Xbox 360 queue begins

I just spoke with Dan, Mr. #1 at Best Buy in Bellevue, WA. If you don't already know Dan thought up a great way to spend a weekend. Camping in the brisk Pacific Northwest weather waiting for the doors to open on Tuesday 12:00AM. While I think there are differences in opions regarding the way Dan has prioritized his time, I think there is something that many of us have in common with Dan: we want an XBOX 360 at the earliest possible moment, and we'll do anything to ensure that this happens. Dan is exchanging 3 nights and 3 days for the promise that he'll be the first one into Best Buy with the first pick of the 266 XBOX 360's delivered to store# 498.

Dan struck me, and I hope he doesn't feel betrayed, as a bit of a geek. This is, of course, a comment from an overweight nerd with unkempt shoulder length hair. He is mild mannered and sports a reserved smile. He has two chairs set up-one for himself and one for his girlfriend (who wasn't there at the time). Blankets and snacks were wedged between the chairs, supplies his girlfriend was in charge of keeping fresh. Dan was reading a pamphlet about the XBOX 360 when I arrived. I had brought my digital camera and raised it for a cameo when a Best Buy employee spotted me. I decided it would be best to ask Dan's permission, which he gladly obliged. This is his fifteen minutes, after all, and he wants to make the most of it.

Mr. #1 was very forthcoming with information. He told me that the Best Buy employees were generally very friendly. They offered to hold his place in line for bathroom breaks. Not all of the employees were behind him. As we spoke a more cynical employee quipped 'still here?'. Dan said he wasn't going anywhere and acknowledged that there was a pool with the employees betting on when he'll finally cave and leave. After spending just a few minutes with Mr. #1 it was obvious that the right money is 1:00 AM November 22nd and Dan leaves the festivities of Best Buy with his Premium System under arm, leaving for home to finally reap the benefits of his weekend. A few minutes later another employee encouraged Dan by noting that the day was getting warmer.

Things aren't perfect for Dan-the cold is frightful, especially during the evening and early morning times. Last night he slept in his car because he didn't think anyone would take his spot. Tonight he's not so sure-and tomorrow he's certain he'll have some permanent company. Until then he's content to watch the world go by, minute by minute, until the final moment.

So you can think whatever you want about him, he's getting an XBOX 360. Are you?