Microsoft Portrays Internet Explorer Critics As Trolls

Microsoft has chosen an unusual way of dealing with critics of its newest version of Internet Explorer (IE). In a new TV commercial, the company openly mocks a stereotypical critique of the new Internet browsing software.

The ad involves a fictional character named "Eugene Finlon."

The TV spot shows Finlon -- who is young, wears a cut-off shirt, and lives in a dark, dank apartment -- visiting sites that praise Internet Explorer. Finlon responds to the praise by leaving comments boldly attacking the browser's quality. (Source: youtube.com)

IE: Only Good for Downloading Other Browsers?

For example, Finlon leaves comments that read: "Internet Explorer is only good for downloading other browsers." He then grows increasingly angry when he sees positive comments posted by credible tech sites.

Finlon even responds with abuse when he reads a Twitter post from a supposed Internet Explorer account reading: "IE adopts an island of kittens and donates them to children everywhere!!!"

However, when he reads that Microsoft has introduced a new web standard for online karaoke, Finlon decides that "IE sucks ... less." It turns out that Eugene once won a karaoke contest in 2008, possibly the last time he left his apartment.

Internet Explorer Campaign Extended to Twitteri

Microsoft seems to have gone all out with this particular advertising campaign, creating a Twitter account for the fictional Eugene Finlon and even a spoof page announcing the supposed karaoke standard.

However, the firm has disabled comments on the YouTube page hosting the commercial, thereby blocking any possibility of receiving negative feedback. (Source: cnet.com)

The commercial and campaign are certainly creative. It's a clever way of acknowledging that Microsoft has significantly improved the browser in recent editions, without concentrating too much on its previous shortcomings.

However, some observers think the campaign is not a great idea. Critics have noted the commercial doesn't in any way address the real and legitimate criticisms of Internet Explorer. Instead, it focuses on attacking critics of IE in a tongue-in-cheek way.