Slinging Mud

The Daily Show

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I basically remember two things from the 2012 election:

1. Incredible Jon Stewart fodder (man, was I sad when the election was over for that alone) 
2. Lots of mudslinging by both parties

I've come to predict this in politics, yet this technic is less expected in conventional advertising.  

Therefore, I was a bit surprised that Microsoft ramped up it's "Scroogled" campaign this quarter, slinging more mud at Google.

They've launched shirts that you can buy at Microsoft.com

And, a new set of videos (that are ironically being run on YouTube, a Google property)

I'm totally fine with a company bringing to light potential flaws in a competitor's product.

But, has Microsoft gone too far to the point of "desperate"?

No comment. 

Wiki Pledge: It worked on me

I've seen the Wiki Pledge before.  

Typically, I look at it, feel a bit guilty and then move on down a wiki-hole.  

Note: I'd like to say my wiki-holes involved incredibly intellectual things like thermodynamics or 18th century Russian literature.  In reality, I just dig really deep into famous people's personal lives and / or known controversies.  It's basically my dorkier version of People magazine.

But today, I donated.

Why?

Two reasons based on social psychology:

1. Social Exchange: 
In a social exchange, both parties take responsibility for one another and depend on each other.  This pledge reminded me that I have taken more than I have given back, and therefore, made me feel very guilty.

I mean, they are "just a small non-profit that runs the #5 website in the world"

2. The Foot-in-the-Door Technique:
They asked for the smallest donation -- just $3 USD.  And, they made it so easy with a button that led directly to Paypal.

I just couldn't say no without feeling like a complete asshole.

Therefore, I donated, but I'm fully aware I'll likely be on their eDM list forever with suggestions on "bigger and better ways" to contribute (which, I probably should).  

Regardless, for the time being, Wikipedia has taken down the banner ad on my wiki searches (pretty clever functionality).  

Now, off to "research" Rob Ford.  Phew.