Microsoft may Sanction the 'Switcher' PR-Rep 629
Nerull sent in a snippit from The Age saying "Microsoft may consider sanctions against a public relations consultant who tried to pass herself off as someone who had switched from the Apple Mac to Windows XP in a high-profile US advertising campaign, chief executive Steve Ballmer said today." Here is Monday's
Slashdot Story that this follows up to. Lots of amusing little quotes about
what it means to be trustworthy.
Odd indeed. (Score:5, Funny)
Ok I'll take my medication now.
Re:Odd indeed. (Score:5, Funny)
If Microsoft are a government, they can have war declared on them.
So, next time they get found guilty of abusing their monopoly, the judge can give them a penalty that will stick: a squadron of Harriers at 4 am in Redmond...
Re:Odd indeed. (Score:5, Funny)
I personally favour regieme change.
Don't mess with Bill (Score:4, Funny)
Roger base, this is unit five-delta-niner, approaching target now. over
Roger niner, engage targeting computer. over
Base, targeting computer engaged. We are marked and locked in, I can fire when ready. over
Niner, commence fire at the MCP.
....Base! something's gone wrong, the black and green of the targetting computer has been replaced by blue with a mess of letters and digits, and the bird is misbehaving. I'm losing altitude... eject, eject!
pfffft (Score:5, Funny)
Turn off the targeting computer. Use the Force. Duh.
Not In Our Name (Score:5, Funny)
Give peace a chance? =p
Re:Not In Our Name (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Not In Our Name (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Odd indeed. (Score:5, Funny)
Microsoft buys US Government
Posted by Cowboyneal on October 23, 1997
REDMOND, Wash. - 23 October 1997 -- In direct response to accusations made by the Department of Justice, the Microsoft Corp. announced today that it will be acquiring the federal government of the United States of America for an undisclosed sum.
"It's actually a logical extension of our planned growth", said Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, "It really is going to be a positive arrangement for everyone". Microsoft representatives held a briefing in the oval office of the White House with US President Bill Clinton, and assured members of the press that changes will be "minimal".
The United States will be managed as a wholly owned division of Microsoft. An initial public offering is planned for July of next year, and the federal government is expected to be profitable by "Q4 1999 at latest", according to Microsoft president Steve Ballmer.
In a related announcement, Bill Clinton stated that he had "willingly and enthusiastically" accepted a position as a vice president with Microsoft, and will continue to manage the United States government, reporting directly to Bill Gates. When asked how it felt to give up the mantle of executive authority to Gates, Clinton smiled and referred to it as "a relief". He went on to say that Gates has a "proven track record", and that US citizens should offer Gates their "full support and confidence". Clinton will reportedly be earning several times the $200,000 annually he has earned as US president, in his new role at Microsoft.
Gates dismissed a suggestion that the US Capitol be moved to Redmond as "silly", though he did say that he would make executive decisions for the US government from his existing office at Microsoft headquarters. Gates went on to say that the House and Senate would "of course" be abolished. "Microsoft isn't a democracy", he observed, "and look how well we're doing". When asked if the rumored attendant acquisition of Canada was proceeding, Gates said, "We don't deny that discussions are taking place".
Microsoft representatives closed the conference by stating that United States citizens will be able to expect lower taxes, increases in government services and discounts on all Microsoft products.
About Microsoft: Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers and democratic government. The company offers a wide range of products and services for public, business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing and free society every day.
About the United States: Founded in 1789, the United States of America is the most successful nation in the history of the world, and has been a beacon of democracy and opportunity for over 200 years. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the United States is a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation.
Re:Odd indeed. (Score:5, Funny)
Bah!. Do they issue pasports....
Er... Do they impose taxes.....
Um... Do they claim a country-level domain similar to .us, .com, .org, or .net...
bbbbbb..... Have they announced plans to improve their homeland security....
Errr... Do they thumb their nose at the US govermant and claim to be beyond the reach of US laws....
Ummm....Ummm.....a flag! Do they have a Flag? Yeah, that's it! They can't be a goverment without a flag. Whew. I knew there was something.
Re:Odd indeed. (Score:5, Funny)
I'm sorry, but I just can't imagine what a "Microsoft Lager" might be like. Of course, they'd probably just buy Anheuser-Busch and slap a MS logo on the "King of Beers," and declare it a Microsoft innovation.
Microsoft Lager? (Score:5, Funny)
mmm... blue beer - phorm
Re:Odd indeed. (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Odd indeed. (Score:4, Funny)
Sanctions? (Score:5, Funny)
That's a little overkill, isn't it?
Re:Sanctions? (Score:4, Funny)
Yeowch! I thought they only did that in Africa!
Re:Sanctions? (Score:3, Funny)
ooooh! Castigated!! That's bad, right?
