Shortage of Xboxes creating Surplus of Hype
slashdot reports that, as I had suspected, Microsoft is deliberately restricting supplies of the first shipment of the XBox360, thereby ensuring first-day sellouts and guaranteeing breathless press coverage of the rush to grab consoles.
Note, however, that they have not limited production of these units--just initial supplies. Those of you slavering for a new XBox360--that's right Comrade Chris, YOU--are virtually assured of not getting the unit you want on the day it comes out. Since they are already in production (and specifications have thus been "frozen") you lose nothing, techncially, by waiting for the hype to die down. So why all the excitement? Why get it the first day?
Reminds me of the novel Jennifer Government (incidentally one of the better books I've read recently), where a Nike executive comes up with a killer marketing plan:
Note, however, that they have not limited production of these units--just initial supplies. Those of you slavering for a new XBox360--that's right Comrade Chris, YOU--are virtually assured of not getting the unit you want on the day it comes out. Since they are already in production (and specifications have thus been "frozen") you lose nothing, techncially, by waiting for the hype to die down. So why all the excitement? Why get it the first day?
Reminds me of the novel Jennifer Government (incidentally one of the better books I've read recently), where a Nike executive comes up with a killer marketing plan:
- Release a new line of sneakers at a ridiculously inflated price.
- Hire hitmen to murder kids lining up to buy the sneakers.
- capitalize on the resulting "people will kill for them" hype.