iPhone release happened on Friday. Like it or hate it, a lot of people were were stuck waiting for hours while systems crashed trying to be the first to get phones.
I was trying to get in when someone sent me a twitter link which got straight in and I managed to get in and buy two. After investigating the link, I found the source. It was a whirlpool forum where people had managed to find the url's for the phone and started ordering their phones an hour before the official release. (first orders went through just after 4pm)
Telstra stated they would only accept orders from 5:01pm in an email sent to those who registered interest but they are now telling the people who ordered before 5pm they will still get their orders (and as part of the first batch of stock)
Now, given that these users bypassed the system, is Telstra promoting unethical behaviour and supporting it by allowing the orders to be processed instead of cancelling them which is what should be done? Telstra probably doesn't give a **** because they are still doing the orders, but do they have a duty to their customers to treat them fairly by cancelling the orders of those who ordered before 5pm?
Or will this just promote worse behaviour next year?
It's just a phone, do you get to wear a special hat that says you were one of the first to get it? I don't understand why this is important to so many people. Like the Harry Potter books - people actually camped out to be first into the shops. Weird.
Not having a go by the way, just my ten cents. My phone still flips open, antique almost by today's standards.
I suspect Telstra are just thinking, 'it's easier to accept these orders' as they don't have to worry about telling people they missed out, and telling others they can now have one. It makes it simple.
Maybe next time they will be a bit more careful with the URL, but what do they care, they still sold all their phones.
If you are worried about unethical people, give yourself an upper-cut and move on 
So the short answer is do it right and you get screwed over, do it wrong and you benefit.
Pretty sad perspective on life. As much as this is just a phone, it seems to be pretty much the same approach to life in general.
I remember there was some jeep comp where they had similar issues. People hacked the app and got the number before the date. When the date arrived, most of the people were stuck with a non-responsive app while most of the winners were those who had been on the website that hacked the app. Insteading of pulling the comp or doing a random draw, Jeep keep the entrants.
Nah Saffer, it's not a sad perspective on life in general, it's just gimmicky marketing. I get your gripe, but it's not important. Be happy with what you have until it's knackered, then get a new one. Heaps less stressful than feeling that you've been screwed over for the sake of getting in early to replace something that probably doesn't really need replacing.
Wise person once told me that if something is bothering me, ask myself if it will still be important to me in ten years. If not, let it go now. Has served me well.
Regarding Telstra, after letting them bother me for ten years or more, I (slow learner...) finally barred them and found a new telco. *insert contented sigh*
Select to expand quoteSaffer said..
So the short answer is do it right and you get screwed over, do it wrong and you benefit.
Pretty sad perspective on life. As much as this is just a phone, it seems to be pretty much the same approach to life in general.
I remember there was some jeep comp where they had similar issues. People hacked the app and got the number before the date. When the date arrived, most of the people were stuck with a non-responsive app while most of the winners were those who had been on the website that hacked the app. Insteading of pulling the comp or doing a random draw, Jeep keep the entrants.
It is the attitude now. In Aus we have so many f'ckn rules. People don't/can't understand them. The policing structures are inadequate. Take all these Chinese real estate buyers. Sure there are rules that seem fair - but has anyone ever seen a real estate policeman enforcing the rules?
And then we have my fav subject here..... 457 workers. I read a report recently that said that 90% of them are here fraudulently - again plenty of rules about 457, but no police.
I agree, I think it is a sad situation.
No one got hurt, nothing was stolen. I kind of admire the enthusiasm all for nothing more than a new phone.
Nah Chris it is BS. It is like pushing in line etc.
People will do things electronically that they would not do in person so I reckon Telstra should cut them out.
Of course like others said they won't cos it is too hard and they don't care - they made money.
Whilst I can certainly understand why someone would be p'd off, let's all put it in context - after all, it is only a phone.
And Saffer, you've correctly ID'd the issue - a first world problem....
Being first to get a new iPhone is all about bragging rights. Being able to tell people you managed to bypass the system to order yours early only adds to the kudos you'll get. Good on 'em, they've outplayed your hand.
I hate people who jump queue in pretty much every circumstance imaginable, but the Apple product launch hype drives me bonkers. People camping out for a week to get a new operating system, that a week later they're going to be cursing. Or paying the cost of a new sail for a phone that has an extra pixel, and getting it this week instead of next week is worth giving up the naming rights of your first born?
I'm happy with my $50 Nokia that fits in the change pocket of my jeans, only needs to be charged once a week, running on my $3.33 per month plan.
I think you guys would be surprised the amount of work that goes on in a Telco prior to an iPhone release. Apple even try and keep things quiet about the details.
Vodafone, Telstra, Optus, and anyone else need to make sure that their systems are operational and able to respond as quick as possible in order to process sales.
If they don't people will happily buy one from another telco, and they lose that customer for a year or two. If Telstra weren't able to process the orders, customers would have happily gone across to Optus.
I was across this once when an iPhone came out and they had to make sure the website worked better than ever, so anything that could get upgraded got upgraded.
I really don't get the need to have the latest iPhone or 3D TV or any tech actually. I mean generally the new stuff has issues that don't get sorted for several months or even the next model.
Don't get me wrong, I still love my iPhone, iPad, Sonos ect but only buy them after the nerds have sorted out what's good and what's not.
I was told today that you can top up the batteries in the new Ithingies by nuking them in the microwave.
If anyone is game to give me an iwotsit, I will be happy to have a go 
stephen
Oh yeah, and I don't care what anyone says - Siri is awesome. Just for making appointments, arranging meetings and general reminders. I reckon my actual real life assistant gets to spend an extra hour on Facebook a day at least, since I discovered Siri.
Select to expand quotesn said..
I was told today that you can top up the batteries in the new Ithingies by nuking them in the microwave.
If anyone is game to give me an iwotsit, I will be happy to have a go
stephen
Yep that right and the new Icrap 6 has been built like a turd and float very nicely...... you can slide it in you boardies (only if you wear them on top of your wet suit).