Re:Sanctions? (Score:5, Funny)
Not really, she's a girl so she dosn't have balls...
Re:Sanctions? (Score:3, Informative)
tr.v. castigated, castigating, castigates
To inflict severe punishment on.
To criticize severely.
Re:Sanctions? (Score:5, Funny)
n.
Re:Sanctions? (Score:5, Funny)
Excuse me? Microsoft close a port? What colour is the sky where you live?
Re:Sanctions? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Sanctions? (Score:5, Funny)
ooooohhhhh....sanctions! (Score:4, Funny)
Wow, Microsoft might say bad PR person, no doughnut. Or give them a slap on the wrist, or a reprimand in their file.
Wow that's really punishing her. Show her who is boss.
Re:ooooohhhhh....sanctions! (Score:4, Funny)
Re:ooooohhhhh....sanctions! (Score:4, Funny)
Expect a statement from our hapless PR bunnie, stating that the decision to reprimand her was flawed, but that she'll do her best to follow her punishment to the letter.
Next week, she'll write a story about how linux gives you the clap.
The Inquirer carries it too (Score:4, Informative)
PR bunny??? (Score:4, Funny)
For the money M$ must be throwing her way: (Score:5, Interesting)
But this 'action' begs the question. Are they going to act on the other 'testimonials' that are prefaced with stock photo images?
-S
Re:For the money M$ must be throwing her way: (Score:5, Informative)
Re:For the money M$ must be throwing her way: (Score:5, Informative)
At my first job, with a company of 7 people, we assumed that when the ad agency did our web site they would be taking pictures of us- especially because the founders considered themselves quite good-looking. But the ad agency used stock photos- they said they ALWAYS used stock photos, and seemed surprised that we thought we'd be photographed. They may have used the stock photo because the day they decided to do it, the PR rep had spilled coffee on herself, or for any number of other minor reasons. It's SOP for an ad company.
I just think the issue of stock photos is really tangential and unrelated to the larger issue- that the *ad itself* was false, or at best misleading.
Stock art for real people? No way (Score:5, Interesting)
I used to work in a couple of marketing/design agencies, and still work self-employed in design and marketing. I'd say it is highly unusual to use stock art to represent real people, especially if the people involved are officers of the company -- after all, corporate partners are most likely going to meet these people eventually, so it would make a strange impression on visitors to see that the people don't look like that at all.
I really wonder what your old employer's agency was thinking (smoking?). Using stock art for testimonials is already questionable (people these days are cynical and intelligent enough to notice the difference), using stock art to represent employees and officers is downright stupid.
This is, by the way, why the Apple Switch ads are so effective. The people look believable (especially Ellen Feiss ;-) ) mainly because they aren't rehearsed, look "average" and so on. As a result, they are more likely to be listened to that some celebrity or photo model. Maybe they are faked, but if so, it's a hell of a good fake.
Cheers,
Ethelred [grantham.de]
Re:For the money M$ must be throwing her way: (Score:3, Insightful)
Maybe it's just me but I don't really care about the stock photos. Sure, there was an image of a woman on the site, but they didn't caption it saying it was her, they didn't imply in any way that the picture was her, it was just a picture of a woman and everyone jumped to the conclusion that it was supposed to be her.
At the end of the day, on that point, who cares? If the content of the page was correct (and the person was indeed true) then as far as I'm concerned they could have put any picture of any person from the Getty library.
Finally, I'd far rather see a picture of a pretty model than an ugly 40 year old woman - even if the former doesn't understand the concept of double clicking, let alone switching operating systems.
Re:For the money M$ must be throwing her way: (Score:5, Insightful)
So...in addition to this article being paid for, they didn't use the real person to whom the article was attributed, thus making it even *further* from Apple's campaign than was originally thought. That's why there's such an uproar about this being a 'stock' photo. It wouldn't be a big deal if it was, say, a webpage purely about product features or tech support.
Also...another point that I'd like to make, just because I sometimes enjoy kicking dead horses (it's therapeutic, you should try it), is that in All of Apple's 'Switch' campaign ads and their website ads, they never include instructions on how to switch. That's what makes the article even more fake. Yes, they have a page on how to do the switch, I know, but they don't say, "Hi, I'm some kewl dude who switched to the Mac, and here's exactly, click by click, how I did it" in any of the ads.
Typical corporate patter . . . (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Typical corporate patter . . . (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Typical corporate patter . . . (Score:5, Insightful)
Someone Corporate had to approve the PO to pay for the stock photo.
Neither have I worked in a place where consultant's ruled their own destiny. To work on projects other than what they've been asked to work on is bizzar.
Yea, "rouge contractor", that's it. Microsoft would NEVER think to do such a thing.
