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Gateway 2000's hilariously bad ads in the 90s (Part II)
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Overview
Gateway 2000 transitioned from innovative marketing strategies to ineffective corporate advertising in the 1990s. Advertising tactics included humorous elements like party hats and sunglasses on animals, which were criticized for being lazy yet effective.
Summary from buttondown.com.
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Hacker News · buttondown.com
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Based on 5 sampled comments from this thread. Analyzed 2026-08-08.
- Praise: The Gateway 2000 ads were eye-catching and entertaining, breaking the monotony of tech specs that other brands relied on.
- Praise: Many commenters fondly remember their experiences with Gateway's customer support, highlighting the patience and helpfulness that made a lasting impression.
- Praise: The unique style of Gateway's ads gave them personality, making them memorable and engaging, which some argue contributed to their effectiveness.
- Concern: Critics dismiss the ads as hilariously bad, arguing that their unusual style fails to resonate with today's standards of advertising.
- Concern: Some commenters question the effectiveness of the ads, suggesting that while they were memorable, they might not have translated into actual sales success.