[bb4ty]

It is getting less enjoyable and enlightening these days reading this BlackBerry Priv forum because of the numerous duplicating threads on the price of the Priv- those that opine that it is priced too high and those that vehemently defend its launch price of US$699.00. I started reading this forum for information about the new Priv because I was very excited about a BlackBerry phone running Android and when I learned about the launch price, I joined the camp that felt that the price was too high given BlackBerry’s current challenges, market position and public perception. If BlackBerry did not have these problems, the $699.00 price would be appropriate, maybe even a bargain.

I express my opinion because I do care very much about BlackBerry and its fortunes. I probably want it to succeed more than the many rabid BlackBerry fans on this forum who chastise, denigrate, insult and spew vitriol at those who dare to say that the Priv is overpriced considering BlackBerry’s market position. Just because I like BlackBerry does not mean I blindly accept everything the company does. My (and others like me) criticism of the price is meant to let BlackBerry know how some of us who use its products feel about its price strategy regarding the Priv. I do believe that some folks at BlackBerry, perhaps even John Chen himself on occasion come onto CrackBerry and view the forums to see what we are all up to and what we are talking about. Curiosity is a human trait even if it may kill cats.

The “discussion” on the Priv’s price appears to have gone into the sewer. Just look at the thread entitled “PRIV priced wrong, market will prove it. Here’s why” started by “epee”. You don’t need to go far into this thread to see what I mean. Despite the excessive number of threads on the Priv’s price, there really is not that much civil discourse. What I see is that when someone expresses an opinion that the Priv is overpriced, a curt response promptly follows saying that the poster is:

- a BlackBerry hater/basher
- poor and cannot afford the Priv so move along
- engaging in mindless b*******
- a whiner
- someone who has nothing to do (except to whine about the price of a phone)
- a troll
- stupid and just doesn’t get it
- a traitor
- someone without a marketing/management degree or credentials and thus unqualified to render an opinion on such a matter
- someone who doesn’t know s***

The above are actual examples of mocking of posters that I saw in the threads. What makes it worse is that most, if not all, of such virulent speech is just that. It is short and devoid of any explanation or constructive discussion on why the responder feels the price is not too high. Then, very quickly, such responder’s post receives several “likes” and “thanks”. While I don’t like to, I have no choice but to conclude that such person and his or her supporters are incapable of engaging in any discussion at all about anything other than to express utter displeasure and dismay at someone who believes in something that he or she does not agree with.

It is not as if the opportunity for civil and meaningful discourse does not exist. For example, there is a thread started by “dejanh” entitled “Do you really think Priv isn’t priced too high?” where I thought dejanh took the time to write a fairly even-handed piece about the Priv’s price even if he/she opined it was too high. This would have been an appropriate thread for folks to weigh in on the issue, especially those who believe the Priv is not overpriced. Instead of responding and offering insight on why they felt that way on this thread or others like it, they chose instead to hurl vitriol at posters or start their own threads displaying their elitist attitude and stating in effect that those who complain about the price just cannot afford the phone, are haters, poor, stupid, etc. Incidentally, many who feel the price is too much are not necessarily complaining. We are just expressing an opinion. There is a difference.

Now, I come onto this forum mainly for comic relief. I want to see what new virulent speech those on the “not high” camp can hurl at the “too high” camp.

Prove me wrong?

[DaDaDogg]

What was the Question again?

[Adam Frix]

But no Hitler comparisons yet, so...

At least we got rid of the "Dingleberry Perv" guy.

But I agree with you. Actually, these forums seem to be fuller than I thought they would be of, shall we say, less than mature people--or at least less than reasonable discourse, to say the least. Lots of misinformation, and overall lots of the type of behavior you describe.

It's not just the pricing discussions.

[aha]

Stay positive, don't let the mass drag you down.

PassportSQW100-1/10.3.2.2639

[byex]

Priv is overpriced.

Posted via CB10

[CTHendy]

The price is right brah!

Posted via CB10

[app_Developer]

Why are you here?

When did you last launch a smartphone yourself?

I'm kidding, of course. BlackBerry is an emotional topic, and this phone will decide the future of their smartphone business. So you can sort of understand why the discussion isn't always rational or kind.

