Microsoft certainly thought it was being clever when it asked its tech-savvy company blog readers to "help your friends and family get off Windows XP," but its readers sure didn't think so. Microsoft's not-so-subtle marketing pitch for Windows 8.1 not only failed, but it completely blew up in the company's face.
The blog post begins with a call to rally the troops and prepare the not-so tech savvy for the switch over from Windows XP to Windows 8.1. It quickly devolves into a straight-forward marketing pitch for Windows 8.1 and the new lineup of Windows devices currently on the market. Microsoft tries to build up a rapport with its audience and fails miserably.
"As a reader of this blog, it's unlikely you are running Windows XP on your PC. However, you may know someone who is and have even served as their tech support," writes Microsoft's marketing communications manager Brandon LeBlanc in the blog post. "To help, we have created a special page on Windows.com that explains what 'end of support' means for people still on Windows XP and their options to stay protected after support ends on April 8th."
"We need your help spreading the word to ensure people are safe and secure on modern up-to-date PCs," adds LeBlanc.
LeBlanc then goes on to tell its faithful users that upgrading to Windows 8.1 or buying a new PC are the only viable options for current XP users. Those reading Microsoft's blog quickly responded to the post as if personally offended.
"Ummm...how about NO? Is the word 'NO' in Microsoft's vocabulary?" Steve Chabot wrote back in the comments section. "I will not advocate upgrades that require people to relearn the basics of a user interface or replace perfectly good hardware simply for the privilege of running an overblown phone OS."
Other commentators derided Microsoft for suggesting that Windows 8.1 is the only real option for XP users.
"Honestly, this sounds more like a sales pitch for Windows 8.1 than any kind of interest in what is actually best for my friends and family," wrote one commentator named Naru. "Had the article actually mentioned both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 as options, I would be able to take it more seriously."
Some went even further, declaring their disgust for the new OS.
"Help my family and friends get on to Windows 8.1? I wouldn't curse my worst enemy with your Windows 8.x OS," wrote another commentator, named Dhev.
LeBlanc reportedly read all the comments and even responded to some of them, but didn't apologize for the way the company approached the issue. Technically, Windows 8.1 is the only option after all, since Windows 7 is no longer offered by Microsoft. Still, many stores continue to sell Windows 7 for those who would rather stick with tradition and avoid Windows 8.1 and its Metro tiles for the remainder of their lives.
