Comments on: Virginia Laptop Sale Turns Into a Stampede

By: Debra Hoyle

Debra Hoyle — Thu, 18 Aug 2005 13:13:15 +0000

There were so many things wrong with this entire process but for Paul Proto to say there was a level of "entertainment value" associated with such utter chaos and lack of planning and foresight on the part of Henrico County, I believe was a statement totally out of line. The folks who were trampled in the crowd and hurt would not tell you it was an entertaining experience! Mr. Proto's remarks have gone nationwide; again bringing unnecessary and embarrassing attention to the Richmond area.

By: Alan Kellogg

Alan Kellogg — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 21:28:37 +0000

Bithead,

Most any PC at that price would've gotten the same response. Maybe not Dell, but any PC besides that.

By: Alan Kellogg

Alan Kellogg — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 21:27:03 +0000

School district made an erroneous assumption. I attribute it to a profound ignorance of the PC business.

At the same time, the fact there were so many people showing up for the sale so early should've given somebody a clue. So many people so eager to get in would, I should think, tell anybody with a functioning forebrain to call in crowd control. Or even cancel the sale until proper security measures could be set in place for a later sale.

The crowd? Think of them as numerous predators after a limited supply of prey. When it comes to the opportunity to feed reason and manners go right out the window.

By: denise

denise — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 20:14:25 +0000

How cynical have I become? My first thought was: The school district clearly could have charged a lot more.

It really is terrible what people will do sometimes, especially for a pretty trivial benefit.

By: Bithead

Bithead — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 18:15:38 +0000

(mumble, mumble) Apple Devotees(mumble)