I just have to comment on the first Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld ad. What an epic waste of money. I understand that it’s just an “ice-breaker,” and I get the symbolism of it: shoes have a somewhat custom fit, and can be comfortable. But, I would bet 99 percent of viewers have no idea what it’s about, and what good is “buzz” when it’s overwhelmingly mockery. My guess is that one objective of the ad is to make Bill Gates more likable, rather than sell products, which is a safe hypothesis given there is no explicit mention of any Microsoft products whatsoever.

Bill Gates, if you really want to be likable, start inspiring us, and lead us to a better future.  What do you believe is possible? How is Microsoft using technology to create a better world? But, Microsoft has almost never shown much creativity or originality (history of microsoft here), and has rarely thrilled us with its products, so I shouldn’t have much reason to hope for more.

By the way, look at what T. Boone Pickens is doing, as a point of comparison. He has a vision and plan for a better future, and is using his wealth to achieve it.

Gates/Seinfeld video below:

[update: the second rough cut commercial follows. Another pointless ad with no mention of Microsoft products... By the way, Jerry Seinfeld is getting 10 million dollars for doing the ads.]

[update: the ad series has been canceled, and Jerry walks away with $10 million.]