http://www.fakesteve.net/2009/09/perhaps-you-dont-realize-how-much-we.html

“Apple has managed to turn it into a near religious experience, akin to going to church to receive blessings, rather than going to Honda or Ford, to get your car fixed or buy a new one.”

I follow you. I can see what you mean.

However “unseemly,” it obviously works, so I’m sure Apple doesn’t mind.

On the other hand, at least these Apple “fanboys” actually USE these products and are involved with them and affected by them in their daily lives.

Its pretty obvious to me who’s more over the top and pathetic.

Somebody throw me a t-shirt and pass the kool-aid. I’ve had a great experience with Apple…a much better one than I’ve had with other companies in the past.

“What is the acceptable alternative to Apple’s approach to a new store launch?”

I didn’t say it was unacceptable, simply posted my opinion that it was a tad over the top.

My objection is that this method of self promotion sort of puts the customer in a position where they are there to worship the store, the company, etc.

Most other large retailers manage to open stores with a focus on the customer, rather than turning that focus toward the company. They give door prizes, discounts and gift cards.

Most companies opening a new store make customers feel the store is there for them, rather than the customer being there for the company.

Apple has managed to turn it into a near religious experience, akin to going to church to receive blessings, rather than going to Honda or Ford, to get your car fixed or buy a new one.

No one can argue with the success. Its just unseemly IMHO.

“Dismissive, because many have learned that a conversation is largely impossible once you see the level of passion you addressed in your post. Any point of disagreement will fall on deaf ears, and the words troll and hater can’t be far behind.”

I see what you are saying. If the discussion starts out with perceived biases, it can only breakdown from there.

It’s just as pointless to roll out with the “troll” words as it is “fanboi.” (The point being that, at the very least, you create an uphill battle when trying to convey your perspective if you alienate your listener.)

But my real question is, “What is the acceptable alternative to Apple’s approach to a new store launch?” There are worse ways to do it. Microsoft seemed to share that view, too.

Business-wise, it’s a novel idea and creates an atmosphere of verve and excitement which works with consumers or else people wouldn’t be lined up at the opening.

On the other hand, as a consumer, I have to say it is pretty lame!

Spot. On.

The difference is that, more often than not, there is genuine passion, excitement and anticipation surrounding Apple products and events; you cannot say the same with much of Microsoft’s output, apart from Halo. Hence Microsoft’s attempts to look cool, hip and connected fall wide of the mark. Welcome to the social.

Yawn.

I’m not at all sure I understand the meaning of the phrase “disqualifies the conversation”. Perhaps that is some colloquial terminology.

The word “Fanboy” may telegraph an opinion, and may be seen by some as dismissive, which is what I read into SpiceRak2′s post. But it is not necessarily derisive. (OK, Koolaid sipping is derisive.

But in some sense it is MEANT to be dismissive, but not necessarily derisive.

Dismissive, because many have learned that a conversation is largely impossible once you see the level of passion you addressed in your post. Any point of disagreement will fall on deaf ears, and the words troll and hater can’t be far behind.

The video seemed quite convincing that Apple employees were the ones enticing the adulation. To me, that’s every bit as trite and self serving as the Microsoft Launch party idea. Yet on this site, one is clearly billed as Lame (and perhaps it was), while the other is reported as smart marketing.

You started out reporting a somewhat daft and obviously staged event from the view point of an un-involved reporter.

But by article’s end, you were the fawning fan again, touting “Build quality” and personifying individual apple employees as tireless perfectionists.

In your attempt to explain it, you got sucked into it. You ended up justifying it. You drank the Koolaid.

Its ok. We expect a site about the iPhone to be enthusiastic about it, and the company that makes it. We all have iPhones already. We like them. We use them hourly.

But a significant number of the posts above saw the event exactly the same as a Windows 7 Launch party. Lame.

So the post failed in some ways. And maybe that is good.

I’m not banning anything — anyone can use that term any time they like. I’m pointing out it disqualifies the conversation. That’s it’s intended purpose. (We can get into a longer discussion of why I dislike the term fan — fanatic — though that too derails this particular conversation).

(As to Apple using it, yeah, for sure, though that’s likely more derisive of their own customer base and probably none too wise. Credit card companies calling those who pay their bills on time “deadbeats” for not generating interest income — that’s funnier).

It’s sad that a company would include in their culture the common use of stereotyping, especially as it applies to their most loyal of customers.

@icebike

Maybe (and I don’t pretend to speak for Rene)he is growing tired of the labels being applied to all those that have a particular “passion” for Apple and Apple products. Using the term, “Fanboi” indicates a huge bias and taints the opinion that follows, IMHO.

Anyone who uses the term fanboi/fanboy (or hater) immediately disqualifies themselves from the conversation.

So you post an article and video which succinctly describes a phenomena and a level of “passion”, then turn around and BAN the term that has universally come to describe this same passion?

How does that work?

I have a friend who works in the Alderwood Mall Apple store, (yes, THAT store), and she claims the internal Apple name for those who camp out prior to openings or product releases is “Fanboys”. She move to Lynnwood from the Bay area, and insists the term is universal inside Apple.

Every person that poo-poos MS and other companies the second that someone shares a criticism about Apple only strengthens the “Fanboi/fanboy” stereotypes that are thrown about here. Good grief…the cursing and hating is not a way to make a good argument.

Customer Service is a dying art in a time that requires it more than ever in history.

And, think what you will; if there are lines of people waiting outside for the opening of a new store, then this comapny strategy is working, without question. Apple has identified with what those people are looking for, at least…and it didn’t take Kool-Aid.

(I must admit to being childishly excited over what seems like silly things to others in my past, so I am not so ready to judge these customers.)

Whether the event itself is crafted — and I clearly think it is, strategically — that’s the point of the article. They put a lot of thought into what they do, planning, and it shows, and it clearly works for them.

They’re choreographed to be sure, just like any show, but that shows a level of commitment to the concept.

Also, I don’t know what it’s like elsewhere (and that Apple Store walkout was called off — never happened), but these staffers looked really happy, hugging each other and getting really into it. I go to Best Buy and Future Shop a lot and the different in service level and enthusiasm is palpable.

That translates into a better customer experience — again the point of the article — which of course is better for customers.

love. up.

Really? Forming crowds over something such as this?

A lot of the point that you make come accross as rampant famboyism, frankly. Which is a shame, because the iPhone is a fantastic piece of kit and stands up on it’s own without all the hyperbole

Gathering all the coolaid sipping fanboys and shills in one place doesn’t make them seem any smarter or any less of fanboy. It just makes them seem more pathetic in their willingness to serve theif god.

Yeah, their passion obviously makes for a crap work environment