Wow… Microsoft is pushing the marketing machine to it’s maximum for their upcoming Windows 7 operating system. I’m sure we’ve all heard how it’s supposed to be the next best thing, how it’s leaps and bounds better than Vista, and that it will be the OS to upgrade your tired (and soon to be unsupported) install of XP.

But, that’s just not enough for those behind the propaganda machine. No. They’re suggesting that people throw their own launch party. And, as if that wasn’t laughable as it is, Microsoft has even gone so far as to create some videos with handy hints to help you make your Window 7 launch party a successful one.

I kid you not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cX4t5-YpHQ

I made it exactly two minutes and 37 seconds through that video before I reached my limit and thought I was going to barf. Talk about FAKE. The best line out of the (thankfully) minimal amount of that video that I saw?

“When everyone was there and settled, I led an overview of some of my favourite Windows 7 features … and it took, like, 10 minutes.”

If I was somehow conned into going to one of those “parties”, upon someone starting to show everyone their favourite Windows 7 features, I’d pocket as much booze as possible and get the fuck outta there.

Good on ya, Microsoft. That video seems like you’re suggesting people create their own Heaven’s Gate group in honour of your next OS.

A word to the wise: don’t drink the punch.

Update (2009-09-24): Seems I’m not the only one to find that “Hosting Your Party” video a wee bit strange. While reading Gizmodo and their take on it, one of the comments included a link to this edited version. I bet it’s only a matter of time before it’s taken down:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyas7BrbUFY