Public Reactions ... Getting Friendlier with Time?

[Brooster]

Hey WaySeggers,

Is it just me, or are people in general getting friendlier toward the Seg? Well, maybe not "friendlier," but are you at least not getting the same number of negative comments?

I've definitely noticed a steep decline in negative commentary here in Chicago this year. Most people say nothing; some still say "very cool," or "that's the first one I've seen," or "hey, there's a Segway." But I have to say--knock on wood--I've not had a single truly nasty comment from anyone yet this season.

But ... I'll also say that I've not spent a great deal of time on the lakefront path, which is where I ran into 60-70% of the negative commentary last year--mostly from the spandex cyclist crowd. This year, I've been taking a somewhat different route along the lake for my little nighttime pleasure cruises. A lot of the commentary I hear there is people telling me how cool my blue-ish LED lights (the ones Derek Hugger found) look. They're mounted below the batteries, so they shine from underneath the Seg. Last night, I had a couple tell me: "Those lights look so bright from a distance. We saw these blue lights on the ground moving towards us, and we couldn't figure out what they were!"

Here's another question, while I'm at it. Have you ever noticed that some people--and it's always people in a group, never just an individual--laugh as you ride by? It's like a nervous reaction ... they don't know quite what to say, but feel compelled to make some sort of noise, so they break out laughing. It's a strange social phenomenon, but hey, I always like to see people enjoying themselves. :D

Anyway, 2004 has been a little different so far, at least for me. It definitely seems that more people know what a Segway is. Perhaps increased awareness is the real benefit from the whole Brookstone thing.

Interested in your thoughts and experiences ... has 2004 been any different for you? Thanks!

PS ... I fully realize that because I've said this, I'll probably get it with both barrels the very next time I'm out. Some guy sitting in gridlock traffic in a pickup truck will scream: "Hey you fat lazy SOB, how much did you have to pay to forget how to walk!?" LOL!

Broo

[8][:P]





Brooster

[Sal]

Brooster,

Good to hear you have had a positive 2004 so far. I hope to continue a decent 2004 this week with my new baby.

But you're right, in the last month or so, when I have glided, there are many many many more positive comments versus negative ones. I would say close to 95% positive.

And as you pointed out, many more people know what a Segway is. Though I did have an employee of Steak-n-Shake come out to me, and ask me: "Did I really pay $699 for my scooter?" I said, no, I paid over $4000, and it was worth every penny! LOL I then chatted with him about the differences between the one he was thinking of and the Segway.

Anyway, when is the tri-city, or the next Chicago group glide going to take place? I've never been on the lakefront!

-Sal

Think Different
www.apple.com

Answers that Matter
www.lilly.com


http://home.earthlink.net/~sal1k/images/si2f.jpg

[Brooster]

Hey Sal,

Yep, we have to get that together one of these days. My hard drive died on my computer (I'm using LadyBroo's), so once I'm back up and running and have easy access to my e-mail, we'll get something planned.

Maybe we'll even get The GlideMaster to join us if he ever decides to come out of hiding. That'd be nice ... I kinda miss the guy.

Brooster

[joelkfla]

Well, due to a spate of nasty weather, and the constraints of battery break-in, I've only been out in public 4 times so far.

I've been surprised how few comments at all I've gotten ... most people seem to treat my Segway as nothing unusual.

But the few comments I have received have all been friendly, along with an occasional friendly horn honk.

joel

[Brooster]

quote:Originally posted by joelkfla

... most people seem to treat my Segway as nothing unusual.


That's what I like to hear ... this is a good thing!

Brooster

[terryp]

I've definitely noticed the same positive trend. Remember my posting last year about the guy in the pickup shouting obsenities? Last week on my way home I heard a honk and turned to see a guy in a pickup giving me a thumbs-up. I haven't gotten any negative comments from cyclists this year either. On my way to the gym yesterday a group of serious cyclists training for a triathlon stopped me to take a closer look and try it out. One said he had no doubt that Segways were the future of transportation. It's taken a while, but people are beginning to understand.

I miss the Glidemaster too. Sure hope he's okay.

Practicing safe Segs in Seattle

[zoomster]

I've read many postings here on Segway Chat about negative comments. I've now been an owner for several months. Knock on wood, I have not had anything but extremely positive comments, horn honking, or the classic thumbs up.

I think part of this is that in spite of how often I ride, I still have a perpetual smile on my face. I'm still mystified at the technology myself. This translates into the constant smile. We all know a genuine smile is infectious. The second reason I think I've been fortunate enough to only experience postive response is that although I ride on PCH and down at the beach, I stay clear of really congested pedestrian areas where I would be more likely to make folks nervous. Lastly, most people I run across still say "wow, this is the first time I've seen one in person". It's still very much a novelty where I live and people are just intrigued.

Sal, new baby? How old? Your first? Congratulations! We have a 9 month old girl. It makes it impossible to go Segging with your spouse...someone has to push the stroller. We just switch back and forth and make it work. Anyway, congrats again! I guess we'll be seeing some posts from you in the middle of night :)



Rob

[SegwayUtah]

Zoomster,

"New baby" for Sal means a new Segway HT i170 :) Ha ha.

