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Microsoft ducks out on Family Guy, proves they still don't get "hip" marketing
In yet another blunder by the Microsoft PR team, they have pulled out of a planned variety show written by the creator of Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane, and Alex Borstein (the voice of Lois). In a dull, think-of-the-stockholders turn-up for the books, they've decided that the Windows 7 brand does not quite fit inside the Family Guy universe -- and promptly pulled the plug on their sponsorship (though the show will still be aired).
How boring is Microsoft trying to be exactly?
First the house parties -- man, they were coolest events since sliced bread! Now the canned Family Guy episode -- obviously too cool, too risque for ol' grandpappy Microsoft. And here I was thinking Microsoft was trying to appear younger, more hip, cool, and fun. More, well, Apple.
I mean, you saw their store-opening video, right?
Microsoft need to get with it. The lumbering, bureaucratic beast needs to put on some sunglasses and be that cool kid everyone liked at school.
The last thing they needed to do was piss off Seth MacFarlane -- remember what happened last time, after Fox stepped on his toes? Imagine how many jokes in Family Guy are now going to be at Microsoft's expense.
I guess that's publicity, of a sort.
[via CNET]
Comments
13
Subscribe to commentsBrianOct 27th 2009 4:17PM
uhhh....what?
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/microsoft-ditches-family-guy-special-for-being-family-guy/#continued
It's still being aired.
Sebastian AnthonyOct 27th 2009 4:19PM
Sorry, I guess the language isn't clear. Will correct it for ya.
nukeeOct 27th 2009 5:00PM
If anything this makes them hipper. Family Guy has gone to shit now that MacFarlane spreads himself across 3 shows.
BrianOct 27th 2009 5:24PM
I hear the Antiques Roadshow is looking for sponsors (uk based joke)
Sebastian AnthonyOct 27th 2009 5:37PM
Hah.
You know, I did some photography for Antiques Roadshow... a few years back now.
(Also, they did an American tour I think!)
kojo87Oct 27th 2009 5:48PM
i don't know why Microsoft would want to associate themselves with Family Guy in the first place. you failed to include their reasoning for backing out of this. it has nothing to do with being "cool"
and "more Apple"? really?
MarkyB86Oct 27th 2009 5:52PM
[and "more Apple"? really?]
How do you think they got where they are today LOL
kojo87Oct 27th 2009 6:12PM
thats actually a really good point. 1 point for you.
bill cant fartOct 27th 2009 8:23PM
It was stupid for Microsoft to even think about the Family Guy thing. Why would they want to support something that'll be making fun of the people that they're trying to appeal to?
DeoWulfOct 27th 2009 8:41PM
Considering all the flak MS has gotten from Family Guy, it's a wonder they ever contacted them to begin with.
But you know, some people don't like Family Guy at all. If that's not hip, then I guess I'm not hip, but I actually appreciate Microsoft dropping this.
DiRTOct 27th 2009 9:39PM
So "hip" means "unfunny"?
Hmm...
DeadlYRageOct 28th 2009 2:07PM
Maybe they have morals and values? o.0 Darn them to hell for that!
jeffOct 28th 2009 4:20PM
Who cares how many jokes McFarlane makes at MS's expense. McFarlane is a one trick pony, he has the same show on 3 times, don't get me wrong, I am a huge Family Guy fan, and Roger's hilarious on American Dad. But he could learn a thing or two from Parker and Stone about keeping it fresh, McFarlane should worry more about South Park making fun of him (again). Maybe next McFarlane can make a series about a Latino family or Asian Family, with a bungling dad, hot wife, a few kids, and a funny side kick, that would be original as far as he's concerned. Family Guy and McFarlane are less and less HIP every moment. Maybe MS is ahead of the curve in recognizing this.