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Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:23 pm
by Leisher
Article.
This is a mistake.
They could have gotten the same result by doing deals with EBGames, Best Buy, WalMart, etc. that puts a Microsoft kiosk or section at the forefront of stores. They would have paid far less (no employees, retail space rent, etc.) and wouldn't be in competition, of sorts, with the stores who also sell their stuff.
What Microsoft really needs to do is two fold:
1. Attack Apple's rep, but not directly. Do it all subversively. Don't lie or exaggerate, just be honest about their flaws and the things they hide from consumers. Tarnish their image a tad.
2. Microsoft needs to improve their own image. That means winning back consumer trust (maybe start with not trying to force them to buy crap like Vista) and coming out with innovative products.
Edited By Leisher on 1234641252
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:47 pm
by GORDON
Apple already has big kiosks/display areas in Best Buys.
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 2:56 pm
by Leisher
Yes they do and it's very smart. They spend less money than it'd cost to have a retail outlet of their own.
Apple is great at the image game. They can take advantage of their customers' wallets and their customers return the favor by spreading the gospel of Mac.
Microsoft is severely lacking in that area.
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 3:04 pm
by Malcolm
Leisher wrote:Yes they do and it's very smart. They spend less money than it'd cost to have a retail outlet of their own.
Apple is great at the image game. They can take advantage of their customers' wallets and their customers return the favor by spreading the gospel of Mac.
Microsoft is severely lacking in that area.
MS is too busy trying to buy its way into every industry at the same time.
And not doing spectacularly at most of them.
Apple seems to have realized they're the mp3 player/coffee shop computer user company. Most other things they try to be appear to be the result of insane fantasies/dreams of Apple execs (most notably Steve Jobs's psychotic, motherfucking self).
Microsoft wants to be the OS company, the search company, the mp3 player company, the computer design/development tool company, the console company, the game company, the biz company, & now they feel like a foray into managing their own retail outlets.
Microsoft wants to be the Carnegie of the tech world. Apple looks like it wants to be the Rockefeller (of Standard Oil) of the tech world.
Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 1:04 pm
by Leisher
Watch out for Google. Their plan is to be the new "everything" company. They have a new OS on the way that will turn PCs into dummy terminals. Then you can search, do email, use an office suite, etc. all via Google.
Remember when they were the little guy that "hip people" supporting as an alternative to the evil empire of Microsoft? Now who is the one suppressing human beings in the name of profit?
And you're completely right about Apple. I don't care if one hates their company/products, they're brilliant in how they market.
Edited By Leisher on 1234721085
Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 4:49 pm
by Malcolm
Leisher wrote:Watch out for Google. Their plan is to be the new "everything" company. They have a new OS on the way that will turn PCs into dummy terminals. Then you can search, do email, use an office suite, etc. all via Google.
Google has thus far combined MS's megalomania w\ rather smooth PR.