Darn you all, I've ordered a Segway!

[Fan Of Segway]

I just thought I would post and let you all know what an insidious influence this board has been on me.

I heard vague things about "Ginger" and "It", but didn't really follow it too closely. In fact, I'm embarrassed to say my first encounter with "It" might have been the South Park episode "The Entity (a.k.a. The Ginger Device)" (and yes, I DO realize how incredibly WRONG that is <grin>). However, once Segway.com was up and running and had some videos of the device I was VERY interested. At that time, I told myself "Well, if it comes out at around $3,000 I will buy one - but I'll probably want to test drive it first".

Then the whole Amazon announcement was out. Segway is for sale, preorder, for $5,000. I said to myself (yes, I talk to myself a lot - I'm told I'm ok as long as I don't start arguing with myself <grin>) "wheehow! five grand?! That's a lot, I think I'll pass". But Segway.com put up additional updates (I think it was additional videos, and more done with the "interact with segway" thing), and I started changing my mind. "Well" (I said to myself) "MAYBE I would buy one at five grand, but I'm sure as heck going to test drive it before I buy one!"

Then it happened - I started surfing around for more Segway info, and stumbled onto bookofseg.com. Oh my! Videos of the segway doing different things, a link to the "so happy together" video showing tons of people on Segways. Writeups of how great the machine is, and how easy it is to use. And, of course, a link to segwaychat.com.

I find myself addicted to segwaychat.com. Logging in, looking for posts from the contest winners -- any kind of post about real-world experiences with the Segway. I'm now saying "Ok, I want one -- but five grand is still a lot - I really want to ride one first". I see posts of the contest winners doing mini "events", giving people rides. Unfortunately, no one is in Arizona. And of course, I'm not bold enough to post a "I'm in AZ, are there any segway owners willing to give me 5 minutes?" message. So I sit, I continue to watch, and the conversations in my head intensify.

The final push was a 1-2 punch. I'm not sure which happened first. One was the posts here of people who got demo rides. EVERY SINGLE ONE posted about how amazing it was, how much fun, how easy it was, and how much they all wanted one. I think if even one person had said "eh, well, it's alright -- I don't quite know what the fuss is about", then I might have stayed in the "need to test drive" state of mind. The contest winner posts were one thing, but to have this second wave of people all re-affirming the Segway Experience was something else entirely. The other was my trip to CES. My first day at CES, I saw six segways used by various people. Didn't get to touch them, didn't get to ride them, but just SEEING them made them that much more real to me. So between the two, that was it for me. "I'm getting one - just gotta save up a little bit", I told myself. I told my friends (yes, I talk to real people too!) that I was still thinking about it, that I wasn't sure, that it was a lot of money for something that may end up mostly being a "toy", but in my mind it was a done deal, it was just a matter of when.

So here I am. I squirreled away the money, and I started the ball rolling this morning with my amazon order. So darn you Phillip! Darn you members of Segwaychat.com! I was happy with my lack-of-Segway-knowledge, but now I'll be even happier, and it's ALL YOUR FAULT!


Fan Of Segway

[wayne]

Fan of Segway,
It's only money. You can get somemore money but you will never be able to say you were one of the first Segway owners but once.
Way to go.


Chariot Riders Ride Segway

[pam]

hee,hee, hee. And you'll be SO glad you did <G>. Happiness is a new Segway <G>.
Pam

[n/a]

quote:EVERY SINGLE ONE posted about how amazing it was, how much fun, how easy it was, and how much they all wanted one. I think if even one person had said "eh, well, it's alright -- I don't quite know what the fuss is about", then I might have stayed in the "need to test drive" state of mind.

Not only have every Segway owner here been positive about their Segway experience, virtually everyone quoted in the media seems to have enjoyed their first ride.

There was a teenager who got to loan a Segway from a friend over the weekend. He even made his own video about it. He got bored with it in the space of a week end. He never posted about his experience here. Glad u didnt see my posing on that. If Segway doesnt appeal much to the younger generation it could be a good thing thought.

