Do a quick trawl through Microsoft advertising history and you find something interesting: as weird as the Gates/Seinfeld comedy duo Microsoft ads are—weird enough to get them set aside for the “I’m a PC” campaign—they’re just following in the footsteps of earlier ads. Check out this one, dubbed “Soar,” for Windows XP: what does it tell you about the software’s capability? Not much. But the Madonna sound track isn’t too shabby, and apparently using Windows can make you fly. Hmmm, that’s pretty odd… but then there are even more obscure ones.

“Everybody is looking for the door to the new economy. But actually, it’s a window.” That Windows 2000 ad tagline has a bit of punch, and was pretty timely back then. But there’s a guy crashing a tractor into a tin shack (oh, the irony), there’re chickens and (just what every good computer advert needs): a bleating lamb. That’s way more confusing than Windows-induced flying.

No lambs in this Windows 95 ad…but we do get a leaping tiger, and fast cuts of wrinkly old men and smiling kids interspersed with glimpses of hot spreadsheet and Word document action. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with what this ad’s telling me: should I go out and make trouble? Or “just do something amazing” since, after all…”this stuff is powerful.” The flight-sim glimpse of the Twin Towers is just an unfortunate coincidence, but adds to the shower of strange imagery.

And then there’s this one. Okay, so it’s for Office XP, but it’s glorious, and the best of the bunch.Microsoft taking the mickey (albeit gently) out of the moments when its own security techniques get right on your tits *ahem*.

So, do you feel better about Gates and Seinfeld now? I actually like those ads, weirdness included. Ditto for the “I’m a PC” one, complete with Deepak Chopra’s insightful ramblings. They tell me nothing, nada, zip about Microsoft products…but they’re just brand adverts, and they make me laugh. And they’re right in line with Microsoft’s advertising heritage. [Microsoft]

[Microsoft]

From a trusted Crispin Porter source, we’ve learned that the internet has jumped the gun and that the Microsoft Gates/Seinfeld ads have not been axed. It’s true, Microsoft apparently asked the agency to focus on the new “I’m a PC” spots. And it’s true, the agency has gotten plenty of “I don’t know what this means” response in their measured statistics of the Gates/Seinfeld ads. But no one has pulled the plug on the dynamic duo just yet.

In fact, Crispin Porter has another completed spot featuring the lovable, affluent couple in the can, ready to air (even though it won’t quite yet). And while the agency has prioritised development to the anti-Mac ads, there are still full plans to go ahead and produce more Seinfeld/Gates spots unless Microsoft were to pull the plug first (which, once again, they have not at this time).

It’s good to know that in a time of economic uncertainty, Gates and Seinfeld haven’t been laid off just yet.

What comes next is a parade of everyday PC users–scientists, fashion designers, teachers, and celebrities (like Pharrell!)—who talk about how much they like using computers that run on Microsoft operating systems and software. The vignettes, none of which are online right now, are supposed to be quick and upbeat… probably similar to those old Mac Switch ads?

As a Windows user who was deeply puzzled by what message the Seinfeld + Gates ads were trying to espouse, I’m glad they’re going with a more informative, if conventional, approach. My biggest problem with the “I’m a Mac” ads were that they weren’t, in any sense, grounded in reality. I don’t look like John Hodgman. I use my computer for more than just spreadsheets. It’s nice to see Microsoft’s campaign reflect that. [NYTimes]

The ad aired on September 11 on CBS’ “Big Brother” reality show. It’s funnier than the first and you get to see Jerry clip his toenails and Bill do the robot, but as a Windows user, I’m not quite sure what I’m supposed to think about this. “Looks like Macs aren’t the only thing catering specifically to East and West coast elitists?” [ZDNet]

Anyway, an internal Microsoft memo explaining the ads to employees confirms what most of us suspected as Seinfeld compared PCs to some sort of chocolaty dessert—the first commercial was just an “icebreaker.”

This first set of ads features Bill Gates and comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Think of these ads as an icebreaker to reintroduce Microsoft to viewers in a consumer context. Later this month, as the campaign moves into its next phase, we’ll go much deeper in telling the Windows story and celebrating what it can do for consumers at work, at play and on-the-go. At that time, I’ll be back to share more information about our plans to further strengthen the bond between consumers and Windows-one of the most amazing products, businesses and brands of all time, and, with the right tenacity, passion and agility from all of us, a story that has many great chapters to come.

For the full memo, head on over to the link. [All Things Digital]

They did get Bill Gates to use his mug shot somewhere in the spot (not spoiling it by saying where), but other than that we’re underwhelmed. Here’s what we took away from it: Bill Gates’s jiggling arse is moist and tasty. Don’t ask us now, watch the clip and you’ll see. [Thanks mbaronny!]

Seinfeld will get US$10 million to star in the presumably funny commercials, which is quite a good chunk of cash compared to the low fare that John Hodgman (Mr. PC) and Justin Long (Mr. Please someone slap that guy) must be getting for their long series of TV, internet and print ads. Let’s hope they are better than the Apple ones. Somehow, I feel a connection happening between Jerry and Bill. And perhaps a romantic comedy on the wings. [WSJ]