Agilent Black Friday Oscilloscope Offer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AgilentScopes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 09:44:24 pm
content: We interrupt your forum for the following commercial message ...Hello EEVBlogers,Visit Agilent'sOscilloscope Facebookpage to:Learn the "true" story of Black FridayDiscover how you can win one of 3 offers to buy a scope at a rediculous priceRegards,Your Pals at Agilent

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:15:23 pm
content: pssst! not too loud!(i wish i could hijack this thread)

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:17:26 pm
content: I am in your target group, but I avoid Facebook. So thanks, but no thanks.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:18:15 pm
content: Well, thanks for the heads up.I think it's going to be pretty frustrating thoughWaiting and waiting and then the listing begins and you're just too slow.Though probably not quite as frustrating as sparkfun's "free days"

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:24:39 pm
content: Life is too short to waste any of it on FaceBook.Sorry -- I'll pass.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:32:14 pm
content: On Foolbook, thanks but no thanks.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:45:28 pm
content: Perhaps not Agilent at all. Send me a scope and I will verify that its really Agilent.Alexander.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:49:45 pm
content: I like their cute little story, although I echo the Facebook comment. Not worth it for the 0.1% chance of winning anyway, especially for those of us who don't spend all day waiting for updates.@UV: Don't worry, I wouldn't be surprised if the offer was limited to the continental US.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:50:35 pm
content: No Facebook for me either. Never had an account.. Never will.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:57:10 pm
content: good to hear there's alot of anti-FB here

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 10:58:28 pm
content: Quote from: alm on November 21, 2011, 10:49:45 pmThey'd do that?The clueless bastards. The way our excuse for a PM was rubbing Obama's crotch, I'd assumed we'd become the 51st.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 11:05:16 pm
content: Maybe, but then you'd be in the same boat as Hawaii and Alaska: part of the US, but missing out on all the fun that's limited to the continental US. Unless you define Oz to be the continent and declare all other states overseas territories.

author: AgilentScopes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 11:16:04 pm
content: Addenda:This offer is available everywhere that Agilent does business. So yeah, if you're posting from North Korea you're out of luck. There are a few other folks who are not eligible, and they are listed in the Official Disclaimer (our mothers, for example).We're saddened that some will not be viewing us on Facebook. We like to reach out to all sorts of forums, and we've been practicing our Duckface poses so that we could fit in on FB.Since Uncle Vernon's post was #555 for him, we must assume that it is a prank and will discount it. We will honor EEVBlog traditions.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 11:25:29 pm
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on November 21, 2011, 10:57:10 pmI am a huge fan of facebook. I have an account and I visit at least once a year. Sometimes twice!I did have a couple of friends, but then I started getting notifications of irrelevant messages, so they are gone. I think a facebook account works really well with no friends.Richard.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 11:31:53 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 21, 2011, 11:16:04 pmA prank? How would that work?QuoteOK then you disrobe and someone can fetch the goat and the milk cereal.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 11:45:06 pm
content: $0.01 for an oscilloscope worth 4x10^5 times more... Announced 15 minutes before... 250ms ping time at home... What could possibly go wrong?The winner is going to be whoever happens to be lucky enough to live near an eBay data center with a fast connection and a low ping rate. A trip to the US for a couple of days may cost less than the scope, so I guess I have to get my tickets soon.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 11:49:09 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 21, 2011, 09:44:24 pmIs it the marketing/advertising types that think everyone else gives a rat's arse about facebook because they do?

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 11:54:18 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 21, 2011, 11:16:04 pmWell done, THAT is effective.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 12:09:12 am
content: ANOTHER non-FB user who is not going to waste time on the contest.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 12:17:47 am
content: Quote from: ivan747 on November 21, 2011, 11:45:06 pmI think the winner will be a programmer who writes a script to check the facebook page, click on the link when it appears, look for an ebay address, and bid on it.If Agilent are smart, they will first post a link to an ebay sale with the same scope for double the retail price. They might get some sales.Richard

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 12:31:43 am
content: Quote from: Uncle Vernon on November 21, 2011, 11:31:53 pmCould it be that this (very astute, by the way...) joke went misunderstood?

