Free!

Last night, I repeated to Kris a conversation I had with an acquaintance here at the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. Said acquaintance had expressed surprise I was leaving early (where early was 10 at night) instead of hanging around for the free (free!) beer. Who would leave early when there is free beer? Unheard of!

Not being a big drinker, much less a beer drinker, said free beer had little appeal. Sleep, now that had appeal.

Kris chuckled at the conversation, too, and remarked, "What is it about free that gets people flocking?" People always descend on the free stuff, in a mob mentality, rushing the free stuff. Free! Free! Free! Gone.

Today, after all the sessions were done, the conference provided small appetizer items to tide over the attendees until the party at 7:30 (Yahoo1). Providing a hint of food makes sure people will stay around and check out the vendor booths, instead of splitting for downtown to get interesting nutrition.

After gathering my food, I sat opposite the O'Reilly booth. The booth had a dozen or so stacks of books, which, I later found out, they were giving away for free. When I initially sat down across from the table, I looked at the books and thought, "I have that one, and that one, and that one, just bought that one, have that one and that one and that one." I thought they were selling the books, so, although there was one title I didn't have, but was considering getting, I didn't grab it.

As I sat, ate and watched, the books disappeared in the span of five minutes. Zoom! The geeks descended on the booth and grabbed up all the books, including the one I was interested in. I would have joined the frenzy, admittedly, if only I knew. I would have taken it for free, even though I wouldn't buy it at full price. Sorry I missed it, though the ones I really want, well, I already own.