Steve Ballmer Directing "House Party 7" 359
theodp writes "What are you doing on Oct. 22? Microsoft is putting a Tupperware-style twist on the upcoming Windows 7 rollout, launching a new initiative to encourage thousands of employees, partners and technology enthusiasts to throw parties in their homes and communities to demonstrate and help spread the word about its new OS. People accepted as official launch party hosts will get their own copy of Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, and a chance to win a computer. Host spaces are very limited, so apply now, kids. Hey, what could possibly go wrong?"
don't look down (Score:5, Funny)
He'll be the chairman, correct?
Re:don't look down (Score:4, Insightful)
He'll be the chairman, correct?
Nah, they're throwing parties, not chairs.
I wonder, though. When I first read this, and the "grass roots" (okay, astroturf) focus, my first thought was, "They must be REALLY desperate to make this one work." It just smacks of fear of it not selling unless they can convince people to buy it and get a buzz going.
Re:House parties for a hated company? (Score:5, Interesting)
Okay, you probably don't want to host one of these parties. But I do.
You make it seem like hosting a party is a big, bad thing. Like dropping $250 on food is a big deal. That Microsoft is EVIL for thinking you might be a normal person who has friends, and who regularly invites those friends over to your house so you can get together and have some fun. With friends.
The ONLY thing Microsoft is asking you to do, is to have a machine running Windows 7 at your house. They will give you a copy of Windows 7. They will also give you some other things (napkins, balloons, etc.) that you can use if you want.
You can also win a new computer for yourself.
I don't consider that to be such a bad thing. I regularly have parties anyway. The only difference here is that Microsoft is giving me a copy of an operating system (which I can choose whether or not I want to use) and a few other things.
And if you have friends...real friends...it is easy to say, "Hey, come on over to my party...yes, it will have some strange decorations, but that is no big deal."
For my friends, it won't be much different than my burger building parties. Or my 'Throwdown' (cooking contest, not WWF) parties. Or my Rock Band parties. Or anything else.
It's just a fairly flimsy excuse to get together with friends.
If that seems evil to you, then I think we have vastly different opinions on life.
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Throwing a party to get together with friends is fine
but to host a party to market M$ windoz? Get a life!
Re:House parties for a hated company? (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:House parties for a hated company? (Score:4, Funny)
Don't let this guy fool you, I am one of his so called friends. We only come round because his little sister is so easy. And the free booze. As soon as that runs out, we leave him there to clean up the mess.
Looks like I need to get some more johnnies.
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But nowhere in Nebraska. Correct?
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I actually applied to host in Nebraska. Do I lose Slashdot posting rights for a week?
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You actually read the article, and you still can't figure out why it was illegal?
Idiot.
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by having the party, they're committing a couple of crimes. Tresspassing, breaking and entering, etc.
Because it's impossible to hold the party without committing an illegal act, it's an illegal party.
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
In the UK there are laws that forbid raving on public property and public parties.
From what seems to be called a 'Free party' on Wikipedia [wikipedia.org]:
and
Party permits (Score:2, Interesting)
In some cities and neighborhood associations, you have to get a permit if your guests will need more than a few spaces' worth of parking or if the noise can be heard from a neighbor's house.
It's intended to limit loud partying and limit parking issues in congested areas.
In general, such rules wouldn't affect a purely-indoor party without mega-loud music where the guests carpooled in.
Oh, since the party is "commercial" in nature, potential hosts should consult with their neighborhood association bylaws and c
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Most U.S. cities have such laws, but most also routinely don't enforce them since they are unconstitutional. Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 [wikipedia.org]
There, fixed that for ya
Re:Party permits (Score:4, Insightful)
Anyone who would live anywhere with a "neighborhood association" deserves what he gets.
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You have the right of assembly, not the right of being a noise disturbance or consuming all available parking for several blocks.
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This "party" was an advertisement on MySpace to show up at a vacant house that someone owns, break in, and completely and utterly trash the place. 200 kids showed up and from the look of the pictures got pretty creative in their destruction, and managed to trash the house to the tune of 30 thousand British pounds.
Look for "what could possibly go wrong" in the summary above.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-448842/MySpace-invaders-trash-second-home-tune-30-000.html [dailymail.co.uk]
What's scary is that the article ment
Second home (Score:2)
Second home probably refers to the owners possessing more than one home. Not sure if the expression is common in America.
