholder money on suck lame ideas.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 11:40AM
Jon says:
Guests had to agree to things? Huh? I know someone that won it - and never actually had the party. I didn't agree to anything and I was on their invite list. Congrats on wasting "x" number of hours of your life for something you didn't need to actually follow through on to get the freebies.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 12:07PM
steve says:
Being just the kind of techie who would want to throw such a party, I was turned off by the TOS to throw the party. It was so detailed I was scared. And its just a TOS!!!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 12:08PM
Anonymous says:
Forget windows7, I want the new sharepoint, I heard it kicks butt...
better, cuz the current one blowz
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 12:31PM
Anonymous says:
My windows 7 party was awesome. I mean... I didn't have windows 7, or friends over, but I DID have an 18 pack of miller high life! man, it was a blast!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 1:44PM
Richard says:
Let's see, host a party, spend $50 on BBQ and drinks
have only 1 other person show up.
Fail?.. Not really I got 2 copies of 7 ultimate for free.
Woot
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 2:43PM
Caleb says:
Good to know you had a positive experience, Richard. The vast majority seem to have come away disappointed with the Soft's attempts at partying. At least someone got something out of them.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 2:49PM
ethana2 says:
YAYYYY, the next Ubuntu comes out soon, and just like six months ago, we'll have giant parties that attract THOUSDANDS of people, all over this PLANET!!!
http://fridge.ubuntu.com/node/1759
Better OS. Better community. Way better parties.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 3:20PM
Gordon says:
I went to one of these launch parties with a shit load of young microsofties. We didn't say shit about Windows 7, but we had about 5 handles to work through and then went out on Capital Hill.
Over hearing the "evangelizing" to poor innocent civilians was hilarious/sad.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 3:42PM
jnjoblon says:
Hahahaha, love that last line Caleb, my thought's exactly.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 3:45PM
Anonymous says:
OMG appels for the lunch partyies!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 7:16PM
anonyman says:
well written article and party picture
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 28 2009 @ 2:37AM
Jennifer says:
What a MAC party would be more fun?
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 28 2009 @ 9:59AM
Ivan says:
Hi there,
Certainly. I agree with you.
[url=http://www.fd3la.com/]Ivan[/url]
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 29 2009 @ 11:32PM
windows7 says:
Thank you.
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 31 2009 @ 5:48AM
Anonymous says:
That kid seems to be having a blast. Microsoft need to spend their money wisely...
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 20 2009 @ 2:25PM
Web Marketing Network says:
Yes, logically correctly
Posted On: Sunday, Dec. 20 2009 @ 9:07AM