I refuse to be a 'Sneezer' for Microsoft

Seth Godin in his book the Purple Cow talks about using the industry specialists, the industry pundits, to create a buzz about your product and brand. He calls these people Sneezers who spread the virus in marketing terms about your product and brand. Even if the Sneezers are spreading a negative buzz this is still good marketing. When I wrote about Microsoft and their $300 million ad campaign with Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld I failed to realize that I had been pulled into Microsofts 'Purple Cow' marketing strategy and became a Sneezer. The internet is a buzz now with bloggers and YouTubers waiting with baited breath to pounce on the next Microsoft ad. The fact that I'm writing a blog post now about Microsoft and their ads is continuing the viral marketing campaign they clearly intended to happen. I have been sucked in to becoming a tool of Microsoft. Congratulations Microsoft! A job well done.

The truth is, as much as I hate being a marketing tool for Microsoft, and not getting paid for my services, I admire their strategy. Microsoft has clearly taken a page right out of Seth Godin's book the Purple Cow and there are not many companies who would have the courage and visionary foresight to do so. This blogger gets it now and for those of you who don't get it I recommend you read Seth's book the Purple Cow.

If you want to view the second ad which is 3 times longer than the first click here.