Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 Twitter campaign goes horribly wrong

Microsoft launched a Twitter advertising campaign aimed at getting Android users to complain about their devices. However, the company's ploy flopped.

The Internet can be a breeding ground for drama, especially when it comes to social media. Microsoft seems to have learned that the hard way, as its recent Twitter campaign against Android hopelessly backfired. The long-time PC software maker launched a campaign asking Android users to share their malware horror stories via Twitter with the hashtag #DroidRage. In exchange, these tweeters would get the chance to win a new Windows Phone handset.

“Do you have an Android malware horror story? Reply with #DroidRage with your best/worst story and we may have  get-well present for you,” the tweet from the official Windows Phone Twitter account read.

The social media savvy marketing scheme, however, did not go as planned. Hordes of loyal Android geeks defended their mobile operating system and their favorite devices, firing quips of their own and developing the hashtag #WindowsRage.

Google’s Director of Open Source, Chris DiBona, fired back at Microsoft with the following:

“Wanna see what Flop Sweat looks like? Follow: @WindowsPhone”

Other Twitter users had this to say when it comes to Windows Phone vs. Android.

“Microsoft slamming Android with #DroidRage for malware issues? Have you seen your desktop?” user Apurva Chaudhary tweeted.

“I tried to buy a Nexus 4 but the device is so popular to get one! I wish it was less popular like Windows Phone #DroidRage,” user Saif posted to Twitter.

“Whoops. Just activated another million devices today. Sorry about that @windowsphone #DroidRage,” Android blog Android Central tweeted.

“I once thought about writing malware for a Windows Phone but then I though, aren’t they suffering enough? #DroidRage #WindowsRage,” user Mohammad Tarakiyee tweeted.

While malware is an important issue affecting Android devices that shouldn’t be overlooked, establishing a diehard fan base is a crucial part of forming a brand.  Hopefully Microsoft learned that trash talking might not be the best way to do that. After all—the company will need a lot more than a Twitter campaign to catch up to Google’s rival mobile OS. Android currently accounts for more than 75 percent of the mobile market share, and I think we all know who takes the rest.