Microsoft makes me cry

Microsoft and a partner are launching an interesting new device.

That's cool.

The launch is on a webcast.

That's cooler.

Normally, you click on a webcast and watch it. You know, like YouTube does.

Not with Microsoft. I had to switch to a Windows machine. I had to download and run the LiveMeeting client. The client then told me off in rapid succession for using the wrong browser, having a pop-up blocker, resizing a window (really!) and - finally - for trying to listen to it. On a computer. "This presentation is on the Web", it said, "and cannot use computer audio. Please use the LiveMeeting client."

I have no idea what it's on about. But it's driving me mad, because I want to know what Microsoft is trying to tell me. And it's not working.

Does anyone at Microsoft know just how bad things are out here, when we try to use their software to get their marketing message?

I weep. Real tears.