Windows Live: buggy products + demos that don't work = bad branding

I read all the breathless articles on Microsoft's new Web-based services branded Live (the link is for Windows Live). I tried the sites, discovered they don't support my platforms or browsers, and decided to look a little deeper. I ran the W3.org's HTML Validator. The site generates 18 HTML errors. Hmmm. I see it has Microsoft's usual attention to detail.

Then I read about the demos from Dave Winer and Mini-MIcrosoft and wondered when Bill Gates and Ray Ozzie are going to find someone who knows how to do a demo.

The bottom line: I understand why Microsoft would want do build some brand around its Web-based services and tie those to its software products. But doing it badly -- with me-too services, demos that don't work, and no support for anyone running standards-based browsers (and for that matter certain versions of Microsoft's own Internet Explorer) -- just shows the company doesn't understand both marketing and branding.

Joel on Software has a lovely soundbite describing the phenomenon: The Marimba Phenomenon. It's just a derivative of the old saw, "You only have one chance to make a first impression." If your product is buggy or your service poor on launch, many people will never give you another chance to make it right.

Watch Steve Jobs present and demonstrate products. His performances exude quality. Now watch the video of Bill Gates and Ray Ozzie yesterday. Their performances didn't. Impressions make or break brands.

Despite all the articles written on the topic yesterday, it looks from here like Google and Apple have nothing to fear from Microsoft any time in the near future. Windows Live is dead on arrival.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Live, Windows Live, Apple, Google, Marketing