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May 23, 2004
Microsoft may be on to something
BJ is right--videos and video games open up new debates over persuasion and ethics. But they also raise questions of effectiveness. As we've been learning in our Lab, video is--in some cases--the most persuasive media currently available. Over the next few months, we'll take you through it. But for now, here's an interesting example...
In a remarkably prescient (or risky) move, Microsoft has allowed all of us a view inside its organization through a new site called Channel9.
It uses online video to present the "human" side of Microsoft by letting us see and hear real developers/program managers. The site even allows anyone to comment on the content. Why would they do this?
We think developers need their own Channel 9, a way to listen in to the cockpit at Microsoft, an opportunity to learn how we fly, a chance to get to know our pilots.
In reality, though, this isn't just a charity offering to "listen in." Microsoft designed Channel9 to persuade--to change attitudes and eventually behaviors towards Microsoft. And they've specifically chosen persuasion elements like commitment (i.e., user involvement) and media such as video to highlight their goal.
Interesting.
Posted by at May 23, 2004 02:37 PM
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