BTW did u buy your Segway because it seemed like a fun to ride or because u think it might be a practical solution for your transportation needs?

[Alan Travis]

Hello Fan Of Segway,

I am in PHOENIX, I will have 2 later on this week and I will give you a DEMO. Call me at BRONCO 1 Electronics , 16236 North 32nd street, 602 992 2016.
Thanks,.....Alan Travis

. . . .
...

........

[pt]

quote:Originally posted by Lawrence There was a teenager who got to loan a Segway from a friend over the weekend. He even made his own video about it. He got bored with it in the space of a week end. He never posted about his experience here. Glad u didnt see my posing on that. If Segway doesnt appeal much to the younger generation it could be a good thing thought.

bah humbug, i don't understand the goal or motives behind saying things like this to someone who just purchased a segway, aaron got bored because it was snowing in his area and couldn't use it. here's his quote. "It's so cold and snowy outside that every time we go out we have to suit up in so much clothing that we'd be protected from a nuclear blast. And it's not like we have anyplace to go: everything's closed for Xmas and school's out."

fan--i'm not sure if you'll like your ht (my guess yes) but so far it's been a great experience for that has exceeded all my expectations, the usefulness and the pleasure of being part of a new form of transportation and meeting so many new people has been priceless.

welcome :-]

cheers,
pt


http://www.bookofseg.com

[jillmac]

Congratulations!

Jill

[BruceWright]

Congratulations!!!!

Now you and I are in the same boat. I just ordered mine last sunday. We will now have to wait patiently while almost everyone else here gets theirs first.

Your story is almost exactly the same as mine. I thought I had made up my mind to pass until they came down in price a bit more. But I was worn down.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[n/a]

pt writes:

quote:bah humbug, i don't understand the goal or motives behind saying things like this to someone who just purchased a segway, aaron got bored because it was snowing in his area and couldn't use it. here's his quote. "It's so cold and snowy outside that every time we go out we have to suit up in so much clothing that we'd be protected from a nuclear blast. And it's not like we have anyplace to go: everything's closed for Xmas and school's out."


the goal and motives behind saying things like this is an old fashioned ethical principle called truthfullness. pt, u forgot to provide the relevant quote from aarons statement. U also forgot to provide the thread:

http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1315&SearchTerms=aaron,video


quote:Well, it's almost time to return the Segway and we've all but lost interest in it. Working on the movie kept us going for a little while longer but since I posted it the Segway has pretty much stayed in its place in the corner, off. I think we've explored everything there is to do with it, and now it's just uninteresting.

It's not like we have much of a practical use for it, especially not now. It's so cold and snowy outside that every time we go out we have to suit up in so much clothing that we'd be protected from a nuclear blast. And it's not like we have anyplace to go: everything.s closed for Xmas and school's out.

[GlideMaster]

pt I so agree with you. Some people if they can't say anything nice shouldn't say anything at all. I'm going to try and be like Pam and not respond to any further post from you know who. Note I said try.

<center>The GlideMaster</center>
<center>http://www.geocities.co.jp/Athlete/1267/gif/segway.gif</center>
<center>Glide On</center>
quote:Originally posted by pt

quote:Originally posted by Lawrence There was a teenager who got to loan a Segway from a friend over the weekend. He even made his own video about it. He got bored with it in the space of a week end. He never posted about his experience here. Glad u didnt see my posing on that. If Segway doesnt appeal much to the younger generation it could be a good thing thought.

bah humbug, i don't understand the goal or motives behind saying things like this to someone who just purchased a segway, aaron got bored because it was snowing in his area and couldn't use it. here's his quote. "It's so cold and snowy outside that every time we go out we have to suit up in so much clothing that we'd be protected from a nuclear blast. And it's not like we have anyplace to go: everything's closed for Xmas and school's out."

