Win7 Party Video Viral, but for the Wrong Reasons

With the release of Windows 7 mere weeks away, Microsoft and House Party are helping their chosen hosts plan their launch parties with an instructional tutorial. Oddly enough, the video is getting plenty of attention -- but for all the wrong reasons.  Unfortunately, the "celebration concept" comes off looking much tackier than anyone could have ever anticipated.

Windows 7 Party Details

The idea of throwing a party where the honored guest is an operating system did seem very peculiar from the start. People in 12 countries, including the U.S., India and Mexico were able to apply for the role of host. In addition to receiving a copy of Windows 7, hosts could also expect Microsoft-funded, Windows-branded napkins, a table centerpiece and tote bags for guests.

However, any reservations about having a Windows 7 party were confirmed with the release of the "Hosting Your Party" video, which comes across as "flavorful" as water. A link to both versions of the video are at the end of this article.

Overacted and Unrealistic

Here's our take on the video: the dialogue between the four companions situated in a kitchen atmosphere is overacted and unrealistic. In one scene, the younger of the two women featured marvels at the fact that the Windows 7 orientation video is only 10 minutes long. Having a party atmosphere made watching the video a rather easy feat to accomplish. All the while, the other actors discuss the seemingly endless party activities one could come up -- all thanks to Windows 7. (Source: usatoday.com)

As expected, the Internet audience was not the most compassionate towards the plight of Microsoft/House Party. Within hours, a parody of the video surfaced bleeping out any references made to Windows 7, making the tutorial sound crude and offensive.

Who's at Fault for Video's Failure?

The funniest part of the entire matter is that although both Microsoft and House Party gave their authorization to release the video, neither company is willing to accept fault for the finished product.

Microsoft is claiming ignorance on the matter, because they were not the ones to actually make the video.

House Party CEO Kitty Kolding admits that the video was a rushed venture, but also remains adamant in the fact that the "honored guest" this time is an operating system, which is not exactly a "cool gadget" like previous product-centered parties. (Source: nwsource.com)

Watch the Videos

Both the "crude" version and the original Windows 7 House Party videos can be viewed via engadget.com. Note that the parody is listed first at 1 minute 58 seconds, followed by the original at 6 minutes 15 seconds.