The Idiots
I arrived at the AT&T store at Beverly and La Cienega at 7:45 am, looking for that iPhone 3G, presuming the crowds might not be as heavy as they were last summer. Wrong -- I was either the 112th or 113th person in line. At about 7:50 a shlubby-looking AT&T guy with a black 3G T-shirt came out to explain they only had 110 phones, so 35 or 40 of us might have to come back tomorrow when new phones will arrive. But...you know, we could stick around regardless and hope for the best.
AT&T store as Beverly and La Cienega -- 7.11.08, 8:20 am.
Right away my forehead was dark and furrowed. All these weeks and weeks of prep and advance hype and all the WeHo AT&T store guys ordered (or all the Apple guys were able to ship) was a lousy 110 units? For a major West Hollywood location that services almost nothing but dinks (double income no kids) and yuppies?
Fine, I said to the guy, but of the 110 phones you have how many are 8 gig (selling for $200) and how many are 16 gig ($300)? "We're working on that," he said, grinning slightly. "You're working on it?," I asked. "You don't know what you have in your own inventory?" His smile tightened. "We're finding that out now," he said.
I then suggested the obvious to the guy, which would be to go down the line with a clipboard and ask each person if they intend to purchase only the 8 gig or only the 16 gig, or if they're determined to buy one or the other no matter what. That way the store guys could calculate more accurately how many customers they can service, and then they could tell those customers with a low likelihood of purchase they can...whatever, scoot home and come back later.
On the other hand I understood where the smiling T-shirt guy was coming from. It takes focus and concentration to ask questions and write down figures, and he was dealing with enough aggravation as it was. If you've ever tried to hire people for a relatively low-paying job (as I have), you learn soon enough that 80% or 90% of the applicants are dumb as fenceposts or have sluggish attitudes or both. It's very hard to find someone who might be competent, much less someone who might be exceptional.
7.11.08, 8:17 am.
Here's a report on the initial sales in Japan, Europe and New York by Computerworld's Gregg Keizer.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on July 11, 2008 at 9:14 AM
comment #1
Josh Massey
says ...
Is that Seth Rogen? No wait, is that Seth Rogen? Or, is that Seth Rogen?
Posted by Josh Massey
at July 11, 2008 9:54 AM
comment #2
George Prager
says ...
Where's Bull Connor when you really need him?
Posted by George Prager
at July 11, 2008 9:58 AM
comment #3
Rich S.
says ...
Probably just as well that you didn't get one, Jeffrey. Several news outlets are reporting that a software glitch is preventing the phones being activated in the stores, which is causing the lines to move even more slowly.
Wait a little while until the craziness dies down.
Posted by Rich S.
at July 11, 2008 10:00 AM
comment #4
dukedog
says ...
What I REALLY love is when they do that, "I'm sorry." all sheepish trying to sound like they actually are sorry. I always shoot back a, "No you're not." That makes me angrier than the lack of planning! Hope you got a phone anyway though.
Posted by dukedog
at July 11, 2008 10:01 AM
comment #5
Sean E
says ...
So did you and that gu in the top photo come to blows, or did you manage to talk him down?
Posted by Sean E
at July 11, 2008 10:05 AM
comment #6
Josh Massey
says ...
"I always shoot back a, 'No you're not.'"
Never worked customer service, have you?
Posted by Josh Massey
at July 11, 2008 10:09 AM
comment #7
shanes
says ...
just got back from an AT&T store...besides the crowd and the unmotivated staff, it gets better. their $299 phone (twice the speed-half the price) is actually $499 (oh, you're not eligible for an upgrade, you upgraded last July)...didn't happen to mention that in their ad campaign...so we got HQ customer service on the phone to see if that could be waved SINCE WE'VE GOT 6 FREAKING LINES WITH AT&T...it only got worse, the price went up to $599 onced we got HQ involved...talk about fubar--and all this after a 25 minute runaround with their automated customer service yesterday only to get transfered to someone who couldn't help me or transfer me...but could give me the same 800 number I'd just called that started the whole debachle
Posted by shanes
at July 11, 2008 10:14 AM
comment #8
Stephe96
says ...
Remind me again how terrible this economy is supposed to be?
Posted by Stephe96
at July 11, 2008 10:15 AM
comment #9
Aris P
says ...
People actually waiting in a line at 7am to buy a phone. You're all INSANE, you do realize that yes? Consumerism at it's most pitiful.