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 12:40:09 am
content: Quote from: amspire on November 22, 2011, 12:17:47 amThe winner will be a programmer with a fast server with a virtual machine included, so he can code the script and run it directlyNow looking forward to getting a fast, low ping server to make a script on. Don't worry, I will make the script check for the price before paying.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 12:50:34 am
content: Quote from: PetrosA on November 22, 2011, 12:31:43 amCould well be. Do you think the contest number #555-FLUKE is also a ruse?Would be more milage having their contest on this forum and the extraneous marketing on FB. But best be nice marketing departments are easily startled.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 01:02:15 am
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 21, 2011, 11:16:04 pmDon't be sad, welcome to the reality of engineering and social media.It's probably a safe bet to say that the majority of engineers have a rather large dislike for facebook, and for having to "Like" something to enter a contest or get info, or whatever.They know it's all about marketing having to meet arbitrary social media growth targets to justify their existenceBut welcome, good to see you participating here, and I'm sure at least some people will "Like" you!Dave.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 01:05:10 am
content: Quote from: Uncle Vernon on November 22, 2011, 12:50:34 amIndeed, and I'd be more than happy to host a forum contest if they have another scope to giveaway!My EEVblog contest wobulator program is ready to go and pick a winner!Dave.

author: quench
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 01:21:49 am
content: heck, i'm happy to see a company get more involved on a social/personal level with current & perspective users & customers.and kudo's for the 555 reference, it was well timed... err played. (please don't take me out of the running for the scopes on the bad pun, but fledgling lab has room for a 'scope lol)

author: ToBeFrank
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 02:40:58 am
content: I'd rather spend Black Friday on Facebook than any store in America. People are nuts on that day.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 04:44:50 am
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 21, 2011, 11:16:04 pmyou've entered politically matured forumyou are going to need a disk on your back

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 08:27:20 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 22, 2011, 01:02:15 amSo much time wasted on facebook...never again. Marketing and CALEA can suck it.

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 09:41:58 am
content: The ones of us who understands how facebook works - avoid it like the (insert STD of choice)But fun that Agilent is ahead of times on the products - but so far behind on "reaching out to the customers" that they do not know the interest of the target groups.But unfortunately "Campaign managers" have one of the KPI's set as "how many new 'likes' did we get on facebook..." - and their annual bonus possibly depends on it.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 10:05:06 am
content: Wow, too much no-FB (well, it never is too much). I'm at home

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 03:27:14 pm
content: Quoteshould I spin too, and in what direction ? I believe the word fun is the appropriate one .Even so the directions are unclear, how you can become a fun, by justkickingthe like button ?Edit: after clicking I like .. the page redirects to another, ok got it.Still there must be ,more details so the planet earth to synchronize their watches with the auction time !!

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 04:08:06 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on November 22, 2011, 03:27:14 pmUh, no, you believe incorrectly. The word is 'fan', from 'fanatic'; as an aside, it also gives us 'fanboy' as a pejorative term for someone who cheerleads for something merely because it's got their favourite brand on it, rather than for any particular strength of the product. Being called a 'Agilent fanboy', for instance, would not really be something to be proud of!

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 04:51:27 pm
content: Quote from: baljemmett on November 22, 2011, 04:08:06 pmbaljemmett because you are from England, I believe you ..Thanks for the tip, I will stop spinningfor now.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 05:10:27 pm
content: Another Facebook avoider here. I refuse to use Facebook. Any company that thinks Facebook is the best way to reach its customers has the wrong demographic in mind if they are trying reach anyone other than the sheeple in the world. I sincerely doubt that forcing prospective customers to join Facebook does anything other than alienate those who are most likely to consider a product in the technical fields. Sheeple are the least likely to want to spend money on quality products anyway.So Aligent, sorry, but you just cut down your reputation a few notches with this idea.On the other hand, welcome to the forum and please continue to contribute in other useful ways. That is how you will garner favor amongst the types you seek to sell to.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 05:33:14 pm
content: Quote from: Uncle Vernon on November 21, 2011, 10:58:28 pmDidn't you miss a tiny thing? Last time you tried to get rid of her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, you failed. Too many Aussies pressing the "Like" button then, eh?I don't think the US would like to see a UK monarch sneaking back in through the back door.By the way, what happened to "Defender of the Faith"? No faith in Australia any more?

