A few months ago, during "X-Box 360 mania," I signed up to receive an e-mail alert from Comp USA when the game console became available again.
A few days ago, I got the e-mail and quickly ordered the game system online. Of course, they wouldn't let you buy just the X-Box console - - you had to buy a "bundled" package of games and accessories (incluiding a backwards compatible game from the ORIGINAL X-Box system - - those bastards!)
So, when the dust had settled, my order came to over $500. I received notification within about 24 hours that they had already shipped it ("in-store" pick-up was not an option).
So, yesterday, I decided to go to the mall to buy a game or two in anticipation of receiving my new system within the next few days. When I got to the mall, I discovered that all of the electronics stores had the consoles in stock (PLENTY in stock, they claimed), but there was no panic, no long lines, no waiting - - in fact, it seemed like there was NO INTEREST IN THE GAME AT ALL. I didn't see anyone buying the 360 system or even asking about it!
So, I could have bought it in the store and played the damned thing YESTERDAY. Instead, I panicked and ordered it online as soon as I got the e-mail from Comp USA. And now I need to wait a couple of days to get it.
I have once again fallen into an evil marketing trap - - the old "let's create false demand for a new product" trick. I must now hang my head in shame.
Please forgive me.
"A ___ and his ___ are soon ____"
Fill in the blanks
Don't worry about it...this kind of thing has happened to many of us for one thing or another.
Burgo,
When you get the console, please put up a quick review of your thoughts. I'm a huge gamer, but am seriously apprehensive about buying a console from Microsoft.
I do have a feeling that I'll be caught up in the same type of mania once the Nintendo Revolution gets released later this year.
I never did it to the tune of $500. But I did do it for a book once. I really really wanted it, saw it online. Order, piad shipping and had to wait. Next morning it was at the bookstore next door for less than I had paid, and no shipping. It was a lesson learned
-Ed
You must not only hang you head low, Burgo, you must cut it off and then burn it and then scatter the ashes around acrossed roads.
. . . and the fact that Lucent is suing Microsoft for patent infringement related to some of the X-Box 360 technology doesn't help matters much either.