Posted by Aris P
at July 11, 2008 10:24 AM
comment #10
corey3rd
says ...
one iPhone = two full tanks of gas in an SUV.
Posted by corey3rd
at July 11, 2008 10:27 AM
comment #11
chicagodad
says ...
Hey dukedog, believe me, that person was absolutely genuinely sorry. Believe me, they wish they had enough for everyone as much or more than the folks in line.
Mostly because if they had enough phones, they wouldn't have to deal with a bunch of people in line whining like having a 3g iPhone on the first day is their unalienable right.
And God knows they prefer not making as much money as they possibly can.
Posted by chicagodad
at July 11, 2008 10:42 AM
comment #12
Howlingman
says ...
Stephe96: "Remind me again how terrible this economy is supposed to be?"
Took the words right out of my mouth. Watching the daily news means being subjected to endless reports of how crummy everything is ... and people stand in line to buy a friggin' phone. The barbarians are at the gates indeed.
Posted by Howlingman
at July 11, 2008 10:51 AM
comment #13
Studly Semite
says ...
as William Shatner would say: GET A LIFE
Posted by Studly Semite
at July 11, 2008 10:54 AM
comment #14
MathewM
says ...
What did you really expect? I mean you're tech savvy enough to know that this was going to be probably bigger than the iPhone v1.0 launch. Is your current iPhone suddenly not good enough?
Posted by MathewM
at July 11, 2008 11:00 AM
comment #15
bb
says ...
When I saw the title of the post and the accompanying photo, I thought the idiots Jeff was referring to were the people standing in line.
I guess I was wrong.
Posted by bb
at July 11, 2008 11:10 AM
comment #16
MilkMan
says ...
What Studly said.
I have an easier time understanding the kids who waited outside of UNDFTD for those new Kobe Bryant/Back to the Future/Marty McFly/Nike Hyperdunks than people who wait in line to buy a toy that is going to be obsolete in six months. At least shoes have a purpose.
Steve Jobs owns you people. Might as well get an Apple tattoo on your forehead.
Dorks.
Posted by MilkMan
at July 11, 2008 11:11 AM
comment #17
quitstaringatme
says ...
Jeff gets an erection from Wall-E's decries of consumerism, and then gets all huffy waiting in line for an iPhone.
And to Stephe96, these impatient Apple fanboys are all in wealthy sections of wealthy cities. Go see how many people are waiting to buy in, say, Batavia, New York.
Posted by quitstaringatme
at July 11, 2008 11:14 AM
comment #18
George Prager
says ...
SOme 90s nostalgia:
It's Been an Uphill Battle to Sell Windows 95
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C05E1D61139F93BA25752C0A960958260
Posted by George Prager
at July 11, 2008 11:15 AM
comment #19
dukedog
says ...
Dear Josh:
Actually, yes I have spent almost my entire working life in that very profession! The reason I say that they aren't sorry is because they aren't! They get this smarmy little look on their face, and you can just tell they don't give a crap about their job. I, on the other hand, have always made sure that there was advanced planning for something like a major new product roll out. If something went wrong (which it usually does no matter how much you plan), I made sure I had enough respect for my customers to tell them why and what I could do to make it right, which never involved a "I'm sorry." Instead it was more like, "I'm sorry, but here is what I can do to help make this right for you." Sorry if I didn't explain myself before.
Posted by dukedog
at July 11, 2008 11:41 AM
comment #20
televisiontears
says ...
Thanks Aris P. It sounds cliche but it needs to be said. Repeatedly.
I've never understood the insatiable drive so many have to own a fancy new toy the MINUTE it's released to drooling consumers. It's as if 90 percent of us haven't grown out of the "be the first kid on your block" mentality, which was exciting when we were eight.
I hope I'm not sounding smug, but to the folks who absolutely must have an Apple iPhone 3G RIGHT NOW, I beg of you to ask yourselves:
Why?
The iPhone's a cool little gadget, but at what point does it become so central to a persons life that he or she will waste precious, non-refundable hours of said life waiting in line in the hopes of owning one.
I'd rather spend those hours watching Meet Dave, and imagine tiny little Apple marketing execs living inside each of us, controlling our every move.
Posted by televisiontears
at July 11, 2008 11:41 AM
comment #21
supertaster
says ...
Is this the comfortable, conformist, consumer Matrix-like bubble in which Jeff and Hollywooders see everyone else living and sleepwalking happily?? Can't be. Not JW.