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 05:44:17 pm
content: I hate facebook just as much as you guys, but if you aren't participating then more luck for me. I have nothing better to do on the 25th than periodically check ebay for recently added $0.01 Buy It Now listings for "Agilent"... and if it's not a hoax, then there are 3 being given away. How many people could possibly be looking for oscilloscopes on ebay (or facebook for that matter) every 15 minutes

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 06:25:11 pm
content: Quote from: BoredAtWork on November 22, 2011, 05:33:14 pmUm nup!!QuoteThat's the problem with you Yanks, (and yes you chicken chopping southerners, you're Yanks too.) you have no clue about anything more than five minutes from your continental enclave. Yes there was a failed referendum ,but that was more about Keating trying to make himself self elected Emperor than about any obligation to the UK and it's inbred Monarchy. The reason why it was soundly rejected. The closest we come to in regard to obligation to the old dart is to let the poms win the Ashes about 4 times a century.QuoteWhile your efforts in Boston of old were bold and effective, I doubt modern day USA would notice if Canada became Buddhist. I mean you've had the entire nation of Mexico sneak into your land and you've barely noticed it happening.QuoteI don't know maybe he got a job or he is whoring about on that chicken chaser motorcycle he bangs on about. In Australia he'd likely be lost somewhere at the wheel of a Melbourne cab.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 06:47:44 pm
content: Come on, you at least had to pay her a barbecue meal last time she was hanging around and blocking the streets. What a waste of perfectly good meat.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 07:01:05 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on November 22, 2011, 03:27:14 pmThere is a Dominican stand-up comedian whose Facebook fan group is called "Carlos Sanchez's fans", literally translated to sound like "ceiling fans" (Los Abanicos de Carlos Sánchez).Oh, by the way, spin in the clockwise direction.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 07:56:59 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on November 22, 2011, 03:27:14 pmi know some jokers hate you, but your joke makes me cry!

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 08:17:18 pm
content: well, i wonder what will be the exact time (cant take my laptop to work and check it in every minute)

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 08:24:29 pm
content: So are these going to be in business hours? Or the whole 24 hour period? Are they using US time? Which timezone?

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 09:08:34 pm
content: wtf is a facebook??

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 09:04:07 am
content: Quote from: BoredAtWork on November 22, 2011, 06:47:44 pmI wouldn't crow too much about blocking streets your mate Obama has just been here with enterage of crack paranoia units, blocking roads for days so the smooth "O"' could announce he was going to avail himself of some free rent in Darwin.We don't shoot out politicians here, well apart from one sordid little numbers and apart from many of us thinking we should.Those aren't Terrorists, by the way, they are cab drivers, man you yanks are paranoid.

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 09:30:41 am
content: Quote from: Uncle Vernon on November 23, 2011, 09:04:07 amWhen I was active duty some years ago, then President Bush flew into our base via Marine 1. I maintained avionics systems on the stealth fighter at that base back then, so you can imagine what kind of security we had in place for daily ops. And yet all vehicles on our secure military installation were required to cease all movement until the president had landed and rendezvoused with his convoy.Paranoid? Sure. Naive? US Secret Service doesn't play around...especially while visiting a foreign country.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 05:56:38 pm
content: Quote from: slateraptor on November 23, 2011, 09:30:41 amAnd can't get a limo along a normal driveway

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 06:01:19 pm
content: Quote from: Uncle Vernon on November 23, 2011, 09:04:07 amYou invited him so he could inspect the future 51st in person. So don't complain that you got the full show. While that old tart tends to invite herself whenever it pleases her.

author: quench
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 07:14:03 pm
content: Is there an off-topic or other such area for discussions not related to the original post?

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 07:43:25 pm
content: Quote from: quench on November 23, 2011, 07:14:03 pmDo you really think there is anything more to discuss about the original posting? Agilent got their advertising, we got our "Facebook boooo" moments. Even you got your moment of Agilent cocksuckingQuoteSo do you have anything more to contribute to the original posting? Then why didn't you post it until now?

author: quench
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 08:12:29 pm
content: wow, nice crowd here

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 08:41:44 pm
content: Quote from: BoredAtWork on November 23, 2011, 06:01:19 pmAs much as I invited Paris Hilton, Al Gore and any other of your special breed of Stars'n'stripes whack-jobs.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 09:24:26 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on November 22, 2011, 07:56:59 pmYou little weaselI will grab this scope.. no mater how many sweet talks you will write at the Agilent facebook page.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 10:25:42 am
content: Well, one just went. I would have had a chance but eBay decided I needed to login. And after I made sure I was logged in. Rage.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 10:47:44 am
content: after continuous refresh. got the nina popped up, click it... item has ended! a sleepless lady got it!

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 10:47:48 am
content: Quote from: 8086 on November 25, 2011, 10:25:42 amLOL .. I am logged-in in ebay all ready.But I do not think that they will give the second right away, probably in few hours.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 10:50:19 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on November 25, 2011, 10:47:44 amI think that an other member in this family was sleepless, and he use this account for the task.It does not make sense otherwise.

