Re: How to tackle android/iOS fanboys
Want my 2 cents?
Of course you do - that's why you put this on the forums! Here's the best advice to your question. Don't.
The people you want to talk to about your phone are the people who ask you why you're using whatever phone you're using, not the ones who start a 'war' on your phone. The people who are genuinely interested will listen. The warriors want to win.
I'll explain more: I'm an Asus Zenfone 2 user. I used to be a Palm WebOS user. I'm using, and have always used what works best in the moment. I'm in the Windows forums right now because I think Windows is doing everything it can to squash the competition by making the right software moves. Google is breaking itself up between Android and Chrome and I think that's ultimately going to lead to their devices being less useful in the future. It seems iOS has become stale and the integration with OSx isn't moving as fast as I figured they would. Continuum is awesome. Cortana, by everything I've seen so far, should kick all the assistants to the wayside very soon (give me an Amazon Echo Cortana device, already!) and they've done a great job listening to the customer. There are a lot of things to like about Windows and Windows Phone coming up.
But the fact of the matter is I'm using my Zenfone, not my 640, as my daily driver right now. It just works better for what I need to do today. That's probably true for the people who are arguing with you about your phone, too. Let the fan boys and girls take their swings now. We know where this is going. And when they come to ask you questions about setting up a Microsoft account, or when you have Cortana listening to you in every room of your house, be it on your Xbox, PC, or Phone, and they're interested, don't be afraid to educate.
The fact is people are afraid of what is different if they don't understand it. Don't be scary. Don't start fights. Don't make these brilliant machines of progress tools of war and objects of contention. Say things like, "You have a very nice phone - I just prefer the aesthetic of Windows Phone," or, "it's exactly what I need in a phone." Thwart the efforts to rile you up. Play dumb - after all, you're using a Windows Phone; it's what they expect.
But we (here in the Windows Central forums) know you're not dumb. It's going to happen. In the end you'll be right. And when that time comes - don't make them feel bad. Android and iOS are great right now. I don't blame anyone for using either today. And I'm sure you can find things you'd like to have off the newest Galaxy Note 5 or rumored iPhone 6S. It's not a bad thing, so don't make it that. You really can't fault a person for being attracted to those options today.
My biggest piece of advice: forget the fans. Their minds are made up. Instead, focus on those willing to hear you out. Help the curious find the path to the future. Be educated about the options. Know your competition inside and out. Help those looking understand why Windows Phone may be the best choice for them despite the offerings of Android and iOS. Know those willing to talk to you well enough to understand if it is actually the best option. Stay credible. Don't force someone to do something they aren't ready for. Help the person - not the brand. Eventually, should Microsoft keep trending the way it's going, the brand will start helping you help more and more of those you run into.
If you ever feel weak or down, come here. We've got your back. We know why you're fighting the good fight, why you've voted, 'Microsoft Mobile,' with your hard earned money. We love what Windows is doing. We'll talk to you all day about it. We love the hardware. We drool over the software. We know the updates, the rumors, and the tricks. We'll build you back up after a hard day admitting that your phone may not be the best for someone else. We promise.