And Now, On an Entirely Self-Serving Note
Posted on December 29, 2006 Posted by John Scalzi 21 Comments
Hey, now that I think about it, why wasn’t I tagged by Microsoft for their nifty “here’s a laptop with some Vista on it” promotion? I totally have a higher Technorati ranking than most of these dudes! I get 25,000 visitors a day! I’ve got a punchy, engaging prose style! Clearly, there was an error in the selection process. They should send me that laptop with Vista on it. Also, Office 2007. And an Xbox 360 with the optional HD-DVD drive and Gears of War. And a pony. Which I know is not something that Microsoft usually produces or markets, but, you know. They have to make it up to me.
Indeed, I don’t know why I’m not entirely flooded by tech gadgets from tech publicists and marketeers all the time. I am the disposable income demographic. That’s all I’m saying. Tech folks, you know where I am, and you know how to get your stuff to me. I’ll be waiting. Oh, yes. Waiting.
Your problem is that you seem to believe that honesty is a fairly good policy to follow. Given the state of (a) Microsoft Software and (b) Acer laptops honesty is probably NOT what they are looking for.
Dude, the only reason I am willing to break into the SF writing field is for the free swag.
Though, I understand you get it for all the other writing you’ve done. But SF swag must be the shizz.
Scalzi – Indeed, I don’t why I’m not entirely flooded by tech gadgets from tech publicists and marketeers all the time.[/quote]
I guess you just don’t have the “know” for it. :-D
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
fixed.
Well some people in Redmond read your blog (and books). Billy’s a bit bitter – and wrong but hey, you can’t win them all.
I’m picturing MS Pony1.0, but it’s not pretty.
re Pony 1.0: There’s a saying in MS, “Quality is job 3.1.”
re Office 2007: I’ve been using the beta. I don’t know if it’s worth the price of upgrading. Word’s master doc feature is still craptacular. Saving in XML does more for me as a developer rather than user. Ribbon menu is nice though.
You’re going to end up with a Zune.
And it will be a brown one.
Nate Trost:
Yeah, I saw the brown Zune and wondered if was made from corduroy. Which, you know, is not a good sign.
This has the makings of a perfect case of be careful what you wish for. I see you getting the laptop and then the Whatever entry 30 days after about how you had just written the most inciteful entry ever for a blog, but, alas, the computer crashed.
Nah, I’ve done that already.
Re: Pony 1.0
Does it have one hump or two?
Scalzi: “and a pony.” As in a shiny red 2007 Ford Mustang type pony, I assume.
Considering how lackluster your praise for that free cameraphone was awhile back, I can’t say as I’m surprised. Get with the brownnosing, ya doof!
Jim Wright:
“As in a shiny red 2007 Ford Mustang type pony, I assume.”
Well, this brings up the old “If Microsoft Made Cars” thing.
But, yes. Yes, I would take that pony. Yes.
Be careful what you wish for. They might send you a shiny, new laptop with Vista and a new version of Microsoft Bob that uses a pony instead of a smiley face for the avatar.
That would be SO cool.
It must be that “truth and honesty” policy you have. uSoft wants none of that.
Scalzi-
Good post! It and the comments gave me two LOL moments – ‘And a pony’ was the first, sxKitten’s MS Pony 1.0 was the second -that one had the house resounding in peals of laughter. As for getting on the swag distribution lists- maybe you have to bait ’em.
Like they bait for sharks (and lawyers)- throw out some chum and see if you can get a little churn…
To quote a pair of friends:
Friend 1: I want a pony!
Friend 2: Okay, but we’ll have to freeze most of it.
Dagnabbit, you weren’t supposed to fix it. Ruined a perfectly good joke… :-P