A Hypothesis On Segway Hate 487
theodp writes "Admit it, IT is ingenious. Also, IT is surprisingly effective for certain uses, including real cops and mall cops. And if you tried IT, you probably smiled to yourself. So why all the Segway hate? Paul Graham looks into The Trouble with the Segway and offers a hypothesis about what prompts people to shout abuse at Segway riders: 'You look smug. You don't seem to be working hard enough.' Not that someone riding a motorcycle is working any harder, adds Graham, but because he's sitting astride it, he appears to be making an effort. When you're riding a Segway you're just standing there. Make a version that doesn't look so easy for the rider — perhaps resembling skateboards or bicycles — and Segway just might capture more of the market they hoped to reach."
I'd buy one (Score:5, Funny)
"IT"? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Slashdot hate (Score:5, Funny)
Re:never understood the segway, (Score:2, Funny)
I don't use a Segway, I do unicycling, even to go to work.
It's more fun ! Not really easy to learn, no really as efficient as a bicycle, quite a lot more tiring, but a lot of joy on each trip, and many smiles on pedestrian faces. And as both hand are free, I can read/hold an umbrella. And it's a kind of everyday-sport, better for health than just standing on the segway :-)
Re:Ever park in a disabled spot? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Or maybe... (Score:1, Funny)
I don't see any advantage over a scooter or a bicycle on the streets.
I do not understand the need for one in a crowded mall full of walking people. Why does a security guard need the ability to make his butt grow even wider from the lack of exercise?
Re:Or maybe... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:never understood the segway, (Score:3, Funny)
And as both hand are free, I can read/hold an umbrella.
Okay, with that imagine in mind, I think I'd also smile if you were passing by. Particularly if it weren't raining and you'd still be holding that umbrella. ;)
Re:I'd buy one (Score:5, Funny)
Re:never understood the segway, (Score:3, Funny)
...[M]any smiles on pedestrian faces [and] I can read/hold an umbrella.
I'd smile too, if I saw you trying to read an umbrella...
Re:Or maybe... (Score:2, Funny)
Smug is definetly the right word though.
Re:just get a bicycle (Score:1, Funny)
Get a skateboard. It's faster, cheaper, healthier, more portable and slightly less abuse from the general public.
Re:Or maybe... (Score:3, Funny)
Every time I see "Segway", I don't see the word "Segway", I see the word "Smegway". Only because a smeghead [urbandictionary.com] would buy one of those.
Aaaaaaand... (Score:3, Funny)
"This is the same reason why people don't like Lisp hackers." Thus, it becomes a real Paul Graham article.
Re:I'd buy one (Score:2, Funny)
I've made a huge mistake...