My PS3 camping story

[spongebue]

Ok, I've been up for about 17 hours, plus a lot has happened, so bear with me on my currently poor storytelling skills. Also, this is the main points... I could go into a lot more detail, but that would make for an overly long post.

 

(very) Long story short for me:

 

-Tried to get to [store name] yesterday

 

-Told I couldn't start camping until 8:00, other people have been turned down

 

-Arrived at about 7:00, planned to wait in car until 8:00

 

-Saw about 50 people in line already

 

-Joined a group of people in the same situation as I was

 

-People gave us dirty looks, cops came to make sure there were no riots

 

-We protested peacefully, one kid's mom threatened to call attorney, since they didn't enforce their rule (we were being punished for following the rules, while others were being rewarded for breaking them... and these people were aware of the rule, having been kicked out before)

 

-Each person in group was given a $25 gift card

 

-Corporate representative came over (their headquarters aren't too far away)

 

-[store name] corporate people were involved, legal team was scrambling, from the sounds of it

 

-We were told to go to the back of the line, give name/phone number, they would do what they could to make things right

 

-That mom I mentioned called that attorney, who talked to [store name]'s legal department

 

-Within minutes, people started receiving phone calls from the store's manager, creating individual appointments with the ~15 people on the list

 

-When I talked to the guy, I set up my appointment. I was told that they can't say what their plan is for legal reasons, but I should be "veeery happy" about it.

 

-Now I'm waiting to see what that will be, will find out tomorrow

 

I'm guessing that I may have to sign a non-disclosure agreement, so I have blanked out the name of the store for this.

[shadow460]

Veeery happy? You were waiting in line for the Wii, correct?

[Albert]

Since they haven't made you sign any sort of "non-disclosure" agreement, I don't see what is stopping you from saying what store it is. The only store I've heard of (repeatedly) stopping people from camping is Best Buy, and the only stores I've really heard people camping in front of are Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart and Target, so I assume it's one of those.

 

Oh, wait, Best Buy's corporate headquarters are in Richfield, MN, which is right near the Wisconsin border and your profile says you are in Western Wisconsin, so that must be it.

 

..Al

[tantone56]

Wow! What a cool story. Please keep us updated on that. I wonder what the big surprise will end up being.

[Shawn]

I say you get a free system, at least I hope so. They better chip in a few games too for your "troubles"

[Breakpack]

Veeery happy? You were waiting in line for the Wii, correct?

Naw,he was in line for the PS4 for good measure

[MegaManFan]

Naw,he was in line for the PS4 for good measure

 

Good news for all those people camping out hoping to get a system - by the time they finally buy one the PS4 will be out!

[spongebue]

Since they haven't made you sign any sort of "non-disclosure" agreement, I don't see what is stopping you from saying what store it is. The only store I've heard of (repeatedly) stopping people from camping is Best Buy, and the only stores I've really heard people camping in front of are Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart and Target, so I assume it's one of those.

 

Oh, wait, Best Buy's corporate headquarters are in Richfield, MN, which is right near the Wisconsin border and your profile says you are in Western Wisconsin, so that must be it.

 

..Al

 

Ah, I was prepared for that one... keep in mind, Target is based out of Minneapolis as well. (by the way, I was actually in Minnesota at the time)

 

@shadow: I was in line for a PS3, but only to resell (as Room 34 said, I'm allowed to since I'm a college student )

[RJ]

Ok, I've been up for about 17 hours

 

Wow... is that a long time for you to be up? Arent most people awake for at least 16 hrs at a time?

 

I'm in an Eastern St Paul suburb & every report I heard mentioned the Richfield MN Best Buy. I guess that had something to do w/ Best Buy's corp. HQ being there.

Edited November 17, 2006 by RJ

[Brian R.]

Everyone so far has overlooked the most ludicrous part of this story...

 

There's someone calling an ATTORNEY over buying a VIDEO GAME SYSTEM!

 

Insane. Absolutely insane.

[Uzumaki]

Some stores used the ticket system to get rid of the lines by handing them out to those who waited. No one had to wait overnight.

[Inky]

This whole waiting thing is just ridiculous,

 

Personally, the only thing I would camp out for would be Chicago Cubs World Series tixd, but I don't have to worry about that for some time....

 

 

But a video game system? I'll wait 6 months to a year to buy a new system, and enjoy my Atari in the meantime.

[jboypacman]

Am i the only one who thinks it crazy to stand in line and wait hours on end just to get a PS3? I wont wait inline for no game system.If you ask me Sony pretty smart by saying that the system is in short supply and jacking the demand up.They did it with the PS2 so them doing it with the PS3 is no surprise.If i were to get any system it would be the Wii.At least you will be able to find one at the store and its only $250.00.If you really want a PS3 i would wait at least a year,More games,Be able to find one,and most of the bugs will be worked out.Am sure the PS3 will be cool and all but not that cool.Hope i dont offend anyone with this post.Enjoy what every game system you enjoy.

[Brian R.]