Rimshot Please (Score:5, Funny)
And boy, are their faces red.
Sanctions? Irregularities? (Score:5, Funny)
Will they raise this issue at the UN and demand a resolution? Hmmm, that would require votes from China and France who are LINUX supporters?
Politics, Politics, my head just spins....
Not quite (Score:3, Funny)
Quite amusing indeed.
Slaughtering the messenger (Score:5, Insightful)
From an organizational perspective, this renders down to if we screw up, you're the one left swinging.
Re:Slaughtering the messenger (Score:5, Insightful)
You mean like Apple with MacWorld?
plausible denial? (Score:3, Interesting)
She's probably relieved... (Score:4, Funny)
Of course it's a bit rich saying it was a rouge PR or marketing drone. I'm sure the marketing gestapo at MS rules with an iron fist and may well have insisted some sort of respose to Apple's succesful campaign.
Re:She's probably relieved... (Score:5, Insightful)
Not so sure about that. They have had their marketing come back and bite them in the ass before. One I remember is the whole Novell customer targeted marketing when they told many Novell Netware users that Novell was dead [theregus.com]. I think they also made some ads a while back where they showed a person painted into a corner [internetnews.com] (and the paint color was Sun's color)
Anyway, my point is that I don't think they either
- don't pay attention to their marketing drones
- get off on causing contoversy (no such thing as bad press?)
- are so out of touch with reality that making up fictional switch stories sounded like a good plan
- All of the above
Hell, with all the money Ballmer and Gates make, I bet they can get some pretty powerful hallucinogens.Better Solution (Score:5, Funny)
Whew! Another public faux pas averted.
Microsoft is being a good example... (Score:4, Funny)
hmmm (Score:3, Interesting)
I really want them to clarify what their code of behaviour means...
The Isuzu salesman is one model of behavior. (Score:3, Funny)
"I really want them to clarify what their code of behaviour means..."
Allow me to help: The Isuzu salesman in the commercials had a code of behavior.
When you've got one more foot left... (Score:3, Interesting)
To paraphrase their current situation:
"We got caught in one PR disaster, so we're going to create another PR disaster by picking on some lady who works for our contractor."
microsoft's silly blame game (Score:5, Insightful)
At the best (or worst, depending on the angle you're looking from) she came up with the concept and it was okayed by her superiors -- it did end up on the Microsoft site, after all, and from the article she wrote, I seriously doubt she has the technical skills to hack in and put it there herself.
Microsoft's claim that they're the innocent victims of the manipulations of some ad agency schemer is so obviously ridiculous and transparent I can't believe they're even trying it.
tin foil hat (Score:5, Informative)
Right, because everyone knows that people in advertising are the soul of discretion and honesty. Wait, what the fuck?
Microsoft doesn't pay random low-level people to lie. They hire whole ad agencies to do campaigns for them. So, maybe it was someone from Microsoft who came up with the idea for a "reverse switched" campaign (nevermind the absurdity of the concept - how many Mac users convert to die-hard Windows freaks?). What probably happened was that MS said, "great, get some testimonials and make it happen!" and the poor shmuck stuck with the job sat there for a little while until she realized that there weren't any such testimonials to be had. So she made one up.
Microsoft has done plenty of ad campaigns in the past, but their deceptions have all been about matters of substance - stuff like "the GPL will take over your software." Lying about something like this isn't just dumb - it may actually be too far beneath their notice to be worth pinning on them.
Re:tin foil hat (Score:5, Insightful)
Not only is the PR consultant who wrote the piece not at fault because it was approved by someone at Microsoft, but the initial concepts of the idea and each draft of the article was routed through various levels of higher-up directors, in an ad agency, you'd have a designer, an art director, a creative director and an account executive before the client even sees anything. I'm not sure how its structured in a PR firm, but its likely similar. For Microsoft to target one person for such an elaborate article is ridiculous.
Cheers.
Re:tin foil hat (Score:4, Informative)
Just an observation, but there simply must be such testimonials to be had. I know people who've gone Mac to PC/WinXP. Just two days ago, an old roomate who knew that I consistently buy Macintosh Hardware for my personal use (despite 15+ years experience with PCs and various *NIXs), called to gloat over the fact that his mother was going to replace her aging PowerMac 7200 with a PC and that clock speeds on Apple Machines were clearly inferior. I know a number of people who've made the same choice. They're out there.
Don't get me wrong. I don't think it's the wisest choice, and it's not one I'd ever make, but it's one that a number of people are deciding on, and it doesn't bother me much -- I think they'll suffer a bit more frustration and miss out on some better thought ought technology. But it happens.