Rich people buy another house and let it out, as in the article. Which is probably a good thing otherwise they would have lost possessions which they made no mention of.
First (Score:5, Funny)
Theme is everyone wear Blue and pass out at a predetermined time
You have to be pretty nerdy (Score:5, Funny)
I have another word for that (Score:3, Insightful)
You have to be pretty nerdy to consider installing windows on 15-20 of your closest friends laptops a "party."
More like pretty sadistic
aka "good way to lose 15-20 friends"?
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
You have to be pretty nerdy to consider installing windows on 15-20 of your closest friends laptops a "party."
More like pretty sadistic
You see those as mutually exclusive? Sounds like someone doesn't read the Boston Phoenix classified ads.
Re: (Score:2, Informative)
\I'll bring the keg
Re:You have to be pretty nerdy (Score:4, Funny)
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Re:You have to be pretty nerdy (Score:4, Insightful)
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oblig [xkcd.com]
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HAHA linux finally has driver support high enough above windows to make jokes at windows! BWAHAHAHAHAAH!
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Party here! (Score:3, Informative)
Hmm, an echo of the zune release? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
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Re:Hmm, an echo of the zune release? (Score:4, Insightful)
I applied too.
I have people over for BBQs, dinners, Rock Band, etc. anyway. If they want to give me Windows 7, and want me to have a computer sitting out at a party- then no problem. Yes, I will even use the decorations they send me- why not?
This actually isn't a bad way to get people to see Windows 7. Heck, I even signed up for the Betty Crocker cookie party while I was at it. (Waitlist only) Sounds like fun to me.
That's the point. The whole thing sounds like fun. So I tell my friends; "Hey, this is the geekiest thing ever...but come over for a Windows 7 party. I'll be cooking and we'll have margaritas." Microsoft gets a little more exposure, I get Windows 7, my friends get some food and drink. We all win.
Re:Hmm, an echo of the zune release? (Score:4, Insightful)
You mean the one I have been using for a year now?
Works great!
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House Party??? (Score:4, Funny)
Maybe the question should be... (Score:5, Funny)
...what could possibly go right? That would at least set the correct expectations.
Steve Ballmer Directing "House Party 7" (Score:2, Funny)
"I just throw the chairs. Gravity does the directing."
Do we bring our own virii? (Score:5, Funny)
Sure, why not? (Score:2, Interesting)
Just last night I saw a long commercial with 3 women sitting around a couch watching a birth control commercial and having an in depth discussion about birth control options. Of course, my wife says that's total bullshit and no one she knows does that, but hey - it's on TV so it must be true. So inviting my friends and neighbors to come over to my house, have some snacks, and watch how Win7 handles disk caching so much better will increase sales eleventy gajillion percent.
Re:Sure, why not? (Score:5, Funny)
So inviting my friends and neighbors to come over to my house, have some snacks, and watch how Win7 handles disk caching so much better will increase sales eleventy gajillion percent.
Unlikely. Your neighbors will probably ignore the Windows 7 and spend their time on the couch, having an in-depth discussion about birth control options.
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Re:Sure, why not? (Score:5, Funny)
Unrealistic commercials.. (Score:2)
"Mom, do you ever have that... 'not so fresh' feeling?"
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"Yes dear, every time I use a Mac."
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In what way is it not realistic? I know my wife does discuss birth control with her friends, and from hearing about it secondhand I pretty well know what guys I know have had vasectomies etc. Granted, you wouldn't h
Another Sequel? (Score:3, Funny)
Crash the party! in more ways than one (Score:5, Funny)
Crash (as in invade) your nearest party and pass out LiveCDs, plush Penguins, and for the health-conscious, Apples (the kind you eat).
Take bets on how many times you can get the host's computer to crash (as in computing).
Re: (Score:2)
Win 7? good luck getting that to crash.
On the plus side, I can beat the shit out of anyone who comes to my house to disturb the party and not do any jail time.
Seriously people, Linux is awesome, but pushing your way into places that are about windows is just annoying and makes the whiole linux crowd to idiots.
Like the Linux guy who kept making comments and a Windows presentation. We aren't there to here your pitch, STFU.