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:13:46 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on November 25, 2011, 10:50:19 amWow, sexist much?

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:27:27 am
content: Just Mediterranean ..

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:38:30 am
content: Quote from: baljemmett on November 25, 2011, 11:13:46 amRacists, can be sexist too!

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 12:09:31 pm
content: Vernon got a kick in the head from a kangaroo before 50 years ago, now he is over 65 and still he call as racist anything taller than him.I like to congrats this kangaroo, even if he did the half work.It should kick him three or four times more.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 02:48:19 pm
content: where did they post the ebay link? on the black friday tab or on the main wall?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 03:21:41 pm
content: there goes another one. really at the mercy of internet connection speed, no matter how good your script is.

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 03:38:16 pm
content: I'm so sad!

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 03:39:22 pm
content: fist one missed due to work and now due to the internet latency great

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 03:40:51 pm
content: All boils down to essentially random luck of who hits refresh just in time in the 20 minute window they announce. Well and network latency as we just found out. Though the odds are better than usual. On the first one I was page view #21 - not terrible. Now, if Agilent would think about something for those who spent the night chasing teh scope (and not just point them to an auction for one at $3k..)

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 04:02:40 pm
content: I was answering the door to my girlfriend when the second one came up >.< Really is not my day today. Still, is better to have a girlfriend and a crap oscilloscope then no girlfriend and a good oscilloscope

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 04:04:44 pm
content: Quote from: M. András on November 25, 2011, 02:48:19 pmSo, where do they post it?

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 04:10:18 pm
content: My wife was game enough to offer to do shifts watching for it through the nightQuote from: 8086 on November 25, 2011, 04:02:40 pm

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 04:23:30 pm
content: Not going to participate. Who needs a noisy 10k+ top brand, shinny with big screen oscilloscope after all...Alexander.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 05:18:18 pm
content: And the 3rd ones gone. eBay made me sign in AGAIN

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 05:20:34 pm
content: Few ms late ....

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 05:22:57 pm
content: Anybody taking bets on how many people will un-Like the Agilent page now?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 05:25:09 pm
content: there goes the last one. get back to life! i wish agilent will be always at the top in the future.Quote from: reagle on November 25, 2011, 04:10:18 pmi told my wife i cant go out today. i'm lucky i got understanding swmbo. gotta give a tight hug afterward. just about time0124 GMT+8

author: Flavour Flave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 05:43:39 pm
content: No ones come forward on facebook saying they have won the third one. Probably a script kiddie won it.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 05:49:20 pm
content: Many people could signed to FB just for the cause. Maybe he doesn't care to announce his win to FB.Alexander.

author: benemorius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 06:12:59 pm
content: Quote from: Flavour Flave on November 25, 2011, 05:43:39 pmWell to be fair, I'm not social enough that I'd have said anything there if I had won one. Anyway though, one ought to expect nothing less from a group of engineers than scripting, right? This wasn't just some $100 gift card. There were 10,000 US dollars on the line if I'm not mistaken. Out of 900 or so likes on facebook, the pageviews on the ebay item pages numbered only in the dozens. It seems that either very few people were actually trying to win the scopes, or almost everyone was skipping the item pages and going straight for the Commit to Buy button.Quote from: AgilentAm I the only one who's having trouble calling it quits and going to bed now after reading that? Some part of me just can't help but wonder and hope...

author: AgilentScopes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 06:14:05 pm
content: Hi gents,Thanks to all of you who participated. I don't think I've ever had more fun doing something for work, during a holiday, that will have zero impact on my job ranking. I know that my tag-team partners today (one in Colorado Springs and one in Boeblingen) agree.I learned a bunch, particularly from following this thread. I especially liked Mr. 8066's philosophy on girlfriends and scopes. I may get it tattooed.During this week, we came up with a bunch of ideas for future deals. Different one will appeal to different folks. If you have ideas, please share them.We'll probably still use Facebook as an enabling tool for most. While we see our and other forums like EEVBlog as our preferred center of communication, FB is helpful for communicating across groups. If it will help your street-cred, feel free to use a partner or relative's account -- our first winner was logged into his wife's account.Thanks again for a fun week.

author: benemorius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 06:22:28 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 25, 2011, 06:14:05 pmHow about doing just one more scope before the 24 hour window is up? You know... just to help us stay awake for the rest of the day so as not to completely throw our sleep schedules off.Perhaps everyone has already given up and shut down their scripts for now.