I think Microsoft's problem with getting credible testimonies is a lot like the Bush administration's problem with a rationale for a war on Iraq. There are lots of very good rationales for a war on Iraq, but the administrations motives and goals are mixed and not directly related to some of the best reasons. Lacking the right moral base, they have trouble making a convincing case even where there's one to be had. If the company would stop trying to keep its stranglehold on power and go with a craftsman's focus on delivering the best products -- and if they could see themselves that way -- it'd be easier for them to just go about things honestly.
She did nothing wrong. (Score:4, Insightful)
The facts remain true. She did switch. She did find it easy.
Besides, this is marketing. It's not expected to be 100% true. How do we know that any of Apple's "switch" stories aren't simply made up?
Re:She did nothing wrong. (Score:3, Insightful)
Such as who she actually was, what she looked like and the fact that her writing was actually straight from the Outlook manual...
Cheers,
Ian
Re:She did nothing wrong. (Score:4, Interesting)
They are relevant as to whether she is truthful, however. Credibility is destroyed at the outset.
What difference does it matter that her writing was straight out of the outlook manual?
It matters because she saying how cool it was that she had discovered all these things. Intuitively, because it was sooo easy. In reality, she just cut and pasted the manual.
Anyway, there's no reason they can't put up a bit of fiction about what it "could" be like switching from Apple.
None whatsoever. Label it as such and put the article up.
They do insist that she actually switched to XP.
Congratulations. I'm an XP user myself. Now tell the truth about how it happened...
Cheers,
Ian
Re:She did nothing wrong. (Score:5, Insightful)
Although I think this is all besides the point. I think the 'mistruth' that would piss off the upstairs would be the stock photo they used with the article, not the article itself. That's what left them with egg on their face.
But the stories on all sides are half-truths, basically. They compare Mac OSX to Windows 95/98, not to XP (or even 2000) which would be the fair comparison.
I mean you could compare Windows XP to MacOS 8 and see which one "just works". The only time I was forced to reboot XP was after the service pack install.
Noone's after the truth. Not MSFT nor Apple nor the linux or BSD crowds. They're all simply out to say "mine is better than yours".
And as for Ellen Feiss - yeah, we've all seen a Win98 box freeze or crash, and probably lost some data in the process.. But I've never seen one go BEEP BEEP BEEP or make anything that sounds like that gravelly noise from the back of your throat. (Except a dying hard drive, which AFAIK the almighty Apple is not immune from)
Meh. Who even cares anymore?
Re:She did nothing wrong. (Score:4, Insightful)
If she was some "rogue contractor" than I guess so was the little boy and the other testimonials on their site too. Odd, how they all write with the same style and flair, isn't it?
Does MS really believe we are THIS dumb?
Re:She did nothing wrong. (Score:5, Insightful)
Actually, there were a number of comments posted the other day that pointed out Mac (rather than windows) path delimiters recorded in the word document that was posted on-line. This implies that the may have been no "switch" at all..
If I were Microsoft I'd probably be just as pissed that she mentioned having to reinstall Outlook while she was attempting to make the switch.
As far as Apple's Switch ads are concerned, it's hard to believe they aren't real. The people get up there and state their name. If I knew the person on the screen and knew that they were lying, then you can bet that I'd say something..
Re:She did nothing wrong. (Score:5, Funny)
You are detroying the sanctity of The Mac Nation. Don't you understand that this thread is supposed to be about bashing M$?!?! For God's sake, your even handed insight is not welcome here on
Moderators, mod down before he causes a riot!
:P
Re:She did nothing wrong. (Score:5, Insightful)
this is a huge problem with american corporate culture, and american culture in general: it's OK to be dishonest; it's OK to lie. it's expected. stop and think for a moment how twisted it is to expect to be lied to and to accept it; condone it, even. this is the same sort of mindset which allows for such evil as the "aggressive bookkeeping" of enron et al.
americans' acceptance of this sort of pragmatic, "anything's all right as long as you don't get caught" mentality is why america is more and more culturally and morally bankrupt every day, and losing its stature in world politics.
Microsoft Code of Behavior? (Score:3, Insightful)
Microsoft has a code of behavior? You could have fooled me. Especially given the reprehensible way they have behaved as a corporation for the last decade.
Oh... wait... Maybe I'm making assumptions about what the code of behavior says. Maybe she will get in trouble for violating the code of behavior, namely, because she got caught and did not get away with it.
This is hilariously sad (Score:5, Insightful)
Ellen Feiss (Score:5, Funny)
From the article.. (Score:5, Funny)
it may be necessary to "weed out" employees who did not live up to Microsoft's code of behaviour.
Will the last person leaving Redmond please turn off the lights?
Wong sort of PR person (Score:5, Funny)
Obviously they're looking for more of an Ellen Feiss feel to their propaganda.
