Comments on: Why “I’m A PC” Works

By: johnfoster

johnfoster — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 17:07:24 +0000

thanks for the MacBreak reference. we talk about “I’m a Mac” at 32:25 in the show. We actually said positive things about Justin who plays “the Mac” and the commercials themselves.

By: dalas v

dalas v — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:16:44 +0000

A refreshing take on the issue.
Regardless of ad campaigns, my new Core2Duo MacBook Pro is the most amazing computer I have ever used. PC users, try Macs out and you will be hooked!

By: mort

mort — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:11:17 +0000

Sorry, Greg & Jem, as one who woefully identifies with the PC user Hodgeman depicts, I think you fail to see the more subtle psycho-social self image this guy epitomizes. His PC induced miseries are too crucial to his persona to tamper with. Crashes, inadequacy, the sense of lagging far behind the cool tech trends, are his (and my) crosses to bear. Take that away from us – move us to Macs, replace glasses with contacts, strip our rumpled suits & ties and dress us in shirts & jeans and what are we: makeover frauds untrue to our miserable selves.

By: Brant Sears

Brant Sears — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 09:49:04 +0000

I think you hit it on the head.
Also, if Apple were to release MacOS X for regular PCs (not that I think they will, but if they did), can you imagine how effective this ad campaign would be? John Hodgman, the lovable character could basically have MacOS X come in solve his problems for him.

By: Jem

Jem — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:32:08 +0000

Great analysis! I think you have it exactly right, and that is the genius of Hodgeman’s casting (he is, of course, a Mac user himself). The hero of the ad really has to be the put upon PC user who is intrigued and tempted by the Other. It is a classic Hollywood seduction narrative, and, for this to work, we need to identify with the everyman who is tempted (the critics want the focus to be on the seducer?).
Somewhat more trivially, don’t you really mean the 1985 ad (Lemmings), not the 1984 ad?