fan--i'm not sure if you'll like your ht (my guess yes) but so far it's been a great experience for that has exceeded all my expectations, the usefulness and the pleasure of being part of a new form of transportation and meeting so many new people has been priceless.

welcome :-]

cheers,
pt


http://www.bookofseg.com

[pt]

lawrence-- i gotta say you've officially "jumped the shark" with me on this one. here's your old fashioned ethical principle called truthfulness, yours posts are becoming unwelcome by many (at least 3 and counting) with your tone and attitude lately. i've actually chatted with aaron and he said snow and cold = bored, you can post threads and other parts of his site, but that's the relevant part, that's what he said, i didn't forget anything except how tiresome reading some of these posts is getting.

if you were being so truthful, why didn't -you- post the cold and snowy part as opposed to "If Segway doesnt appeal much to the younger generation it could be a good thing though". and why even bother? the fellow got a segway, he didn't ask about this. no one else felt the burning desire to talk about a loaner ht that wasn't used because of the snow.

-any way--fan welcome to segwaychat.com, usually the welcome are a little warmer, not so cold and snowy (pun intended).

cheers,
pt

http://www.bookofseg.com

[wayne]

Lawrence,

I purchased my Segway because I think it would be a fun thing.
I only live a mile from my store and I may ride the Segway to work a few times but not in the rain and cold. If I lived in a large city I may see thing different. Gas hasn't got that high yet.
I did say yet.



Chariot riders Ride Segway

[motleyorc]

Congrats, Fan of Segway. It is a big purchase, but you'll be amazed every time you ride it.


http://www.segwayceleb.com
motleyorc@hotmail.com

[cyberclone]

I lost a bid on eBay for an "E" Model. It sold for $6300 and stated that it costs over $2000 more than an "I" Model. It was owned by a Corporation. How much do they cost? When do the priced come down, July? Thanks!!


Ebay is the way! Find me on Ebay as cyberclone69. Thanks!!

[n/a]

quote:Originally posted by pt

here's your old fashioned ethical principle called truthfulness, yours posts are becoming unwelcome by many (at least 3 and counting) with your tone and attitude lately. [/quote]

Have u counted how many here welcome my posts?

Determining correct tone and attitude is a highly subjective matter. Anyone who does not approve of my tone and attitude is welcome to ignore my postings.

quote:i've actually chatted with aaron and he said snow and cold = bored, you can post threads and other parts of his site, but that's the relevant part, that's what he said, i didn't forget anything except how tiresome reading some of these posts is getting.

That is not what he wrote earlier so maybe he changed his mind perhpas. I might have a chat with him myself. In fact I took another look at his weblog a few minutes ago, apparently u forgot to ask him to update it because this is what it still says:

quote:Well, it's almost time to return the Segway and we've all but lost interest in it. Working on the movie kept us going for a little while longer but since I posted it the Segway has pretty much stayed in its place in the corner, off. I think we've explored everything there is to do with it, and now it's just uninteresting.


quote:if you were being so truthful, why didn't -you- post the cold and snowy part as opposed to "If Segway doesnt appeal much to the younger generation it could be a good thing though".

I dont quote the snow part because it is totally irrelevant. Here is what he writes:

I think we've explored everything there is to do with it, and now it's just uninteresting.

This has nothing to do with the snow.

quote:...and why even bother? the fellow got a segway, he didn't ask about this.

I made it perfectly clear as to why I included that in my first post. I told "Fan of Segway" that almost all those that have tried Segway were very pleased with it, not only people here but people we have read about in the media. Notice that was a very positive Segway comment! Fan of Segway had specifically stated that if there had been one negative reaction he might have postponed buying a Segway before trying it. It seemed appropriate and truthfull to post that one kid got tired of it after a couple of days.

Why make a fuss about that? So what if a single individual who tries a Segway has tired of it after a few days?