Attention Microsoft...don't blame her (Score:5, Insightful)
Valerie may have written the copy but do you think she got the stock image, drove to Microsoft, got on Don Funk's computer, took a screen shot, then uploaded it to the server? Perhaps she just made a "Don Funk" user on her machine and hacked into the MS web site.
Ah well, Ballmer's on the case - "I will certainly castigate the offender." Ooh, I never thought they'd go for castigation at MS...after all, that would leave them with eunuchs.
Sah Dah Tay (Score:5, Funny)
This guy makes about as much sense as Pootie Tang.
Reminds me of the show 'Cops'... (Score:5, Insightful)
Micirosoft has been known for this type of behaviour. Using one of their own PR persons to pretend to be a 'switcher' (for the lack of a better term) is just par for the course
I'm not surprised MS is planning reprisals for this person. Pretending to be an ordinary joe off the street that switched is ok - getting caught as a stooge in one of MS's standard FUD strategies though - that's just not acceptable.
<sarcasm>
How dare she be so stupid as to not have gone into hiding and prevent the damage to MS's precious reputation?
</sarcasm>
Wanted CEO for largish software company (Score:3, Funny)
Although not referring specifically to the Mallinson case, he added it may be necessary to "weed out" employees who did not live up to Microsoft's code of behaviour.
I hope Ballmer's got his resume polished. I think they'll have to use a lawnmower to accomplish that weeding.
(Then again "MS's code of behavior" could mean something else...)
Way to go /. !!!! (Score:3, Interesting)
The above quote says it all!!
Let me introduce myself... (Score:5, Funny)
Hello, my name is Valerie G. Mallinson and I was a public relations consultant.
Until recently I worked at Wes Rataushk and Associates Incorporates. Recently my life has taken an unexpected turn and now I can honestly say that I was not happy there. At my new job I can't wait to ask every client a smiling "Would you like that Super Sized?"
That's right, McDonalds is the best job in the world. My name is Valerie G. Mallinson and I switched.
So you're telling me that... (Score:5, Funny)
MS is putting their spin back in, since they hosed it up the first time. The ironic thing is, had Word not crapped out a bunch of info (which it shouldn't), it wouldn't have gotten to this point. *Of course, actually taking pictures of real people wouldn't hurt either. I would be interested to know whether or not they *paid for the pictures, or just skimmed them off the site.
MS needs to have someone leave the ivory tower and go talk to real people. Those interviews in which Mom says, "I switched from a Brother Word Processor, and now I can print the Lutheran Bake Sale Price List in COLOR! I'm still trying to get 'the online' though."
Bob at the Garage says, "We used to do our stuff on this box here, then the boss says to me, he says, 'Bob! Get me a Module for an 89 Escort.'
I was like, 'What the hell? Napa's closed.'
And he said, we need to get 'the online'. He went out next day and got 'the online' and now we got 'the online'. We have to get the postits from the old one on here though."
After the 'Real People' interviews, MS will realize that they don't *want to know who uses windows, and quietly release Windows LX, which is Lindows, but crashes more.
...and exactly how is this "high profile"? (Score:3, Insightful)
Perhaps this wasn't Ballmer's idea - at least he's trying to present a claim of plausible deniability - not that it matters. MS is certainly responsible here - but blowing the fraud out of proportion isn't doing any good. It will simply allow MS to downplay criticism of their greater crimes with a "there they go again" excuse.
/. did good? (Score:5, Funny)
And here I thought we were all a bunch of illiterate, know-nothing (but very vocal, none-the-less) geeks.
Will wonders never cease.
R
or how i stopped thinking and learned to blame a (Score:3, Funny)
Can you believe that this unscrupulous women would try and besmirch the good reputation of the honourable and Trustworthy(TM) reputation of Microsoft Corp.? What has this world come to, when, a lowly maggot such as this can expose the righteous to such scourn, oh heavens me, What Great and GRAND Injustice , Microsoft has endured enough of an attack from this nat. Feel not pitty for her, for she will feel the wrath of God's scourn.
I for one stand shoulder to shoulder with -- and will stand and fight for the honour -- of Microsoft, to help them endure this vile mudslinging.
I am absolutely agast.
I say we BURN HER AT THE STAKEEE!!!
Fired for using MicroSoft (Score:3, Funny)
She should just switch back and do a testimonial for Apple.
Some perspective... (Score:5, Interesting)
First off: I'd wager that 90% of the testimonials you see in advertising are manufactured by the agency using their own employees. I've done it, and just about everyone I've known in the business at smaller agencies have done it. We also lend our voices to TV/Radio spots on occasion, and also appear in photo shoots from time to time when the budget or deadline are too tight to solicit (read: pay) professionals/real people.
Secondly: This is always done with the client's complete knowledge.
