Chris Rowson wrote: >> >> > I am confused about how "I'm Linux" is going to sell anything to anyone, >> > maybe you should consider using the mascot "Tux the Penguin" is you are >> > going to produce a copycat commercial in the first place. >> >> The way I read it there is no _requirement_ for it to be "I'm Linux"... >> >> "While you may be inspired by the Apple or Microsoft commercials, it's >> not a requirement to parody or make reference to them." >> >> I certainly wouldn't make anything that makes reference to them as the >> Mac ads are old and the Microsoft ones are a poor imitation (of an old >> concept), so what would that make a second generation copy? >> >> Cheers, >> Al. >> > > I dunno if I agree with you there Al, > > I think that it might be a good idea to capitalise on the 'I'm a PC' adverts > that MS is currently spending millions of dollars on forcing down our necks. > I guess if MS is good at anything, they're good at > advertising/sales/promotion. I think coming back with a challenge to that ad > format helps create an association with Linux being a 'big player' operating > system along with Microsoft Windows (and of course Apple Macintosh). > > Subverting the MS message delivered via this advertising method would be one > way of using the 'I'm a PC' message against them. If MS is spending a great > deal of money on building this brand image, it'd be interesting to try to > turn their brand 'equity' if you like, against them. Cue Kung Foo phrase! > > Of course it's got to be clever though, as you rightly say we don't just > want a second generation poor imitation. > > Just my two penneth worth!
The big problem with doing what you suggest, if I understand you correctly, is that you are necessarily going to draw attention to them, even in a subtle way. They are working a most subtle game and if you (we) are not careful you will be pulled by their strings, tenuous as they are an dnot buy our own agenda. What they are doing has very blurred edges and that is quite deliberate on their part. They are very good at marketing, not software. Beware. If at first, the purpose and method of their campaign is not apparent, then we have not yet seen their point. Drawing attention to their campaign will serve to validate it. and extend it. Microsoft know that the Linux community is diverse, irascible and dispersed, and that the most difficult thing we can (or cannot) do is an incisive focussed, clever, marketing campaign. To win this call will be most difficult, but it can be done. The best action in the 'Response' space would be a deafening silence of people ignoring it. Most users are ignoring it. Why are we *not* ignoring it? Because that is what MS predicted, a subtle enigmatic campaign is the single most likely type of campaign that will hook the clever clogs' in the FLOSS comunity who will find it impossible to resist! Cut to the Chase: The things which keep me using Linux (Ubuntu) is nothing to do with Microsoft or its campaign. I love Ubuntu and Linux because I feel freedom and joy when I use it. I feel the community around me. I feel secure and safe when I am using a system which is created with pride by the people who use it with pride. People who have a passion for freedom and quality. -- alan cocks Ubuntu user #10391 Linux user #360648 -- ubuntu-marketing mailing list [email protected] Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-marketing
