Enjoy your wait

In a recent article by Gawker media, a blogger asks why people still get in lines for a product. This has been an older problem than people realize, but it does have a purpose. The first is that of sales, it shows that people want the game, and thus promote the idea that others should get it. The other is a cultural base, and belongs with the idea that it is like a convention or get together for like minded people.

You may not know this, but companies pay others to get in line for opening releases of items. In fact, McDonalds paid a thousand people to be in line for a burger. The reason for this is because of how important it looks to people who may be interested in the product. People lining up to see it or grab it would make headlines, and also gather interest. The spectacle of Black Friday makes people interested in products that caused police to get involved. In fact, it becomes part of our cultural lore that Tickle Me Elmo made people crazy.

The reality is that sometimes people want to line up, even if the product is across the street. It’s just part of the culture or desire to be with others.

In a conversation with a fellow Anthropologist, she described going to a Wal Mart on Black Friday. The families there all talked, and began to make agreements to help each other out in finding the items they wanted. There were many people there, but they were cordial and polite to each other. When she went to a strip mall, it was more every man for himself, however some families continued to make deals with each other.

The experience of being together also makes it special. I experienced the line for Star Wars Episode 1. It had lines that went around buildings, and through blocks of town. Almost everyone there seemed ecstatic to be in line.

The reason for the excitement was the idea that we were part of a big cultural thing. We had sing alongs, and hung out with each other. Perhaps one of the biggest ironies of the time was a very good friend of mine was in the line, and we didn’t meet there. He was pointed out to me, but nothing happened.

It was the same feeling as many comic conventions. It was an opportunity to be with like minded people, and show off fandom. Where some people get in line to see a game of football, and even dress up for it. Others will do the same for a book, movie, or videogame. It is the same desire to be part of the experience, and enjoy it.

In closing, the question of why people get in line has nothing to do with ability to get a product quickly. It is more to do with being part of a bigger show. Although we make comments about violence, most gatherings are friendly. It is like a convention or sport show, half the fun is being part of the crowd.