[BDBDBD]

The price is fine. If it's too high, simply don't buy it. The same can be said of paying for a business class airline ticket, high-end watch, wine, etc.

Some people will find value in what BlackBerry offers and price will not be their sole determinant in their purchase decisions.

[anon8898370]

Price is marketed right prior to Launch.
Value is in the eye of the beholder

You just started another price discussion. Nice going!

Posted from my Z30 with Google Play Store

[anon4226395]

To the OP: I so enjoyed what you have said. The reality i suppose is in the eye of the beholder. For me, the price is immaterial. I bought already. No logic, I wanted it. I want to feel good, and I will. This phone shrieks to me "SOUL". That's why I bought it. It's not a material concept.

[deadcowboy]

Valuable discussions will pick up on release. Just a few days. All of this is pretty natural, considering that BlackBerry is abandoning their OS for the least secure OS on the market.

Posted via CB10

[6stringriffs]

They've been shamed in IPhone forums cause its an accepted given that IPhones are truly expensive. Even a 16GB,useless no SD card device. And Android phones are now in all spectrums of price range so they can't really make fun of it.
So this is the last place left where even though it is an Android, it is a very, very unique android device but priced high. So they're left with this place to vent their poverty stricken frustrations of not being able to obtain a so-called high-end device.

Just ignore them, ignore their threads and eventually after the device has been released for months they'll go away. Then when the BB10 OS is killed, we can all strike back and laugh at all the ones left behind.

[anon4226395]

They've been shamed in IPhone forums cause its an accepted given that IPhones are truly expensive. Even a 16GB,useless no SD card device. And Android phones are now in all spectrums of price range so they can't really make fun of it.
So this is the last place left where even though it is an Android, it is a very, very unique android device but priced high. So they're left with this place to vent their poverty stricken frustrations of not being able to obtain a so-called high-end device.

Just ignore them, ignore their threads and eventually after the device has been released for months they'll go away. Then when the BB10 OS is killed, we can all strike back and laugh at all the ones left behind.

Totally agree.

[conite]

We don't even know the price from the US carriers yet!!

This is what we know so far:

ShopBlackberry price: $699 USD, $899 CDN
Canadian Carriers (solid rumour): $799 CDN

PassportSQW100-4/10.3.2.2789

[johnny_bravo72]

If you have to ask...

*A3-A20

[Arabianhorse]

All of this is, and I mean "all" of it, is speculation.
The true value of the phone won't be known until consumers have a chance to use it and compare it to the products already out there.

The forums are a place to speculate on the "what ifs"
After a while the rhetoric all sounds the same

Let's just wait and see

STA 100-3, SQW 100-4 / 10.3.2.2789

[Arabianhorse]

And yes I looked at the specs, compared it to other flagship phones, watched along with the rest of the community as the video appeared and saw all the precious BB10 pearls in a stock lollipop Android, thought of the risk of learning a new OS after using Blackberries for 10 years, and took a chance - I preordered.

It's a phone - that's all it is

BUT...

It was fun to load leaked OS, compare radios, make hybrids, talk about glass screen protectors and cool cases, blah blah blah

Let's have fun with this too

STA 100-3, SQW 100-4 / 10.3.2.2789

[Chuck Finley69]

We don't even know the price from the US carriers yet!!

This is what we know so far:

ShopBlackberry price: $699 USD, $899 CDN
Canadian Carriers (solid rumour): $799 CDN

PassportSQW100-4/10.3.2.2789

Exactly, but we can't let truth get in the way of a good story, gossip and speculation.

Posted via CB10

[Bbnivende]

I have changed my mind slightly. Sometimes when a device has a higher price tag its value is perceived as higher as well. BlackBerry has to make a profit from this phone or there might not be any more.

This phone is in a niche market - premium sliders. Those who want a slider will pay the tariff. Price will also be accepted by Enterprise buyers.

The only uncertainty is whether this niche is large enough to support BlackBerry's handset aspirations.

Posted via CB10

[HKondor]

In the big scheme of things...we're discussing A PHONE for Christ's sake.

But if forced to think of it it does make sense really. It's the only man made thing that stays with people pretty much all the time. So people will get personal.

Posted via CB10