[ftropea]

Lawrence,

Having read the blog as well, it's clear Aaron was saying that the reason he lost interest was because of the snow. The entire second paragraph is the explanation as to why he lost interest. That said, he would probably lose interest in a lot of outside related activities because of the snow - probably due to the fact snow limits where you can go / what you can do / etc. and so forth. That's OK because there are plenty of snow-related activities to tide us over during the winter!


As Aaron says, "It's not like we have much of a practical use for it, especially not now. It's so cold and snowy outside that every time we go out we have to suit up in so much clothing that we'd be protected from a nuclear blast. And it's not like we have anyplace to go: everything's closed for Xmas and school's out."


Lawrence - As you know, Segway HTs are for people who have places to go. No wonder he lost interest...

Regards,

Frank A. Tropea
[/sc] Admin - "Keep your wheels on the ground!" - Contact Me (segwaychat@segwaychat.com)

[n/a]

quote:pt I so agree with you. Some people if they can't say anything nice shouldn't say anything at all. I'm going to try and be like Pam and not respond to any further post from you know who. Note I said try.

Glidemaster, in an other thread I got irritated at u for your "pontificating" statement. To show my irritation I composed an Xmas/Segway song similarly to what u had done using your colors. I felt it was justifyable to do so.

We have not had much to discuss. U have been preocuppied with the glide, I with wider Segway related issues. So if u choose not to respond to my posts, it is not likely to make much of a difference for either of us.

I think u are a decent and honest guy with no malicious intent against anyone. If u would like some feedback as to what u might consider doing to be accepted as a 3T trainer let me know. I think I know enough about Segway and with my background as a psychologist I might have some usefull tips for u.

I respectfully disagree with u regarding this statement of yours:

quote:...if they can't say anything nice shouldn't say anything at all

If we only said nice things about Segway, the would get the wrong impression about how consumers in general would respond to the product. They need honest feedback, both positive and negative. Segway may sell a few more transporters in the short term if we here only say good things about our experiences. Apparently that is what conviced Fan of Segway. But in the long run, it may lead to Segway's downfall if they get a false impression of how pleased people are with their machines and dont get the feedback to make the necessary adjustments.

[Fan Of Segway]

Let's see if I can properly respond to this innocent thread that appears to have gone out of control :-) I'm not much of a "board" poster... so forgive me if I don't do this quite right, or get a little lengthy.

quote:Wayne: It's only money. You can get somemore money but you will never be able to say you were one of the first Segway owners but once.
&lt;grin&gt; This is true -- I'm usually not much of an "early adopter". For example, when I heard about TiVo, I purposely stayed away from it 'cause I knew I would want one. Finally a friend got one, I played with it, and had ordered one soon afterwards. I'm not worried about the money -- that's why I work, so I can have fun :-) I can not imagine regretting the decision at all

quote:Pam: Happiness is a new Segway &lt;G&gt;.
This made me snicker -- I've seen those little "Happiness is..." books with the peanuts characters, but just can't wrap my mind around Snoopy or Charlie Brown wandering around on a Segway.

quote:Lawrence: There was a teenager who got to loan a Segway from a friend over the weekend. He even made his own video about it. He got bored with it in the space of a week end. He never posted about his experience here. Glad u didnt see my posing on that. If Segway doesnt appeal much to the younger generation it could be a good thing thought.

BTW did u buy your Segway because it seemed like a fun to ride or because u think it might be a practical solution for your transportation needs?
I have seen the video, and loved it. I showed it to the son of a friend of mine. The son likes to make his own "films", and I thought he would appreciate it. I liked the rambling beginning, the road runner homage &lt;sp?&gt;, and the "move it, WALKIE" phrase. I did look at his site as well, and saw that he got "bored" with it. As PT mentioned, the guy did say that it was snowed in and he really couldn't do ANYTHING, gliding or otherwise. Also, as was pointed out by someone else, at that age a car is MUCH more exciting than a Segway. I am no "yes man", but I think I'm pretty much in line with pt's and ftropea's interpertation of why there wasn't interest. Heck (warning, speculation alert!), he might have even looked at it more of something to do films of -- and he did "part 1", and found there was nothing else he could think to do with it.

