Recently, Microsoft has been airing a commercial starring their Chairman
and Chief Software Architect, Bill Gates. They also posted
a copy of this video on their Web site (requires Windows Media
Player, Windows 95 or higher, and Internet Explorer. But as they say,
you're always free to use any operating system you want if you
don't want to see it).
We at Microfits decided to analyze this video, considering that it was made
by the same crack team that Microsoft used to rig their Internet Explorer
videotape example in the Department of Justice trial. What we found were
subliminal images inserted into the footage, which we shall now proceed
to illustrate.
As you know, the purpose of this commercial is to try to show Gates as
a helpful and caring person who is just trying to provide what Microsoft's
customers demand. A part of this appeal is that the user can make money
and be productive using Microsoft products. At frame numer 43, we see
the software giant trying to impose this on the viewer's subconscious:
However, the wily Chairman also wants to be careful that his position
does not get usurped (frame 61):
At frame 205, Gates is trying to use some levity to show that he is not
the stereotypical humorless nerd. This is explicitly reinforced with the
nearby frame 211:
By frame 299, Gates begins to discuss the stress of sleepless nights
resulting from their efforts to continue a successful history of innovation.
This is poignantly illustrated with the addition of some quantity of
tears.
When the video reaches frame 419, sympathy for Gates has been well established.
However, it's now time to take another direction and bolster his innocence
through the cunning use of the "wide-eyed child" tact.
Near the end of the video, at frame 615, there is a blatant appeal to the
righteous -- including halo and crystal scepter.
In conclusion, we hope this proof will validate Microsoft's willingness to
stoop to any means necessary -- including subliminal intrusion -- to
get the public to accept their leader and his positions.