Chris

[Sal]

Thanks Chris!!! LOL

Rob, I feel like a heel for making that joke... A Segway is nice, but a baby... that's a miracle I hope to experience sometime in my life down the road. Congrats Rob, on your 9mo miracle. Have you thought about the world's coolest strooler? Something on swivel wheels, PUSHED by a Segway HT, or your wife on a P series following you an your i, with a stroller hitch attached to your tail?

-Sal

Think Different
www.apple.com

Answers that Matter
www.lilly.com


http://home.earthlink.net/~sal1k/images/si2f.jpg

[ElectraGlide]

I got a "thumbs up" today from a passing motorist. I'm breaking in the batteries on my newest "p" model and it was nice to receive a positive reaction versus what could have been a totally different finger gesture ! LOL

Steve

[zoomster]

Sal/Chris,

Too funny! I read it again and of course that's what was meant...hahaha.

Rob

[BarnyFife]

Yes, I have had that several times, a car full of kids goes by and after 75 feet or so you hear one laughing very loudly. The other evening a woman drove by and yelled IDIOT, for no good reason, I was on the sidewalk. Just last night I was in a residental area and on my side of the road in no ones way waiting for traffice to clear and a nut drove by yelling get that f... ing thing off the road. That bummed me out for a while.

[Brooster]

Sounds a lot like some of the experiences I've been through, BarnyFife. Don't let 'em get you down. Thanks for the post.

Brooster

[SegwayUtah]

BarnyFife,

Wow, where do you live? It makes me wonder what rude things those people say to our friends sitting in wheelchairs . . .

Almost all the comments I get are super-positive. Every once in a while, I'll hear something negative, but that's usually just because people are looking to say something that will make them feel "cool" or they are just not very educated.

Chris

[Sleepy]

There's a house that I pass by frequently on my way to the store. On weekends there's usually a bunch of young guys just hanging out on the front porch, just staring at the street. Every time they see me riding by they all break out in laughter-- just like Broo was mentioning. You'd think they'd be bored with me by now. It's probably happenned at least 10 times. One of these days I'll take the time to go over and talk to them.

In general my neighborhood is used to seeing me. So I rarely notice anyone even looking at me now. I haven't gotten an outright negative comment in months. It's been better than last year.

[tpkanaley]

Hey all. Regarding the laughter, I have two things to relate. One is, I was riding a few months ago home from work, and this girl looked at me and BUSTED out laughing harder than you generally hear someone laugh. I wasn't sure how to take it. I kept riding. The second thing is that here at my office, I ride in and out right to my desk. For the longest time (like 2 months) this one woman would laugh everytime I rode by. She just said that it's so fun and different looking that it makes her laugh. Even though my office is VERY accustomed to seeing me on it, they all still comment and smile and laugh...

Today, I got a great comment, and it came at a nice time. (history) My partner, Kevin, was walking home last week and messaged me that he just got passed by a RUDE Segger. I asked him what he meant and he said this guy (all he remembered was that he had a goatee) came whizzing up (I am guessing 15th Street) and was weaving in and out of people. I told him that I didn't ride like that, and he said, "maybe he was a newbie and hadn't learned the proper ZEN of Segway yet." So, today, as I was riding, I was stopped at a crosswalk, and this woman who I had passed, caught up to me and was standing next to me. She said, "I just wanted to thank you for riding so nicely, you passed me so slowly its a nice change from the other scooters and bicyclists." So now she has had a GREAT Segway experience!!

Yes, I get the stray negative (personal favorite, "That's the STUPIDEST thing EVER!" -- to which I replied, "I know you are but what am I?" hurray for maturity *smile*), but mostly I get nice comments. I ride VERY gently when there are any people around at all, and I try to pass people at only slightly faster than the pace they are walking (unless there's TONS of room). So I guess I would ask other riders...please be considerate! There are plenty of times when the sidewalks are clear and you can "open her up" but when you're around people, use care (not JUST caution) ...

Okay, now the REAL me: People are mostly stupid, so if you're not extra extra careful, they'll get upset. :)

Tim

[BarnyFife]

I guess it depends on where you are, yesterday there was a small to medium sized airshow, I rode all around and got nothing but positive comments and the standard questions and looks. I hit a milage milestone driving slowly most of the time and got 13.6 GPS measured miles and the legs were worn out.

[Itsi Atkins]

I agree, even in NYC Segway comments are more positive. I just hope some of the Assemblymen hear them.

[ElectraGlide]

quote:Originally posted by tpkanaley


Yes, I get the stray negative (personal favorite, "That's the STUPIDEST thing EVER!" -- to which I replied, "I know you are but what am I?"

My answer to that would be " Actually it's one of the most intelligent and sophisticated inventions made...and it's ashame you cant recognize this fact". This response should either shut them up or have them rattling their cage doors like some of the other caged primates.

Steve

[tpkanaley]

The only problem with that response is it takes too long. :) When I'm going one way and they're going the other, if I choose to respond (which I don't usually, I just smile), I have only a second or two.

But I like it, nonetheless.