MS is playing a big game of CYA right now, and the agency is falling on their sword and taking the blame. That's how it works.
Their little stunt backfired on them, so they're spinning the blame to the PR/ad agency.
This sort of thing goes on every day, although not usually as high profile (or embarassing) as this particular case, which delights me to no end.
MS has been steal^H^H^H^H^H emulating Apple for how many years now? And they still can't get it right. Betcha 'ol Steve is laughing his turtlenecked ass off about this one, not to mention the folks at Chiat Day (Apple's agency).
Re: Some perspective... (Score:5, Informative)
No easter bunny or Santa Claus, either.
And the Lone Gunmen are dead (while I'm busy ripping apart your consumer conditioning).
[even further offtopic: is LGD an acceptable acronym now?]
Seriously, though -- perception is reality.
In advertising & pr we're paid to sell our clients' shit. Shit being: image, brand or product. No more, no less. We're making the perception for the consumer. The consumer turns that perception into their own reality.
Did you know that ad and marketing people cruise discussion boards including
In bars, you'll have teams of women out together ordering and being vocal about some new drink that they love. Ever wonder how Red Bull & vodka came about?
In the media you see segments about...oh, I don't know... duct tape being a cure for warts. I got $20 that that's a packaged advertorial and the study was paid for by the manufacturer. You see prepackaged advertorial on CNN and your local news all the time.
As a matter of fact, copy and paste has made PR drones' lives much easier since most reporters and editors don't even bother editing press releases passed off as news.
These are just a few examples. But they're everywhere. And every publicly voiced opinion about anything (down to politics) is suspect.
In any job, sooner or later you're going to have to cut a corner that doesn't sit too well with you because of management or client pressure. As geeks/programmers, we should all know that far too well.
Your job in advertising is to sell. Period. If a widget sucks, you can't say that outright and expect sales, can you?
So the answer to the burning question is that yes, at first, there are sleepless nights. Then you get desensitied to the whole mess and realize that you're being paid for a service: to make the client happy, and to give them positive ROI. Later, you burn out on the whole mess and can't stand to watch TV or read an ad in the paper without getting hyper cynical.
For the record, that's the stage I'm in now (can you tell?) -- I've since left agency work and started my own business -- although I'll illustrate or code something freelance for agencies from time to time because I've got that connection.
There is a *lot* of burnout and churn in agency work for precisely those reasons -- not to mention the fact that if the client pays for and approves a job, then gets caught for using marketing tactics -- chances are very likely that the agency will be publicly humiliated -- for doing the job that's expected of them.
On the other hand, the term "hell client" gets new meaning when the client singles out an *employee* at the firm and publicly humiliates (sanctions? WTF? LMAO and all that) them for doing their job.
To answer your other question, I'm not catholic. As a matter of fact, I don't know many catholics in the advertising business. Perhaps you're on to something with the whole guilt thing?
It's closer to "Ah, the new campaign is ready. 18 hours straight of sleep, then I'm gonna drink myself into a coma and sleep another 18 before I have to start the next job and not sleep for ANOTHER week until it's done."
Salud,
--dr00gy
code (Score:5, Funny)
Specifically, this one:
10. Thou shalt not be caught after doing any or all of these things.
Castigate? (Score:5, Funny)
I see Ballmer is up to "C" in his word-a-day program.
hmm, you don't say... (Score:4, Funny)
Really?!? Marketing not being straight forward? Does this also mean that maybe dude isn't actually getting a Dell?
New Apple Ad Campaign (Score:5, Funny)
She lost her job, became a public laughing stock, all because she switched to XP.
Making the switch to the UnixPC... (Score:5, Funny)
Yes, it's true. I like obsolete technology enough to change my whole computing world around. Here's the bottom line: the UnixPC gives me more choices and flexibility, and better compatibility with the rest of the technology world.
More Hardware Options, for Less Benjamins (or free)
I am a computer engineer. I demand the best in desktop computers. There are many features for the UnixPC platform. My UnixPC came with 1 Megabyte of RAM, a 12" screen, a 20 Megabyte hard drive, a 360 Kilobyte disk drive, a 1200 baud modem for lightning fast connections over a phone line, and a Voice Power board, which allows me to record sounds on the computer. Entirely free. And the UnixPC runs UnixPC OS 3.51, based on AT&T's System V Release 4.
More Software Flexibility
Microsoft Word pales in comparison to vi. There's no equivalent to the versatility of typing with vi and formatting with troff. It does ASCII text formatting for maximum standards compliance. My AT&T dot-matrix printer prints all my code listings with stunning clarity.
The additional "Ethernet" board allows the UnixPC to connect to other computers on your network, or even to the "Internet," a new and growing global network of computers. Telnet does more for me than Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 ever did, allowing me to directly connect and enter commands into remote computers.