It looks like the short-supply-on-launch strategy has been universally adopted. Don't know if we'll see it end, unless people get tired of it.

 

As much as I can criticize, laugh and scoff at all this, I'll probably be out at like 4 a.m. next Friday for a Circuit City computer deal on Black Friday. At least I can say with that, it's a one-time thing. Those who want a PS3 could wait.

[tantone56]

It would be funny if the big surprise turned out to be a refurbished ps2.

Edited November 17, 2006 by tantone56

[devils advocate]

This whole story makes me want to vomit. There is a real problem in this world when there is legal action, even insinuated over not receiving a product from a retailer, when there is not even a enforceable contract in place.

 

Even if there was some sort of contract, it's still disgusting. Even more disgusting, is the person who chirped in, that not only should he get a free system but some games also....

 

For what? the loss of some time, and some dissapointment?

 

Yeah. He's really suffered here. Holy shit. Grab the gauze and get ready to amputate the injured limbs.

 

The 25$ gift certificate was already MORE than enough.

 

I'm not defending the retailer, because I could really give two shits about them. I'm commenting on the absolute ludicrousy of the actions taken by the consumer.

 

This situation is soley about some lack of organization on the retailers part. Not a particularily culpible offense. If it was a lack of organization on say... A sinking ship (insert fanboy comment here), perhaps there would be just cause for action.

 

I say if you keep the unit, you're representative of virtually every thing wrong in our sue-centric society. If you really think you were wronged, and you receive something of a "payoff" to keep your mouth shut about said retailer (which would be all it really amounts to), then donate it to charity. A reputable one. Show that you aren't just pulling a cash grab. Let someone who actually needs it, prosper from the harsh wrongdoing that you suffered. After all, there was no physical suffering, and if you suffered mental anguish, I'm sure you had some deeper seeded issues to begin with.

 

Perhaps if enough idiots pull stunts like this one, retailers will have the balls to stand up to the big three next launch, and force more units, or a longer delay. While the retailers love the free publicity of a "shortage". Especially during the "hot" season, If legal and PR costs escalate past the desired advertising return, then things will change.

 

 

I'm hanging my head in shame over the whole scenario.

Edited November 17, 2006 by devils advocate

[Gabriel]

This whole story makes me want to vomit. There is a real problem in this world when there is legal action, even insinuated over not receiving a product from a retailer, when there is not even a enforceable contract in place.

 

Let's subtly change this story by adding one tiny thing which may or may not be true.

 

Let's say you are a black person. You're standing in line for something. A store representative comes out and tells you that you can't stand in line, and you need to go back to your car.

 

Then a white person comes along. They start a new line. The store representative doesn't tell them to go back to their car, and, in fact, approves of their new line. Suddenly you've been forced to the back of the line (or the back of the bus).

 

Doing that is more or less illegal here in the U.S. Now, let's take away that racial variable, because I'm certainly not trying to say this is a racial issue. Why is it suddenly OK if both of the people are the same race? It's still being malicious to the first person.

 

Or let's say the store manager tells everyone in line to leave so that his buddies can be first. Is that OK too?

 

I think it's over the top what people did for a PS3, but that's their choice. And if someone was trying to fuck them out of their legitimate place in line, then that person deserves to have legal action taken against them just as if they did any other crime.

[devils advocate]

This whole story makes me want to vomit. There is a real problem in this world when there is legal action, even insinuated over not receiving a product from a retailer, when there is not even a enforceable contract in place.

 

Let's subtly change this story by adding one tiny thing which may or may not be true.

 

Let's say you are a black person. You're standing in line for something. A store representative comes out and tells you that you can't stand in line, and you need to go back to your car.

 

Then a white person comes along. They start a new line. The store representative doesn't tell them to go back to their car, and, in fact, approves of their new line. Suddenly you've been forced to the back of the line (or the back of the bus).

 

Doing that is more or less illegal here in the U.S. Now, let's take away that racial variable, because I'm certainly not trying to say this is a racial issue. Why is it suddenly OK if both of the people are the same race? It's still being malicious to the first person.

 

Or let's say the store manager tells everyone in line to leave so that his buddies can be first. Is that OK too?

 

I think it's over the top what people did for a PS3, but that's their choice. And if someone was trying to fuck them out of their legitimate place in line, then that person deserves to have legal action taken against them just as if they did any other crime.

 

 

Ludicrous response.

 

Where does racism come to play here? You even said it doesn't. Why mention it then.

 

What we're dealing with here, is simply the "cabbage patch" syndrome of 2006. No more, no less.

 

There are too few "cabbage patch kids" to go around and too many buyers. Regardless of what they want them for.

 

If you think that even a manager letting his friends buy the machines first is an action entitleing LEGAL COMPENSATION, then our society is really going down hill. A terminable offence at his job perhaps. But a culpible offense? Where is the pain and suffering here? If poor Johnny doesn't get his "Cabbage Patch" doll, what really happens? Show me the physical suffering or the mental anguish. The mental anguish may be there if ther WERE racial motivations behind it. But even then, would a free "Cabbage Patch" doll relieve that suffering? Doubtful, at best.