I'm just glad I'm in Tucson, where we don't know what "snow" means, and we don't often get rain. I will have many days of Segwayable Weather.

My reason for purchase was mostly transportation. I live &lt;appx&gt; 2 miles from work, and have been driving. I realize I SHOULD be walking, but I haven't been. Especially in the summer, a 20 minute walk in 110+ degree heat is just not fun. I won't be getting the savings pt will -- my parking is much less expensive, and it is just me, so I can't really go to a "no car" household. However, I will be using my car less, and that means the car will last longer, that I won't use as much gas, and I won't be polluting as much into the environment. However, how CAN you buy something like this and not have fun with it too? :-)

quote:Alan Travis: I am in PHOENIX, I will have 2 later on this week and I will give you a DEMO
I will try and get in touch with you -- I don't ususally get up to Phoenix, but boy, that would be a reason to!

quote:pt: fan--i'm not sure if you'll like your ht (my guess yes) but so far it's been a great experience for that has exceeded all my expectations, the usefulness and the pleasure of being part of a new form of transportation and meeting so many new people has been priceless.
Thanks for the good word. I am usually not much of a people person (I'm not rude... I just don't... reach out to people), so if one of the "side benefits" ends up that I meet more people, I wouldn't complain :-) I have really enjoyed your site, and I really DO "blame" you for my purchase &lt;grin&gt; If it wasn't for people like you, I could have stayed blissfully ignorant about the Segway for quite some time. I am also quite aware of Lawrence's views, so all is good.

quote:BruceWright: Now you and I are in the same boat. I just ordered mine last sunday. We will now have to wait patiently while almost everyone else here gets theirs first.

Your story is almost exactly the same as mine. I thought I had made up my mind to pass until they came down in price a bit more. But I was worn down.
Excellent! A brother in arms! :-) I will try to be as patient as I can -- What will help is looking at the people that paid in November and are only now starting to get their orders filled. I realize that I may also have to wait 4 months, but somehow I doubt it.

quote:motleyorc: Congrats, Fan of Segway. It is a big purchase, but you'll be amazed every time you ride it.

Thanks - that's what I'm hoping for &lt;grin&gt;

quote:cyberclone: I lost a bid on eBay for an "E" Model. It sold for $6300 and stated that it costs over $2000 more than an "I" Model. It was owned by a Corporation. How much do they cost? When do the priced come down, July? Thanks!!
I don't know if you are asking me, or someone else here. From the lurking I have done, I have not seen any published info on what the "E" models cost. If the "E" costs $2,000 more than the "I", that would mean $7,000. But I have never seen that $2,000 more figure anywhere (just about anyone else here on this site will have more info than I will). I don't think anyone has speculated on when "I" or "E" prices might come down -- I think they will have to be out in the market before they can go down in price &lt;grin&gt;

Fan Of Segway

[pt]

quote:Originally posted by Lawrence If we only said nice things about Segway, the would get the wrong impression about how consumers in general would respond to the product. They need honest feedback, both positive and negative. Segway may sell a few more transporters in the short term if we here only say good things about our experiences. Apparently that is what conviced Fan of Segway. But in the long run, it may lead to Segway's downfall if they get a false impression of how pleased people are with their machines and dont get the feedback to make the necessary adjustments.

people are going to post whatever experiences they have here -good or bad- why force anything on anyone, let them experience things on their own and as things come up, we'll all chat about it- that's kinda the point.

and just because many of us have had great experiences, that doesn't mean that anyone will get the wrong impression, it's just been great for many people, it's that simple. no friction needed, no forced "doubts", just let the new folks be and let them experience stuff.

cheers,
pt

http://www.bookofseg.com

[n/a]

quote:people are going to post whatever experiences they have here -good or bad- why force anything on anyone...