How Now Brown Cow?
Now that I've given you the reasons why I converted, here's the 411 on the how, dig it.
Step 1: Operating System Install
The first time I turned on my UnixPC, the UnixPC prompted me to insert the install media. I sat for only an hour, putting floppy after floppy into the computer, while the system copied them to disk. It's like that time I owned a Pinto, and I kept feeding it more and more parts and spending more and more money until it eventually worked.
Step 2: Setting up Accounts
After I installed the operating system and rebooted, my UnixPC asked me to login. I logged in with the installation account, and I was brought into the UnixPC's "Windowing" environment. I easily created myself an account and set the root password.
Step 3: Setting up "E-Mail"
Once I installed the Voice Power board and its driver software, I also installed the Voice E-mail package. E-mail (or Electronic Mail) is a way for people to send each other messages over the Internet. The Voice E-mail package allows you to use your UnixPC as an answering machine, once the answering machine software is installed. When a message is recorded, an envelope icon shows up at the top right of the screen. Clicking on this icon brings you to your Inbox, where the new message will appear as a new E-mail. In the Inbox, you can also compose and send messages to other users, all you need to know is their UUCP bang path.
The AT&T UnixPC has all the features a 17 year old computer should have.
AT&T's UnixPC: The Computer With The Future Built In.
Microsoft's code of behavior? (Score:5, Insightful)
Hi Steve! (I know you're reading.)
What does Microsoft's code of behavior have to say about employee conduct that gets the company convicted in the Federal court system for multiple violations of the Sherman Act?
What does the code say about executives who lie under oath in videotaped depositions?
What does the code say about manufacturing evidence in a trial?
What does the code say about attempting to intimidate potentially hostile witnesses?
Will you be "weeding out" any of the Microsoft employees who are known to have done all of these things?
Mallinson most likely NOT in trouble (Score:4, Interesting)
Most likely, an individual in their Windows marketing group came up with that idea and outsourced it, simple as that. If anyone gets in trouble, it will be that person, or the head of that group. However, I doubt that anyone in that group will really be punished.
The other possibility is that Mallinson's firm came up with the idea. In that case, the firm is probably no longer affiliated with MS. NOW, what's really unlikely is that Mallinson came up with the idea, pitched it to her firm, got approval, pitched it to Microsoft, got approval, then wrote it herself.
Most likely a team was involved. They made a mistake. They got caught. It's over. I doubt anyone will get fired. If they do, that sucks because I think the collective hubris at MS is more to blame than any one person.
Valerie - are you reading
Still Spinning (Score:5, Interesting)
As a former political activist (who's seen at least one scandal occur close-up), it was immediately obvious to me from the original story that this, too, is a total crock. There's no way that this PR consultant was at any point intending to use herself as an example. Here's what had to be the case:
(1) PR consultant is directed to write a series of fictional "counter-switch" case studies.
(2) PR consultant's name gets recovered from the MS documents sloppily put on the web,
(3) The name is tracked down to the PR firm itself, and questions are asked as to the possible fictition of counter-switch examples,
(4) So the PR consultant in question is directed to take the hit for the company, and claim that the example is not fictional, it's her. Hogwash.
I'd challenge MS and/or the PR firm to prove that this writer/consultant in any way resembles the figure in the case study. I bet she doesn't look anything like that stock photo, nor would any of her personal information match up with the story, if forced out of them.
The case study is just total fiction and this chick wrote it, is all. Now she's jumped on the sword to mask that fact. I've seen practically the same thing happen at a place I worked before.
Those damn PR people (Score:5, Interesting)
It's the same way the approach secure software. They don't care if it's actually secure, they only care that no one finds the security problems. That's why they get pissed when people find holes in their software. "Well it wouldn't be a problem if someone didn't find out about it, now would it?"
That, and many other reasons, is why they will never open the source on their software. They know there code will not stand up to scrutiny and it wasn't designed to do so either. They make things to make money - period. Now I know some of you idiots out there are going to say, "Of course, Microsoft is a business that's why all businesses make software." My rebuttal is yes software companies make software to make money. However, there is this little thing called professionalism. It's where you do things for your profession because it's the right thing to do. Like when lawyers take cases pro bono or doctors help someone on the street who just got hit by a car. Software should be looked at the same way. You make software secure and reliable because it's your profession and your company should encourage you to do so. Microsoft does not encourage it's programmers to write quality code - it's not part of their culture. I am off topic now so I shall bid you farewell.
Sorry for going off, but the 3 years my wife worked at MS were some really difficult times and we love it now that she's free. It really is a horrible place to work, it's really fucked up.
MS Code of Behaviour (Score:5, Funny)
Manager: Have you added any gaping holes in security?