Ok, maybe Jeff has a legitimate, albeit small, reason for getting an i(need a life)Phone, being a man-of-the-people blogger whose livelihood is derived from research-devoid, stream-of-consciousness blurbs), but waiting in line for 5 hours (or longer) is the culinary equivalent of downing 6 Big Macs in one sitting.
Posted by supertaster
at July 11, 2008 11:54 AM
comment #22
Josh Massey
says ...
"Jeff gets an erection from Wall-E's decries of consumerism, and then gets all huffy waiting in line for an iPhone."
That's really funny.
Posted by Josh Massey
at July 11, 2008 12:07 PM
comment #23
DarthCorleone
says ...
Yeah, I'd love to have an iPhone, but unlike these other people this economy actually has screwed me to the degree that I won't be able to afford one anytime soon. I agree this lining-up business borders on certifiably insane; I wonder what percentage of these people in the rush are new iPhone customer and what percentage already have one.
Posted by DarthCorleone
at July 11, 2008 12:09 PM
comment #24
Dravot
says ...
Or... you could sleep in and not get a phone.
Seriously. When you're out and about you could actually, say... concentrate on the road... pay attention to the people around you... and enjoy life without being "jacked in" every second of the day.
Need to find a restaurant? Keep a Zagats in your car. Need directions? There's a thing called a Thomas Bros Guide. Movie times? Bring along the Calendar section, or find an LA Weekly.
Posted by Dravot
at July 11, 2008 12:15 PM
comment #25
Rich S.
says ...
Plus, and I don't think this can be emphasized enough, Jeffrey already has an iPhone.
Posted by Rich S.
at July 11, 2008 12:33 PM
comment #26
Jay T.
says ...
It's a stupid PHONE! Get one next week...
Posted by Jay T.
at July 11, 2008 1:27 PM
comment #27
Jeffrey Kunze
says ...
I'm going to add to this list of Apple backlash and say I pity the people waiting in line to get their hands on a new iphone and then constantly complain about Apple and their services.
Go take a walk. Sit on a park bench and read something. Go to a pet store and looks at the animals. Take a long, quiet drive listening to a favorite album (no, not a playlist, an actual full ALBUM of one artist).
I'm only 24 and can't believe how many people have been turned into technologic freaks in the last five years.
Posted by Jeffrey Kunze
at July 11, 2008 1:38 PM
comment #28
George Prager
says ...
They are there for the "pop moment", not the phone.
Posted by George Prager
at July 11, 2008 1:47 PM
comment #29
corey3rd
says ...
what if I'm in the men's room at a Zagat listed joint and I need some hot girl-girl action. I'm not going to find that in the guide. I need to be wired!!!
Posted by corey3rd
at July 11, 2008 1:53 PM
comment #30
Mgmax, le Corbeau
says ...
Che would execute them all.
Posted by Mgmax, le Corbeau
at July 11, 2008 2:13 PM
comment #31
supertaster
says ...
I love watching preachy, anti-corporate, bleeding heart, blowin-in-the-wind types like Wells fawn all over a device manufactured overseas in a country with horrendous human rights violations for an American company that has "sold out" the American worker (Apple) and binds itself to one of the oldest and most iconoc, anti-competitive, monopolistic symbols of the ills of capitalism ever (AT&T)
...and despite all of this moral compromise, they wonder why no one takes them seriously when it comes to issues like global warming, economic policy, and individual rights.
As amusing as that is, it's even funnier to think of Wells standing in that line next to all those exposed feet and low-thread-count t-shirts.
Posted by supertaster
at July 11, 2008 2:19 PM
comment #32
George Prager
says ...
And Rocco D wonders why he has no friends?
Anyway...the whole IPhone frenzy reminds me of this, somehow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC9d9rxjuhg
Posted by George Prager
at July 11, 2008 2:36 PM
comment #33
supertaster
says ...
Johnny, you spend a lot more time here proselytizing than I... although, technically, I guess you could consider your time spent posting comments on blogs intermixed with chatting with 13-year-olds in Vietnam over your PS3 while playing Tour of Duty as a vague resemblance of a social life. You tell me.
Posted by supertaster
at July 11, 2008 2:51 PM
comment #34
George Prager
says ...
I don't know what PS3 and Tour of Duty is/are. But you obviously do. And how does Vietnam enter the mix? I guess you were trying to PWN me or something like that (is that the correct term?) Sounds like you just PWned yourself (Or I PWNED you). It is all very confusing.
Posted by George Prager
at July 11, 2008 3:01 PM
comment #35
LexG
says ...