Comptetition (Score:5, Funny)
With Linus it would be "Glaciar Party 2.6.31-rc8-git2"
Getting in (Score:5, Funny)
I think the hosts should charge their guests $100 to come in.
Then just before serving drinks, the host springs a EULA that the guest needs to sign, or else he gets booted out the front door.
If the party is on a Tuesday, then in the middle of their festivities they need to sit still for half and hour while ADP comes in and upgrades the security system.
I just pity the poor guest who only paid the basic $100 to get in. The bathroom is only available to those who paid $299 to get in. Poor schmucks.
Re:Getting in (Score:5, Funny)
In contrast to the Linux roll-out party, which is free but takes place under an overpass and is hosted by homeless people.
[Relax, it's just a joke. Linux is my main OS.]
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Re:Getting in (Score:5, Insightful)
[Relax, it's just a joke. Linux is my main OS.]
This is like making a racist joke and then saying "Relax, I am of the same race..." and expecting that being of the same genre that you mocked makes it okay. Its amazing how that works.
And yet it does work, if you go by people's reactions. I didn't design humans, I just work with what's given to me.
Re:Getting in (Score:5, Funny)
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As for racist, wtf dude?
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you are comparing a Linux joke to a racist joke? you are out of whack.
\
It's an Operating System, Not Amway (Score:2, Funny)
Finally I can join the ranks of my wife's Tupperware, Mary Kay, and Stamping Up crowd!
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I like Pampered Chef parties. They serve food!
Its not a House Party... (Score:3, Funny)
Maybe we could get Steve Balmer and Bill Gates to reprise the roles - not sure who would look better with the fade though.
They still don't get it (Score:4, Insightful)
Geeze, it's an OPERATING SYSTEM. A minor update on Vista. What does he think he's selling?
I'm using the beta, (which is working rather well -- imagine my surprise) and it occurs to me that I'm being asked to pay $200 to $300 (depending on version) for what is essentially an improved TCP stack and a new bunch of drivers. Throw a party? I don't see why they even designed a new box.
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At least you learned from your mistake.
There is a lot new in Windows 7 (Score:5, Informative)
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All of which I would call SP3.
This crap should ahve been in Vista, instead they sell us incomlpete stuff, then push the completed stuff into a 'new OS'; which isn't a new OS.
This is what was supposed to be in Vista.
Re:There is a lot new in Windows 7 (Score:5, Insightful)
So what Apple is charging $29.99 for in Snow Leopard (and people still complain it's a "Service Pack"), Windows users get to pay full price?
Re:There is a lot new in Windows 7 (Score:5, Interesting)
I think the issue here is that I'm not getting Windows 7 so I can have a new operating system; I'm getting it to do a particular task. In this case, a home media center. What I've noticed:
It has native support for SATA3. Disk operations, specifically file transfers, are MUCH faster. Big improvement over previous version.
It recognized my HDTV card and supported it without me having to dink with it. Big improvement. Same with memory card multi-reader. Very nice.
Network seems faster. I hope to do some more testing this weekend.
Windows 7 supports my multi-core proc natively (no driver necessary) and seems to do a better job of task management. Big win here.
However:
Graphics on games fail in the same way -- Spore, for instance, tears and flickers as it did before. I didn't expect Windows 7's new graphics features to fix this, but was hoping.
S/PDIF ceased working after installing Windows 7. It sees the device but no sound comes out. This is a bummer. I hope there is a fix for this.
Media Center does not recognize video in mkv containers, even though media player will play them. Previous version would play them fine. Don't have a solution for this yet.
Desktop improvements? Not interesting. Winders is an OS, not an application. When I get time, I will be turning off all the fancy-dancy eye candy. I want the CPU to work on my applications, now how they are presented.
So, for me, Windows 7 gave me some very welcome compatibility with my existing hardware, (but not the video card, unfortunately) at the cost of a couple of hiccups. Generally positive, especially if I can fix the last remaining issues. But... $300? You're kidding, right? Throw a party? Gimme a break.
Re:They still don't get it (Score:4, Informative)
But no, you go ahead claiming that people will be paying $300 for an improved TCP stack, and get modded Insightful by the drones...
