Comments on: Microsoft bails as sponsor for McFarlane special on FOX

By: Johnny

Johnny — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:54:28 +0000

Surely Microsoft knew what type of humor they were getting involved with before they agreed to link this special with a major, multi-billion dollar software launch. These are computer geeks, of course they know what goes on with Family Guy. It’s a ridiculous, knee-jerk reaction to say they didn’t know what they were getting into.

The fact that they pulled out only after viewing the content of the special makes me wonder just how ‘special’ this special really is. It could be that the special just plain old fashion stinks. It could be total crap and they decided they didn’t want it associated with their brand. There could be many reasons they pulled out. To make the presumption they were shocked by the content seems foolish.

By: Julia

Julia — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:25:56 +0000

Johnny, what you and Microsoft are missing is that that’s what Family Guy is always like. They never should have partnered with them to begin with if they weren’t expecting that sort of humor. (Personally, I agree with you. The humor is not to my taste. Doesn’t change the fact that Microsoft should have known what it was before they got into it.)

By: Johnny

Johnny — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:23:48 +0000

Here’s a quote from Variety….

The special includes “typical ‘Family Guy’-style jokes, including riffs on deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest,” said Variety, which first reported Microsoft’s exit.

Is this what passes for humor and entertainment these days? I’m with Microsoft, count me out.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:49:58 +0000

The guys at microsoft obviously have never watch family guy. Name me an episode of family that isnt controversial and offensive to someone.

By: romo

romo — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:06:17 +0000

or even microsoft….or whatever their name is.

By: romo

romo — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:05:33 +0000

Micorsoft is dumber than bill gates’ wife is ugly.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:39 +0000

Kudos to Microsoft. If they didn’t like what they saw then they have every right to pull out.

By: Seth

Seth — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:49:06 +0000

I have to agree with what Microsoft did. I have been a Family Guy fan since the beginning and I have gotten more offended lately than I ever have by them.

No one will know why Microsoft bailed out until the show airs. If you read the post, you would have noticed that they got out after attending a taping. They probably have very good reason to get out. And, do you honestly think that nobody knows what Family Guy is like at the huge company of Microsoft ? That’s just ignorance on your part if you believe that. They would never make a big decision like backing or not backing this big of a deal blindly. Also, I think Microsoft has plenty of advertising and customers. This was just some good extra advertising. I don’t think they’ll be upset that they got out.

It’s easy to sit at your computer and come up with good one-liners about Microsoft, conservatives, etc. to make your point. But, you should get out in the real world and see how it works.

By: johnthemon

johnthemon — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:32:51 +0000

@Jesus Moreno,

I think Brian got you on your stereotyping, so I’m going to cover your comment that a boycott wouldn’t affect microsoft.

The fact is, it might not much, but they don’t want their brand associated with something many people find offensive, not just super conservatives. I have a feeling the special goes a bit further than your average Family Guy episode.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:02:46 +0000

Jesus Moreno – Wow, that’s quite a bold, sweeping, stereotypical comment about conservatives not knowing what Linux is. Everyone knows that political ideals is what drives your taste and knowledge in operating systems. Your statement truly reflects how little you know and how closed minded you are.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:42:34 +0000

Im no fan of Family Guy, but this is just too funny. Every kid should know that you can’t sponsor Family Guy without having to take some shots at you.

By: craigward

craigward — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:12:28 +0000

In Microsoft’s defense, Family Guy’s humor is way harsher now than it was in its earlier seasons. It’s very possible the people at Microsoft just haven’t watched in a while.

By: richard less

richard less — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:01:20 +0000

With this special, I wonder if Fox regrets getting rid of Mad TV?

By: bob

bob — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:42:05 +0000

Has Microsoft never seen Family Guy? REALLY? a decade of this, and they’ve never seen it… come on…

Microsoft will feel stupid when the ratings are through the roof, and which sponsor jumps on this, will b the lucky ones in the end…

and now that people found out about microsoft backing out, it will attract more viewers. I will b watching! and looking for microsoft jokes, lol

By: AniMatsuri

AniMatsuri — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:01:56 +0000

It’s an old rule because it rings true: Never buy sight unseen. That’s why I rarely get anything when it first comes out. Hopefully, MS has learned its lesson.

By: cress

cress — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:59:22 +0000

What did Microsoft think Family Guy was before getting into bed with them? What a bunch of dumbasses! Family Guy has been around for awhile, and they offend almost EVERYONE! I guess they are going to run with “Bob the Builder” now?

By: Jesus Moreno

Jesus Moreno — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:46:47 +0000

@johnthemon A boycott would maybe work if it was some other company but if conservatives do start boycotting Microsoft who would they go to? The much more expensive Mac Operating System in this economy? and I highly doubt conservatives know what Linux is.

By: Catie

Catie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:45:37 +0000

How unbelievably stupid of Microsoft. Family Guy has only been around for a decade folks… didn’t have time to actually watch a few minutes? Or did they think they’d be different? MacFarlane will skewer anything, friend and foe alike. It’s humor intended to offend, plain and simple. And it’s right in the golden demographic everybody’s looking for.

I’ll watch no matter who’s sponsoring, but it sure will be funny to see if they throw some Microsoft jokes in there now.

By: craiguk

craiguk — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:38:12 +0000

@JTM

Errr…

Super conservative groups boycott Fox….isn’t Fox News their new Messiah?

By: johnthemon

johnthemon — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:14:08 +0000

@RJ, they’re afraid of super-conservative groups boycotting them.

The special might exceed the usual content on Family Guy, and being the lone sponsor makes them a target.

There’s supposed to be more to it than just Family Guy stuff anyway. I will definitely watch it on Hulu, where I watch all my shows, and this news only makes me want to see it more.

By: RJ

RJ — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:07:08 +0000

Why pull out? Who cares if its controversial? Isn’t that what brings in viewers and more possible money for your product? Microsoft will be crying when the ratings are through the roof.

By: dumont

dumont — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:03:50 +0000

Mel says:
October 26, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Gotta love something that scared Microsoft away.

Watch, MAC will sponser now. LOL!!
—
If Mac picks it up, I hope they tailor ads with the young guy counterpointing the buffoon from MS.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:11:31 +0000

Wow, way to diss the key demo that supports Apple geniuses! Who knew, Seth MacFarlane is contervorsial?

By: Mel

Mel — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:08:02 +0000

Gotta love something that scared Microsoft away.

Watch, MAC will sponser now. LOL!!

By: Julia

Julia — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:05:50 +0000

Ha!

So when they say “We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of ‘Family Guy,’” they really mean audience composition only, because they can’t possibly have ever watched a single episode.