By David Ponce
So yeah, I know, this concerns a paid campaign by Microsoft. But, you guys should know I was not specifically asked to talk about it here at all. It’s not part of the deal. It just happens that this campaign is a little different, and really sort of interesting. If you visit the I’m Talkathon page, you’ll notice the blog is getting some traction, with some articles getting over 70 comments. The reason (IMHO), is that it actually has some solid production values. The videos the guys are making are really funny, and the entire thing is playing out like some sort of bloggy soap.
It turns out that the business behind it is as follows: if you IM with Windows Live Messenger (“IM”… “I’M”… get it?) or Windows Live Hotmail in a specific fashion (more here [link to video]), Microsoft will be giving to the charities we mentioned in our previous article. The more you use them, the more they give. What with Bill Gates leaving the company today and seemingly moving into full time philanthropy… this campaign sort of makes sense. Sure, in the end they’re trying to get you to use Microsoft products, but at least they’re giving back in the process.
Next up, I’m going to try and hunt down that Parker’s hair stylist. That ‘do is rockin…
Who do I contact about adding other causes to I’M?
This project rocks!
I think the campaign is really connecting w/ people because Parker’s the best – what a cutie with funny original things to say! He’s also a really great guy (outside of just the charity work) – he even blogs it up on other sites too – check it out:
Guest Blogger: Parker Whittle From The Microsoft iām Initiative!
LOL!
I followed a link here from the Talkathon website, wondering if you were going to mention this guy “Parker” is a ficticious demographically correct character generated by the McCann WorldGroup advertising agency for Microsoft. Sigh.. I was disappointed to learn this, but it still has entertainment/infotainment value. The IM Initiative is as you say, still a good thing, any of those millions of advertising dollars that can be directed towards charities seems worth the small effort involved. Parker Whittle may not be real, but that hair… gotta love it.
Logan, there’s no denying Parker’s a fictional character. There’s a rather large disclaimer at the bottom of the Talkathon page, with the following gem “The Parker Whittle character depicted herein is fictitious and his activities are described for illustrative purposes only.”
That said, as far as a McCann schtick is concerned, this is pretty entertaining. And, yeah, for a good cause so for once I’m all ears. š
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hello dera ladies and gentlemen for this community.
j want to take relationship with the billions men around this community.
J AM NAMED SANOGO SOULEYMANE, and done business in my country which is ivory coast
j have very interested some business.
j principal aim to discuss with the financial organisation.
hello dera ladies and gentlemen for this community.
j want to take relationship with the billions men around this community.