We know that humor relieves stress and can put us at ease. We also know, that when used correctly, 
humor can sell some products. But can it sell computer software?
The people at Microsoft sure hope so. Microsoft has launched a campaign aimed to promote Microsoft Office 2007 using a comic strip as well as a personality internet quiz designed to find users’ software that is a perfect personality fit.
While the personality quiz is interactive and fun, the comic strip lacks the kind of spark that keeps audiences interested. The comic strip is about a character named Madeline , who lives in an enchanted forest of productiveness until she discovers Microsoft Office. The strip is dull, too long and it is apparent that the reader is “being sold.” Today’s young professionals are too cleaver to give into tactics like the comic strip.
To be fair, these tactics are new and are moving Microsoft in a direction that may some day pay-off. The use of interactive media can be very effective when used properly and targeted at the correct audience. With a little more work, these new tactics could be successful.
While humor can be an effective tool for PR people, we must consider the audience. Will this tool really keep our audience laughing or will we be laughed at?
