Live Messenger's Flash in the Ads
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If Windows Live Messenger requires Flash to display ads, why doesn't Microsoft just say so? |
This morning, I set up Windows Live Messenger on my Vista test PC—a Lenovo ThinkPad T60p Workstation. Upon first use, Messenger prompted to install Adobe Flash, indicating the software would be required to send or receive instant messages. Huh?
So, I refused the install and set out successfully sending instant messages without Flash. What did change: Messenger couldn't launch MSN Today, nor could it display ads in the bottom-of-screen banner box.
Installing Flash delivered advertising galore, in MSN Today and Live Messenger. Instant Messaging changed none whatsoever. Is the Flash installation message misleading? Commenters, please offer your take.
On a more positive note, Microsoft has started advertising MSN adCenter on TV. The commercials aren't trendsetting advertising, but they're still pretty good. The commercials target small businesses.
Comments (8)
Flash is required for sending Nudges and Winks in Messenger, not just Ads.
Posted by yums | April 2, 2007 11:52 AM
yums wrote: "Flash is required for sending Nudges and Winks in Messenger, not just Ads."
Flash also is required for the animated icons. But are the avatars, winks and nudges "content?"
Joe
Posted by Joe | April 2, 2007 12:43 PM
I'd imagine Microsoft views ads and bundled junk as being "content". Not all "content" is from the end-users point of view...
Posted by Bruce | April 2, 2007 12:59 PM
Unfortunantly that is part of the software industry. When a manufacturer says to use a feature it refers to the full capabilitys. The full experience. Sure you can have some functionality without the extras sometimes, but you can't have full functionality. To be honest I can understand exactly why it is worded the way it is. Time! Who wantes to sit and read a long detailed explination of what you can and can not do if you do not install the add on? Based on how many people I talk to every day that never read their License Agreements it is a large number that don't have the time to read the detailed information.
Posted by Jake Boden | April 2, 2007 1:49 PM
I don't see any problem with the message. What is the alternate according to you??? They should say something like,
"To send Nudges and Winks, To display some ads, To display MSN today, To do this, To do that , To do.............................................................., you need a newer version of Adobe flash plyaer......."
Don't forget NOT all the users are techies. I think the message M$ choosen is totally appropriate and easy to understand.
By the way what do you think about Steve Jobs announcement wordings for iPhone,
"Apple Re-invented the Phone."
I am sure you will be perfectly OK with it :)
Posted by DD | April 2, 2007 1:57 PM
I don't see anything that's misleading in the installation dialog, "content" seems to fit the realm of winks, MSN Today, ads, etc. And on the adCenter ads on TV, I always seem to think they're for another company because they're just too hillarious. They show them on a lot of stations, and at the same time promote Windows Live. Here's one: http://soapbox.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=1dcea900-4ae1-493c-9994-dbbb239a2c1b
Posted by Albert | April 2, 2007 7:07 PM
I agree with Albert, but maybe the "I" in "I'm" (IM) is not the user, based on the amount of ads that one gets. I ditched IM clients 3 years ago.
Posted by Roy Schestowitz | April 2, 2007 11:09 PM
The problem I'm getting is that when I've had the pronpt to install Flash for WLM, I did, then ten minutes later it's asking me again!! (Using kids PC - Windows Vista). Anyone know how to stop this?!
Posted by quahappy | June 12, 2007 12:54 PM