Peon: No.
Manager: Have you lied to our customers?
Peon: No.
Manager: Have you disobeyed any Federal court orders?
Peon: No.
Manager: You're fired.
Apple should jump all over this! (Score:5, Funny)
I can picture the ad now:
It would be pure genius!
Microsoft wraps up two days of debate (Score:5, Funny)
Microsoft Damage Control wraps up two days of debate on Wes Rataushk and Assoc Associates
Microsoft Damage Control in session 17 October - Microsoft Damage Control today wrapped up two days of open debate on PR firm Wes Rataushk and Assoc Associates, with over 40 departments - including all 15 board members - participating in the discussions, which began yesterday and included widespread calls for Valerie G. Mallinson's compliance as well as numerous pleas to avoid a violent confrontation.
Addressing Microsoft today on behalf of the Trustworthy Computing, Mokhtar Lamani hailed Wes Rataushk and Associates's decision to re-admit Microsoft ad inspectors, calling this a "first step" towards a settlement of the issue leading to a lifting of the sanctions.
He recalled that numerous speakers had stressed during Microsoft's meeting that there should be no double standards in term of non-compliance with Microsoft resolutions. "The history of Microsoft testifies to the fact that some of its PR firms have shown defiance of its resolutions - MSNBC is a clear example," he said. "However, Microsoft, including the Microsoft Damage Control did not resort to the use of force against these firms." Citing academic research, he said that firms other than Wes Rataushk and Associates were currently violating more than 90 Microsoft Damage Control resolutions, including 31 dealing with MSNBC.
Apple's "switch" ads are suspect... (Score:4, Informative)
They were allowed to interview two of them, but only with an Apple representative present. Sounds like they were trying to interview someone living in Iraq?
Furthermore, all of the Apple switchers were paid for their involvement. Who wouldn't switch if they were given a free Powerbook + expenses? Then it also turns out that many of the "switchers" have employment connections with Apple, or work for magazines which receive large amounts of Apple advertising, etc.
It's just kind of interesting. Microsoft's advertising tactics have never been as unethical as what Apple has been doing with the switch campaign, and yet who bears the brunt of the attacks here?
Re:Apple's "switch" ads are suspect... (Score:4, Funny)
"We lied! But we're trustworthy because look over here! They lied, too!"
Re:Apple's "switch" ads are suspect... (Score:5, Interesting)
They were allowed to interview two of them, but only with an Apple representative present.
According to the article, US News talked to three switchers, one without any Apple representative.
Furthermore, all of the Apple switchers were paid for their involvement. Who wouldn't switch if they were given a free Powerbook + expenses?
US News says one of the switchers says he was paid.
The magazine is the New Yorker. The amount of advertising is never mentioned. What USNews and this poster also fail to examine is whether the New Yorker prints ads for Apple competitors. Although I don't know, I can probably assume this safely.
It's just kind of interesting. Microsoft's advertising tactics have never been as unethical as what Apple has been doing with the switch campaign, and yet who bears the brunt of the attacks here?
I think the main difference here is that there is evidence that the Windows switcher works for Microsoft indirectly. I think anyone who appears in commercials should get paid for their time and effort, but the Mallinson woman was on the payroll for another reason entirely.
Re:Apple's "switch" ads are suspect... (Score:5, Informative)
I realy didn't want to do a rebuttal, but....
Ellen Feiss-- Apple's Ad [apple.com] Yearbook Photos [ellenfeiss.net]
Tony Hawk-- Apple Ad [apple.com] Tony's Web Site [tonyhawk.com]
Dave Haxton-- Apple [apple.com] His Resume [haxton.org]
Theresa McPherson-- No Online Presence...
Mark Gibson-- Apple [apple.com] His Customer's owner's comment on him. [witoldriedel.com]
I don't have time to do a full rebuttal (I AM at work, after all), but my random sample indicates these are real folks.
So, I would assume that most of the adults are taking advantage of their 15 minutes of fame. It's not worth Apple's time to fake these ads, since so many folks would do it for free.
Self imposed sanctions? (Score:4, Informative)
Puhleeese Steve, do you think anybody believes the crap rolling out of your mouth by the bucketfull?
Advertising works like that (Score:4, Insightful)
When you see an ad on TV for herpes medication, do you think that person really has herpes? Of course not - you couldn't pay anyone enough to do a commercial like that. They are paid actors, and nothing more. They may even hate the product they are selling.
The PR lady is nothing different; she was, in effect, a paid actor. So they made a false testimony, so what? Advertisers do that all the time to drum up business. It seems slimy and under-handed, but it's the way it works most of the time.
And to think they said... (Score:5, Funny)
Re: Oh! I think I understand now. (Score:4, Funny)