Top 5 Xbox 360 Launch Line Etiquette Mistakes

by Ed Stasick { Nov 20th 2005 at 10:30PM }

Sure, we've seen plenty of articles and postings this week about where (and when) to go to secure an Xbox 360 on launch day. And we've seen about a dozen checklists for what we need to bring to keep ouselves warm, entertained and ~~intoxicated~~ nourished while waiting. But, we haven't seen too much on launch line etiquette, and, more specifically, on what not do to while waiting. Afterall, the last thing you want while camping out in front of Wal-Mart for 12 hours is to come off as unsophisticated.

So, drawing upon years of console camping experience, we've selected our top 5 launch line etiqutte mistakes to assist you in maintaining your dignity. Ignore these at your own peril.

Consorting with store employees. The quickest way to turn the line against you, Benedict, is to laugh it up with employees. From the line's perspective, they've already hoarded two-thirds of the available consoles and are guilting the weak minded into purchasing outrageous bundles and/or warranty plans.
Pulling your car up to the curb and blasting the radio. You may think that everyone loves country music as much as you do, but they don't. Just wear headphones and keep the humming to a minimum.
Wearing "I Love Morgan Webb" T-shirts. It's just obnoxious. Besides, just because we didn't think to wear ours, doesn't mean we don't feel the same way!
Playing football. You're not fooling anyone. We know you've never played a sport in your life. Don't start at the launch line where one bad pass could end with several cracked PSP screens.
Saving spots. Don't expect it to be all candy and roses if your pals try to sneak into line with you 5 minutes before the doors open. Countries have gone to war over less and you will not survive it.

Do you have anymore etiquette tips?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Mark Streed @ Nov 21st 2005 3:10PM

It's just to bad that so many of us will not be able to get a system due to Microsoft short sighted-ness. It would sever them right if this short supply issue lead to some good backlash.

I already picked up all the games and accessories, but they will all be returned if I can't get a system.

Last report I read claimed the next wave might be as late as Feb or March. Can anyone confirm or deny? :-(

Brian @ Nov 21st 2005 8:18PM

1) FYI...I believe most (if not all) CompUSA's have barred employees from buying 360's (they care more about the customer than the employee). I know I'll be saying hi to my dad when he gets into work 2 hours after I get in line (and 1 hour before they open)

What happened to employer/employee relations? Chains don't even seem to care anymore.

2) Another way to brick a PSP besides a botched firmware update is actually using it as a brick...I wouldn't hesitate to throw my PSP at a window of such a car.

3) No comment...not a big Morgan Webb fan (don't hurt me!)

4) All the more reason to throw your PSP at the car in #2...I mean if it's already broken...

5) That's why I like the voucher system. Give out ceritifcated guarenteeing your right to a system...that way people get to shop (i.e. spend more) and they can go wait in their cars until the store opens.