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You are correct, it should be SP3; however I signed up for the party, because I want a free copy(legit).
I am also wondering how many of my friends would actually turn up.
By Tupperware-style... (Score:2, Funny)
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Better be. One lucky party will be crashed by Steve Ballmer, and you know what happens when HE sees a chair. The host or hostess would be well-advised to choose lightweight chairs. This will reduce the chance of back strain on His Steveness, and also reduce the risk of injury to your guests.
Think "inflatable".
Where have we heard this before? (Score:2)
Somebody's trying to take a page from the Obama playbook.
Pirate Party (Score:5, Insightful)
You know, it just occurred to me. Since so many LAN parties turn into Pirate Fests (dude!! you've got the latest (insert_game_or_movie_name_here), I suspect Microsoft is.. well... late to the party on this one.
I'm sure there is, at this very moment, a solid handful of LAN parties where cracked Windows 7 installs are happening.
And I'm sure the host of THOSE parties is receiving a full copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. OK, "full" except the install disc, and artwork, and a shiny hologram logo, and DRM...
Still, kudos to Microsoft for being inventive in their marketing.
Re:Pirate Party (Score:5, Funny)
)
that was a close one!
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I almost stopped reading when I got to 'Pirate Fests' and glimpsed words like 'dude' and 'insert' coming up on the next line. I was relieved to see you were talking about software theft.
Party? (Score:2, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2, Troll)
Well, now there is a good definition between geek and a Nerd.
As a Nerd, I signed up to host a party.
New ad (Score:3, Insightful)
Mac: I'm a Mac
PC: And I'm a PC. Looks like I've got you beat this time. People all over America will be having a party for my new Operating System!
Mac: Wow, Congrats. That's really exciting. So are people going to be exposed to your new product while having fun at the same time.
PC: Well... Not really...
Mac: No? What are you....
PC: You see only the people who really care about Windows 7 will be hosting it... and they only get 1 CD to show all of their friends why they should buy Windows 7...
Mac: Oh, well, whats wrong with that? Wouldn't that mean more people will be buying Windows 7?
PC: The only friends Windows 7 enthusiasts have are other Windows 7 enthusiasts...
I can imagine it now (Score:2)
Steve Ballmer: "Who ate all the GOD DAMN SALSA!!!! I BOUGHT IT TO EAT SPECIFICALLY WITH MY LIME TOSITOS!!!!!" *throws chair across the room*
filter error too many caps filter error too many caps filter error too many caps filter error too many caps
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I can't wait, I've got an excellent attorney... I'll sue for 5 free copies of every OS the will put out from not until the end of time.
MUAhahahahha!
what?
Pass (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Pass (Score:4, Insightful)
I'll upgrade/downgrade when they have a version without the ridiculous dumbing down of the 'launch' menu and the windows explorer with no opt-out. I tried it and it is impossible, it takes a whole bunch more clicks on non-obvious buttons to get anywhere, and when you just want to see drives and directories, they have idiot icons. Every version of Windows since 95 has had more 'idiot' features to turn off. Even making XP useable is to turn off themes, classic start menu, classic folder view, unhide system folders and put it on detalied view, turn off simple file sharing, security center, firewall, redonkulous services for idiots (uPNP, system restore, firewall service, zero config wireless, web publishing, etc). Install tweakUI and disable animated doggy idiot search, change the IE cache to something less than 100gb, etc.Then the real hacking starts, turn off the 'zip for dummies', image shell extensions, etc. Then after several update reboot cycles, remove the crapware they install in Firefox without your consent. Vista took this to extremes with it's idiot's control panel and useless UI control - and with it's nanny need for signed drivers thanks to DRM, it is Windows ME for the 2000's. Just like Vista, you'll be buying it whether you like it or not though. So many paid-for Vista's have been immediately wiped, it's near criminal to have a monopoly forced it onto computers in the first place.
Now they truly have made an OS for idiots, that only idiots can use.
House Party 7? (Score:2)
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I LOVE THIS COMPANY!!!!!!!!111 (Score:2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvsboPUjrGc
YEAAHHH!!!!!