 

Once again, If "Johnny" receives a freebie of any type. Including but not limited to a 25$ gift card, it is the company buying his silence. Not wanting bad PR over something so trivial.

[Gabriel]

 

Ludicrous response.

 

So is yours.

 

We're not talking about people rioting and shooting each other. We're talking about people peacefully waiting in line and a manager basically saying, "No. I don't like you standing in line. I like these other people, so you go last despite the fact you were here first." Yet, you apparently see nothing wrong with the manager's stance.

 

I hope the situation happens to you one day. Then the light will dawn on you.

[devils advocate]

Since someone else anted to use analogies I'm going to give a couple of my own. You may be able to decide what type of person you are by your answers.

 

 

1.) Doug has heart palpatations. He is on a strict regiment of pills that must be taken to alleviate problems. His prescription has run out, and he need to fill it. He has enough meds for the day, and informs the pharmacy, and his doctor as such. The pharmacist informs him that his prescription will be ready at 4:00pm exactly. He returns, only to find that the meds he required were not actually in stock when he discussed his prescription. Now he is told that they would only be able to fill it the following morning. His doctor said he should be fine, and the pharmacist apologized profusely. Doug had a major heart attack, not causing death, later that evening.

 

Q: Is there a culpible offense here? Was there emotional or physical suffering caused by the actions of either the pharmacist or doctor to award a financial reward to Doug? Would that financial reward benefit doug for the recovery if there was a reward given?

 

 

 

2.) Judy wanted to buy some asparagus. She went to her grocery store and enquired as to the availability of the vegetable. The grocer said that they would have a shipment in tomorrow at 7:00. She informed the grocer that this asparagus was very important to her, as it would be used for an important dinner party the next weekend. He reassured her that at 7:00 he would put the asparagus out in the vegetable aisle. He was certain about the time, because that was when the asparagus truck always arrived.

Judy returned at 7:00 the next day. No asparagus. She asked the grocer why. "oh, he said, well there were people waiting, and the truck arrive a little early so I put it on the shelf and I guess it sold out, I'm sorry". Judy said "that was the end of the season for asparagus, where will I find any now?".

 

Q: Is there a culpible offense here? Was there emotional or physical suffering enough for a financial reward to Judy? Would that financial reward benefit Judy for the recovery if there was a reward given?

 

 

 

I guess your answers would reflect your personality.

Edited November 17, 2006 by devils advocate

[devils advocate]

 

Ludicrous response.

 

So is yours.

 

We're not talking about people rioting and shooting each other. We're talking about people peacefully waiting in line and a manager basically saying, "No. I don't like you standing in line. I like these other people, so you go last despite the fact you were here first." Yet, you apparently see nothing wrong with the manager's stance.

 

I hope the situation happens to you one day. Then the light will dawn on you.

 

The situation has happened to me. Many times, in different scenarios. I have never thought the need of financial repairations to recover from my dissapointment.

Edited November 17, 2006 by devils advocate

[Scumdogg]

I think the real question here is, did Judy really WANT the asparagus, or was she just going to sell it on Ebay?

[devils advocate]

I think the real question here is, did Judy really WANT the asparagus, or was she just going to sell it on Ebay?

 

 

Funny, but not relevent!!

 

 

The use of the goods purchased would really have no bearing on the situation.

 

 

But if Judy was smart, and finally did find some asparagus, she would probably be wise to "share" her finds with the errr... more fortunate on the wealth side of things.

[devils advocate]

 

Ludicrous response.

 

So is yours.

 

We're not talking about people rioting and shooting each other. We're talking about people peacefully waiting in line and a manager basically saying, "No. I don't like you standing in line. I like these other people, so you go last despite the fact you were here first." Yet, you apparently see nothing wrong with the manager's stance.

 

I hope the situation happens to you one day. Then the light will dawn on you.

 

Again, it has nothing to do with rioting or shooting. Why bring it up?

 

And yes, I do see that something wrong happened if the manager case is true. But not a financially culpible offense. A termination from his position of employment perhaps, but maybe not even that. A stern warning if he has an exemplary record perhaps, a demotion maybe. But I'm not sure where financial retribution would be in order. Perhaps an apology? But, I digress. The poster didn't even mention that happening. It sounded like a very unorganized situation, with many people wanting something that there was a very limited quantity of. Could the store have been more organized? Probably. Could the store have used a better method of distribution? Probably? Was it unfortunate that our fellow AA member didn't get what his heart most desired? Of course. Is someone FINANCIALLY responsible to fix his broken dream? probably not..... Will somebody? Maybe.

Edited November 17, 2006 by devils advocate

[Malc74]

Why have you now responded to his post 3 times? If getting all worked up over a PS3 is stupid, how daft is it to get so totally upset over what someone says on an internet forum.

 

Calm down, man.