Microsoft, a company desperate for credibility with a new generation, is drawing ridicule for its painful new attempt to ingratiate itself with a younger crowd. A party invitation addressed to “bae interns” promised them “hella noms,” “lots of dranks,” and beer pong.
The sign off? “HELL YES TO GETTING LIT ON A MONDAY NIGHT”
The email was posted on Twitter yesterday by Patrick Burtchaell:
The syntax was so awkward reasonable people might speculate that it was crafted by Tay, Microsoft’s easily confused artificial intelligence. But a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed its authenticity to Business Insider.
The heaping of scorn was immediate and severe.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft’s attempts to appeal to 20-somethings have backfired. In March, it threw a party in San Francisco at the Game Developers Conference with barely dressed women as the entertainment. The dancers were also encouraged to socialize with the guests. After being roundly criticized for its actions then, Microsoft promised to do better.
We’re still waiting.