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General discussion

Windows Vista

Feb 13, 2006 7:16AM PST

You know that time it takes to start up your computer and login, why not display ads there! (according to this blog)

http://tinyurl.com/d2zmw

Discussion is locked

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oh for...
Feb 13, 2006 8:03AM PST

I hate Microsoft as much as the next guy - my name is MACHUGGER, for god's sake, but I don't see how it's anti-trust for Microsoft to put whatever it wants on its startup screen.

Is it antitrust for NBC to promote its own shows when hundreds of millions tune in for the Olympics? Or, Fox to promote Fox shows on American Idol? How about ABC with the Superbowl?

So why can't Microsoft do a little self-promotion in that space?

I think it's annoying and if Apple ever does that, I'll raise h*ll but I don't see how it's antitrust behavior from Microsoft.

-Kevin S.

PS is anybody else sick and tired of hearing the words ''law suit'' in the tech industry?

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Something to remember...
Feb 13, 2006 8:43AM PST

A lot of not-so-tech-savvy people will see the ads for Macroshaft, er, Microsoft produts on the screen and think that they are the ONLY way to get certain features. For example, Microsoft might talk about how wonderful of a browsing experience you get with IE, and as such, it's the only thing that people associate with the internet (even going so far as to call IE "The Internet").

This problem does not exist on TV. Nobody ever thinks that ABC (or any other network) is the only channel available, so they don't face the same issue.

Of course, this all changes if other companies start Welcome Screen advertising. In which case, it will just suck to be using Windows.

-Ryan
(using Linux right now)

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counterpoint
Feb 14, 2006 7:24AM PST

Rmember the majority of people living in Macroshaft's, er, Microsoft's world are not very well-versed in computers. They tend to do whatever they are asked to do by big brother as long as it makes the right promises.
Example:
Want to write things? Use Word, available by purchasing Office.

The reason why this is not the same thing as networks do is because people know that ABC or NBC or (insert network here) isn't the only place that they can go to watch TV.

May the Flying Spaghetti Monster help us all if they let anybody under the sun advertise in this space.

(I swear I posted this yesterday, I guess I forgot to hit "submit")

-Ryan

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Respectfully Disagree
Feb 14, 2006 7:30AM PST

<quote>

Rmember the majority of people living in Macroshaft's, er, Microsoft's world are not very well-versed in computers.

</quote>

Really?

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my experience
Feb 14, 2006 8:03AM PST

That's the impression from everyone I've ever talked to that owns a computer.
Of course outliers exist, as they always do.

Forgive me if I'm mistaken.

-Ryan

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(NT) (NT) Forgiven
Feb 14, 2006 8:05AM PST
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Hmmmmmm
Feb 13, 2006 8:18AM PST

You know, it's just the whole is-my-computer-really-mine thing again.

I pay for a bunch of components, I pay for a legal copy of XP. I pay because I want the computer to do what I want it to do. If I wanted to view ads; I would buy an app that puts apps on my screen.

This is seriously not cool. The only way this works is if MS is actively monitoring my windows usage and continually downloads new ads to target my interests. That's way too invasive for my taste.

no thanks. I'll pass and force my wife to join me in OS X land

scott

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Reason 4323 why I "switched".
Feb 13, 2006 10:26AM PST

You know this just makes me madder than a mad thing thats really quite mad.

They just don't get it do they.... but the sad thing is that 90% of the general population won't even care.

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that's pretty frustrating in itself
Feb 13, 2006 8:24PM PST

We really are minority that know the advantages of things like RSS and podcasting.

90% of users still think a PC is just for email, web browsing, and office docs.

<sigh>

Scott

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Another reason
Feb 14, 2006 3:52AM PST

... to stick with XP or switch to Mac. So is he going to pass on some of the billons that this plan will make to the consumer. So I'll pay $300 for an OS that displays Ads each time I turn on my PC on top of what I pay to stop them when I'm online. What about age appropriate ads, you'll what moniter who signs in and then turn around and give it to ....?

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Good Point
Feb 14, 2006 3:56AM PST

I don't want to pay $300 (OR MORE, which I'm afraid we will be paying more for Vista) and then see ads. Do they not understand when you PAY for something you shouldn't get ads. Thats usually how it works.