George, I just go with standard OWN because it's awesome and simple. What is up though? RECOGNIZE.
Anyway, so many have hit it on the head here, but really, ANYONE who still has money for iPhones, booze, cigarettes, porn, videogames, DVDs, or $40 of refreshments at the AMC has NO CREDIBILITY AT ALL when they bitch about HIGH GAS PRICES.
OOOH, WHY ARE GAS PRICES SO HIGH?
OOH, DON'T RAISE MY TAXES.
Like TAXES and GAS are the only things most Americans will get motivated over. I love the HIGH GAS PRICES. Bring it on, I don't give a shit. I'll just make more money. Or I'll cut down on LUXURY ITEMS like iPHONES if I have to.
I better find out you iPhoners, from Wells on down, have NEVER SAID ONE THING ABOUT HIGH GAS if you have money to blow on SHIT YOU DON'T NEED.
90% of the fatbodies in the country don't need a cell phone. Or a home phone. Fuck phones. BE ALONE WITH YOUR GODDAMN THOUGHTS FOR ONE FUCKING MINUTE. You don't need friends, and you don't need other people.
BE GOD. BE ONE. Fuck PHONES and fuck the annoying assholes you're talking to on them.
Posted by LexG
at July 11, 2008 3:49 PM
comment #36
corey3rd
says ...
that's not merely a cellphone to Jeff - it's his tool to be able to update this site from the road. He can send faster dispatches to this site from airports, cinema lobbies and the drive thru lane. He can snap those pics and upload them nearly instantly - since this new phone has faster connection.
this isn't a phone, it's his office on the go.
Posted by corey3rd
at July 11, 2008 3:55 PM
comment #37
LexG
says ...
Fuck that, he should use quill and parchment like a man would.
(Yeah, I have no idea what an iPhone is, but then again I don't have any friends so it's never an issue. I OWN.)
Posted by LexG
at July 11, 2008 3:56 PM
comment #38
George Prager
says ...
LexG is making sense. People can afford these things because they have credit cards and don't mind running up credit card bills.
Posted by George Prager
at July 11, 2008 3:57 PM
comment #39
Craig Kennedy
says ...
Yeah, what BB said in #15. And how many of those people whipped out their old iPhones to blog about it?
iDiots
Posted by Craig Kennedy
at July 11, 2008 4:22 PM
comment #40
berkguru
says ...
get a life
worried about a stupid cell phone on the day it comes out is just goofy
Posted by berkguru
at July 11, 2008 8:16 PM
comment #41
D.Z.
says ...
Stephe: "
Remind me again how terrible this economy is supposed to be?"
Here's a hint: 62, 000 jobs lost last month
Aris: "People actually waiting in a line at 7am to buy a phone."
They have nothing better to do in L.A.
quit: "And to Stephe96, these impatient Apple fanboys are all in wealthy sections of wealthy cities."
WeHo isn't what you'd consider "wealthy", unless you define status by the amount of overpriced health and gourmet food locales in a city.
supertaster: "...and despite all of this moral compromise, they wonder why no one takes them seriously when it comes to issues like global warming, economic policy, and individual rights."
We're not really compromising; we're conceding. If we had a choice, we'd support American-made products and corporations which don't like wire-tapping us, but we're not the ones who have the money to stop them.
Lex: "Anyway, so many have hit it on the head here, but really, ANYONE who still has money for iPhones, booze, cigarettes, porn, videogames, DVDs, or $40 of refreshments at the AMC has NO CREDIBILITY AT ALL when they bitch about HIGH GAS PRICES."
Why? Do you think that they don't have to go to work for that kind of money? Or did you ever consider the possibility that those knick-knacks are all they can normally afford, because the dollar's gone to pot, and they have nothing to look forward to, when they retire?
"90% of the fatbodies in the country don't need a cell phone. Or a home phone. Fuck phones. BE ALONE WITH YOUR GODDAMN THOUGHTS FOR ONE FUCKING MINUTE."
I guess you've never had to worry about being in an emergency like the rest of us.
Posted by D.Z.
at July 11, 2008 9:54 PM
comment #42
BurmaShave
says ...
I dont understand. I have an iPod touch, and have no desire to put it up against my ear and try to talk into it.
Posted by BurmaShave
at July 13, 2008 1:27 AM
comment #43
saranie
says ...
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Posted by saranie
at July 14, 2008 8:21 PM
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at April 7, 2011 6:54 PM
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flyboots
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