The first television advertisement from Microsoft in a series they will be releasing featuring Jerry Seinfeld is currently out and playing on several television networks. This first ad features Bill Gates, Chairman and public figure for Microsoft, in a store called ‘Shoe Circus’ trying on shoes. Jerry walks by the store and sees Bill and recites the store name and tag line:

Shoe Circus. Quality Shoes at Discount Prices. Why Pay More?

Some bad humor and interaction continue on from there such as the ‘joke’ Bill tries to make:

Jerry: Is that your toe?
Bill: No
Jerry: What is it?
Bill: Leather
Jerry & Bill: Awkward silence and head nodding

Towards the end of the ad Bill makes a gesture confirming Jerry’s plea for soft, moist, and delicious computers that you can eat while working on them.

Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates at Shoe Circus

The funniest part of the entire I ad I thought was Bill’s Shoe Circus Card which had a young Bill as the picture on the card.

Microsoft is obviously not trying to push a product of any kind through these ads but is trying to re brand their reputation. This ad is trying to make Microsoft seem friendlier and more creative with the way they run their business. Jerry reciting the tag line of the store earlier in the ad creates a sort of subliminal advertising to go with the regular Windows beige boxes instead of the slick Macs.

Microsoft is out of the gate with a rough start with all the negative comments this single ad has generated so far but it may turn out to be a campaign that can shed some light on this company.

What is everyone’s thoughts on this ad and are you looking forward to see more of these sorts of ads from Microsoft showing up on your television set?

The web site is still and will always be a work in progress but expect new content over the next few days and even more updates than before.

Welcome back everyone and play nice with the wolves.