We took a dig at Sony last week
for not moving some of the people who were waiting in line for a PSP indoors where they wouldn't be at risk of, well,
freezing to death. This week, the New York Times explains why it was desirable—necessary even—that Sony's bigggest fans
chill outside in the driving sleet and rain.
It turns out that moving anybody indoors would have been a bad marketing move. The Times quotes the president of a marketing consulting firm as saying, "It's become a much more utilized marketing tool over the last three or four years."
It certainly does send a message when individuals with lots of disposable income are willing to endure grueling waits for your product. The fellow who waited 40 hours for his PSP plans to line up even earlier to obtain his PS3. Is extreme waiting the next extreme sport?
