Microsoft committed probably one of its worst mistakes since Windows ME. Recently, Microsoft launched a Twitter campaign using the horrific disaster in Japan as a way to boost Bing. Eventually, Microsoft realized they screwed up by doing this and apologized by donating money. But was the damage already done?
On March 12th, Microsoft posted this tweet that said “How you can #SupportJapan – http://binged.it/fEh7iT. For every retweet, @bing will give $1 to Japan quake victims, up to $100K. Try Bing. A new way to search, explore, & decide.” Probably one of the most worst ideas ever to capitalize on Japan’s disaster by thinking of it as a marketing opportunity.
Microsoft, to its credit, offered an apology. “We apologize the tweet was negatively perceived. Intent was to provide an easy way for people to help Japan. We have donated $100K.”
One can also argue that Microsoft was really trying to help out with the disaster relief or that Microsoft was trying to kill two birds with one stone. Not only help with the Japanese disaster relief but also boost its Bing traffic. Why not do both? Perception can be an evil thing sometimes. Many twitter users were outraged.
At least Microsoft donated some of its hard earned money to the disaster relief. But was that enough? Was the damage already done? You be the judge.