I am not talking about forcing anything on anyone. On the contrary, I was responding to Glidemaster's admonition not to say anything unless it was positive. Re-read the postings pt.

quote:and just because many of us have had great experiences, that doesn't mean that anyone will get the wrong impression, it's just been great for many people, it's that simple.

The issue being discussed was, whether one should only make positive comments or shut-up. Try to pay attention to the main point being made pt.

[pt]

quote:Originally posted by Lawrence The issue being discussed was, whether one should only make positive comments or shut-up. Try to pay attention to the main point being made pt.

hmm, can't say i like the tone and the tude' lawrence (in fact i positively do not) ;-]

cheers,
pt

http://www.bookofseg.com

[ftropea]

Just to step in as moderator (Brooster is gliding around KamenLand as I type this):

This thread is about Fan's decision to purchase a Seg and the influence the news, media, official & fan sites have had on his/her purchasing decision. I'm pleased to hear that there are lurkers out there who have been quietly following the discussions and carefully weighing their purchasing decisions.

The time for speculation is over. There are Segway HTs being used in the real world and by real people. I'm glad others are tuning in and listening to what we owners have to say. However, Fan is no longer a lurker - Fan is a new and real Segway HT owner. Welcome again Fan of Segway! Nobody needs to convince Fan at this point ;)

Since Fan has already made a purchasing decision, I see little value in pointing out reasons why he/she shouldn't have purchased a Segway HT. Doing so might be considered rude by fellow members (as is apparently the case.)

If Fan showed up and said, "Hey, I was thinking about getting a Seg - what do 'ya think?" - then it might be more appropriate to point out the relatively scarce bad Segway experiences. (Aaron's being the only one that pops to mind - and even he admits it was due to snow and having 'nowhere to go!')

So - to the new Segway HT owner: Welcome to SegwayChat! We look forward to hearing about YOUR OWN experiences :) Perhaps it'll help provide substance to some of the speculative discussion we've had.. or issues some of wondering about. Nothing beats first hand experience!

Regards,

Frank A. Tropea
[/sc] Admin - "Keep your wheels on the ground!" - Contact Me (segwaychat@segwaychat.com)

[axiotek]

Fan -

Let me also say welcome.. and thank you for doing the environment a favor (and by extension all of us) as it seems that your purchase was well reasoned.

quote:
...mostly transportation. I live &lt;appx&gt; 2 miles from work, and have been driving. I realize I SHOULD be walking, but I haven't been. Especially in the summer, a 20 minute walk in 110+ degree heat is just not fun. I won't be getting the savings pt will -- my parking is much less expensive, and it is just me, so I can't really go to a "no car" household. However, I will be using my car less, and that means the car will last longer, that I won't use as much gas, and I won't be polluting as much into the environment.


I was in a similar positon a few months ago but fortunately won early delivery :)! I am not much of an early adopter either and try to purchase only things I need and will make use of.

The preponderance of experience has been exceptional and speaks for itself, but since you have done your research, you know this already. If one does not have an immediate application for a Segway HT and it is purchased only for its novelty or for the "toy factor" then one could see how it might eventually fall into disuse. The current price point discourages this, however and that is a good thing because Segways are so much fun they cry out, Glide Me!

www.segwayboston.org

[PoloAk]

Just a little reality check: If everyone agreed on everything, the world would be a boring place. I think that just because a couple of teenagers decided they weren't captivated by Segway we shouldn't condemn them. Okay, at first I did think they were morons. However, after spending two days in meetings trying to get 15 people to agree on something, I realize that happiness is relative to the individual and that we can only try to make everyone so. Personally, I am grateful for multiple political parties, the Opinion section of the newspaper, the internet, and, of course, segwaychat, because I am constantly reminded that mine is not the only opinion that matters.