T

[Karamozov]

Abilene has about 6,500 people, so most people have seen me around town and don't think much about it -- although I still give around 5 demos a week. But we also have around 100,000 tourists a year and I find that a lot of these people are surprised to either see a Segway in Abilene or surprised at their first up close look at a Segway.

I remember early on we talked about whether the novelty of blissful feeling of gliding on a Segway would go away. My enjoyment has not been dampered. I especially like exploring other towns, because you really get to experience places instead of just seeing them through a windshield.

"Any town that doesn't have sidewalks doesn't love its children."
- Margaret Mead

[luckie]

I think most people on any form of alternative transportation experience this mix of positive and negative (sometimes it feels mostly negative) comments.

-Skateboard'ers are often yelled by business owners to- "get out"
-Roller skaters hear "gasps and grunts" from pedestrian or comments from cars- "idiot"
-Motorcycle riders often hear negative comments from cars (aka "cages") and pedestrians- "organ donor" "mid life crisis eh?" "doesn't that cost like $10,000 dollars?" "you'll die on that"
-People who have purchased hybrid vehicles that look futuristic like the Prius and Insight have been surprised by the occassional negative comment- "yeah but the batteries cost $8K to replace after the first year" "No-one will buy that from you"
-Even people that have purchased the very cool Mini Cooper get the occassional negative comments- "who would buy this thing" "It's so overpriced" "you'll die in that"

For some reason, people need to vent their anger verbally at others who they consider ripe because they don't conform. Yet if you smile at them prior to their comment, they won't say it and may even say something nice (odd thing the human psyche).

Anytime you decide to take a novel path, others feel left behind.



----
Douglas B. Luckie, Ph.D.
Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab
Department of Physiology and Lyman Briggs School of Science
Michigan State University
http://surf.to/msucf

[secretoftheeast]

For me, I haven't noticed a discernible change in friendliness toward the Segway, although I've only owned it for approximately 6-7 months so I honestly can't say.

I can say that a majority of the people I have encountered lately seemed more and more open regarding the utility a HT offers (which is something I haven't seen before when telling people about it).

[Karamozov]

I agree with Secretoftheeast. It seems to me that more people I talk to and some who I've talked to before are talking about how they would use one. Most of these comments are well thought out and often the conversation ends with "Where can I get one?". When I tell them that Brookstone in Overland Park sells them, they usually appear surprised that there is a "dealer" in the state. Of course I always mention the internet.

"Any town that doesn't have sidewalks doesn't love its children."
- Margaret Mead

[Brooster]

Well, I definitely got my fair share of lip this morning! I guess things haven't changed all that much.

I had to drop LadyBroo off at O'Hare at about 6:30am, so I decided I'd head straight out for a little lakefront cruise when I got home. I was out Segging by about 7:15am, and thought I'd take advantage of a beautiful morning with not a lot of people around.

Wrong! :) Throngs of joggers ... these so-called "boot camp" groups who run in huge packs on Saturday mornings. I was down on the seawall (not even close to the joggers) when one male runner felt compelled to yell from a distance, "Tremendous! Tremendous exercise!" I yelled back, "Yeah, tremendous mouth, too!"

A single lady jogger decided she needed to yell over to me as well ... "Lazy?" I just shook my head as I rode on. And then there was all the various group laughter and mumblings that I couldn't quite make out.

Hey, I wasn't out there for a workout, I was just out for a Seg ride along the water ... enjoying my early morning, not making any noise, polluting the environment or getting in anyone's way. I guess when you purposely inject yourself into an environment where people are out exercising, particularly when they're doing so in groups, you're pretty much asking for it.

The other side of the coin is that two people this morning told me how cool they think the Seg is. One person even asked me to stop and explain how the Seg works, and I happily obliged. I still have to think that a lot of the negative commentary stems from little more than childish jealousy. It all just strengthened my resolve to keep enjoying my Seg.

[8][:P]









Brooster

[SegwayBill]

95% positive!

Bill

[wayne]

"jealous that the Segway costs more then their machines."


Just tell them when their bank account total is as long as their social security number they can get a Seg and join you.




"one male runner felt compelled to yell from a distance, "Tremendous! Tremendous exercise!"


Tell him not to bother you because you are exercising your brain.



Wayne

[Sal]

Wayne,

Love that exercising your brain retort! I have to use that one.

-Sal

P.S. A very large individual passed me the other day, jay-walking, as I stood put on my Seg, and said to his friend: "that's the epitome of laziness." I segged on.

Think Different / Answers that Matter
www.apple.com / www.lilly.com

[Brooster]

quote:Originally posted by salkulkarni

Love that exercising your brain retort! I have to use that one.


Used in the right place and time, that could be a good one! I like it!

When that runner yelled at me at 7:50 this morning, as I was on the seawall and explaining the Seg to the nice older gentlman who asked how it works, I was really tempted to tell the runner which orfice to blow it out of.

But I didn't. I held back somewhat and gave him the "tremendous mouth" comment, at which point the gentleman I was explaining the Seg to really let the runner have it. I won't tell you what he yelled back at the runner ... but it was pretty good!

[8D]



Brooster