What are the odds that Microsoft will repeat its racial photo blunder?

As was widely reported on Tuesday, Microsoft admitted doctoring a stock photo image of a black businessman — used for a U.S. campaign — to depict a white businessman instead for a Polish campaign. You can see the two versions of the photo on CNet, under the story, “Microsoft apologizes for race-swap photo incident.”

Would you bet that this will happen again? What are the odds? That’s the subject of an unsolicited email I received today from an Irish bookmaker, Paddy Power plc. What do you think?

From: “Paddy Power Press Release”
Date: August 27, 2009 6:39:29 AM PDT
Subject: BOOKIES TIP 2010 OFFICE TO BE RACIALLY DIVERSE

PADDY POWER PRESS RELEASE

27 AUGUST 2009. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOOKIES TIP 2010 OFFICE TO BE RACIALLY DIVERSE

[Dublin, Ireland] Following the recent controversy surrounding an advertisement on Microsoft’s Polish website where they superimposed the head of a white man on a Afro-American man’s body, Irish bookmaking outfit Paddy Power are taking bets on the race of those who front up Microsoft’s forthcoming major global advertising campaign for the launch of MS Office 2010.

According to Paddy Power a racially diverse mix of white, Afro-American and Asian actors/models is the most likely option and is the bookies 11/10 favourite. A white and Afro-American double act is the 9/4 second favourite with white only at 4/1 and Afro-American only at 6/1

Paddy Power said “This gaffe must have resulted in plenty of red faces in Microsoft but I’m sure that when it comes to the launch Office 2010 they will be ultra careful not be offend anyone”

Race of those who appear in MS Office 2010 global print advertising launch campaign

11/10 White, Afro-American and Asian
9/4 White and Afro-American
4/1 White only
6/1 Afro-American only
8/1 Asian only
10/1 Afro-American & Asian
12/1 White and Asian

All prices remain subject to fluctuation.
@paddypower.com>