Musical chairs! (Score:2, Insightful)
My Party Will Be The BEST Party... (Score:2)
I'm going to throw a huge Windows 7 bash where we all get together, have a few beers and giggles and do all the neat stuff intelligent, fun-loving people like to do at parties. This one will be just a little different, though. We'll blog and take pictures and videos and upload the whole thing, just the way Microsoft and House Party want.
The climax? Well, the climax will be something really, really special. In honour of Windows 7, we'll all gather 'round and cheer wildly while the Lady Elaine, our resi
Linux install parties circa 1995 (Score:2)
We were doing parties like this for Linux back in 1995. Some were Slackware while others were Red Hat. Of course back then you needed a team of techs to do a proper install ;) Aw memories....
In fact I need to go check on the progress of my Gentoo compile on that IBM XT we started around then. BRB
Shades of Windows 95? (Score:3, Insightful)
When Windows 95 was released, there really was a whole bunch of crazy hoopla. Stores were having midnight sales, where they would open at midnight just to sell Windows 95 as soon as they were legally permitted. People were standing in lines outside the stores. (Heck, I read in the newspaper that one guy stood in the line and bought Windows 95, without even owning a computer. He just wanted to join in the hoopla!)
When I read this, my first thought was: they are trying to gin up the Windows 95 excitement again. And my second thought was: good luck with that. The world is a different place now; Windows 7 looks like a nice upgrade to Windows, but it's really hard to imagine people getting really excited about it. And many of the people who could potentially get excited by the improvements in Windows 7 have been running Mac OS X for years now. I predict the hoped-for tidal wave of excitement won't materialize.
You know, though, I have friends who work at Microsoft. If they can get some free goodies by having a "Windows 7" party, and if they invite me, I'll go. Any excuse for a party with my friends is good enough for me. I'll still run Linux on most of my computers, just like I do now, but why wouldn't I go to a party? (In addition to the whole computer thing, we could watch movies! An obvious choice: Se7en [imdb.com].)
steveha
If it's going to be that kind of a party... (Score:3, Insightful)
Shit, if it's going to be that kind of a party...I'm gonna stick my dick in the mashed potatoes.
An offer you can't refuse (Score:2)
I'm sure that they saw Open source launch parties (Firefox comes to mind) and said: - Hey, we can do that! I like the idea!-. As Tony Soprano would do.
I bet MS employees are "encouraged" to host or attend to these parties. And they better have a good time and have a smile on their faces the whole night! Inspectors might show up to check everything's in order.
Isn't this the way.... (Score:5, Insightful)
Isn't this the way the Roman Empire fell? Lots of partying while the barbarians were pounding on the gates. Gates?
Hooray... Microsoft Party... (Score:3, Interesting)
The old OS/2 crowd was a different story -- they actually believed in what they were doing and had some minimal support from IBM. You very rarely ran into the tinfoil hat crowd that drove IBM's hands-off attitude and everyone was very lively. A few IBM employees actually got very involved, too. Those days are gone and the OS/2 guys have moved on, but I bet IBM could still outparty Microsoft any day of the week.
And don't even get me started on Linux! Those guys used to have freaking BEER WALKS for God's sake! Sure the LUG meeting is usually a sausage farm but traveling to another country and walking from bar to bar drinking beer and talking about kernel internals? Plus I bet Linus could drink Bill Gates AND Lou Gerstner under the table!
That is a good way to lose friends (Score:3, Insightful)
throw a house party for Windows 7 and invite all of your friends.
Then when they do use Windows 7 and it doesn't live up to the hype and won't run their old games and old software and is annoying with security features and crashes and blue screens of death.
Why don't people throw Linux parties instead? Pass out free CDRs and DVDRs of popular Linux distros. At least that way you get a free operating system and don't have to pay anything for it.
The Catch (Score:5, Insightful)
Appropriate hosts? (Score:3, Insightful)
Not yet (Score:2, Informative)
But as soon as insert-MLM-company-name-here* starts selling Windows 7 it will be.
*My lawyer recommended I not use any actual company name here.
Re: (Score:2, Funny)
Oh - I thought you meant this:
http://www.webscription.net/p-328-pyramid-scheme.aspx [webscription.net]
It's an insane fantasy with very little chance of ever actually occurring, so I think it more appropriate.
(Good read, though. and DRM FREE!)
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Working fine for me -- have you checked your Internet connection?
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