author: AgilentScopes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 06:47:28 pm
content: Quote from: benemorius on November 25, 2011, 06:22:28 pmGreat idea. I'm game (I always like how woot.com runs a BoC when you least expect it), but our eBay operations guy has gone home for the weekend.I am curious to see the role of scripts. While we recognize and like that our target audience is smarter than most, we tried to make it a bit of a challenge to use scripts. We'll check in with the winners and take a look at the server info next week to see what we can learn.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 06:49:55 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 25, 2011, 06:14:05 pmAh, scoring karma points should not be underestimated!It was proper mad on Agilen't ebay store. The definition of geeky internet stampede!I am curious though, why "nina"?

author: benemorius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 06:59:36 pm
content: Quote from: Alex on November 25, 2011, 06:49:55 pmLog out of facebook and checkthe black friday pageagain:Quote

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 07:02:16 pm
content: Well, there is your proof I have not had much sleep.

author: shadowless
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 07:16:57 pm
content: can't beat a script...

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 07:38:45 pm
content: Quote from: shadowless on November 25, 2011, 07:16:57 pmthe best script with slow net connection still lose. the 2nd winner has 8ms latency (10Mbps fiber). not sure what is net latency, but 8ms figure respond is way too fast. my do {F5} loop script took 1-5 sec in each loop in my 200Kbps net. too bad, too bad!

author: wkb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 08:01:23 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 25, 2011, 06:14:05 pmSmells like HP storage division around here

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 09:52:58 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 25, 2011, 06:14:05 pmNo shit !! I been called as racist and sexist because I predict that, tell him to open his own account, my reputation got in danger for few minutes !! LOL

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 09:56:18 pm
content: Sounds like you've got a pretty good job mr. AgilentScopes. Might I suggest next time you sell those scopes for around $1500 instead of giving them away for free, and maybe giving a couple of random purchasers a full refund afterwards (effectively making their scope free). This way, you know the people buying the scopes are really looking for a scope, you get some money out of it, and a few people win a free scope anyways.Remember, thousands of people bought the 50MHz Rigol DS1052E scope because it is a damn fine scope and only costs ~$400... if you sell a 500MHz scope for $1000 - $2000, a lot of people will probably go for that instead, as an investment, plus the added bonus of it being a mixed-signal scope. However, if you charge $10,000 for it, the average working stiff won't be able to afford it, and even if you only charge $5,000, the price per MHz is actually higher than the Rigol and there isn't really much incentive to pay that much.The only reason businesses pay so much money for said devices, is because it isn't coming out of the pocket of the employee who orders it... what the hell right

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 10:07:06 pm
content: Quote from: olsenn on November 25, 2011, 09:56:18 pmI do not think that this is the idea behind theThanks Giving Day !!There is thousands out there that could not even afford to buy the Rigol one.Your other option is to make a review for CEM China , and get a mini scope as review item.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 10:55:19 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on November 25, 2011, 06:14:05 pmI don't particularly care for contests of this nature, as they generally aren't fair across the board.The one with the best internet connection or script, the greatest attention span, maybe in the best time zone stands the best chance of winning.I think that if you are going to give stuff away, then just do so, without catches, without trying to get people into some sales funnel, and make it as fair as possible across the board so everyone has a chance. But I can understand the desire to have narrow contests just for people in your Facebook community or forum or whatever.The old name out of the hat still works a treat, but it's fun to do it in transparent way like I did:Dave.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:13:34 pm
content: Quote from: baljemmett on November 25, 2011, 05:22:57 pmYeah but tomorrow's figures wont be the ones that the marketing dept put forward ask a KPI of their promotions success. It's always amazed me how companies deducted that wasting the time of a substantial section of their user base could result in an enduring public image. Given the target market you'd have thought a contest of skill or creativity would have left a better image than a chook-lotto scramble for unattainable freebies. But hey, what would I know, I'm not in marketing. Hell I don't even have a ponytail, don't drink soy lattes, don't evenown a Prius.Have to wonder if those who committed time to this have worked it out yet? I guess some never will.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:20:52 pm
content: I thought it was a positive experience and I like how the Agilent marketing people communicated. Sure, they're trying to buy eyeballs, but it's better than shoving a banner ad in your face and all those other stupid things marketing departments come up with.I didn't make an attempt to win it and didn't waste 24h. I guess some of those 'Facebook fans' might be frustrated by this, kind of like the Sparkfun freeday mess 'every' year.

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:33:41 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on November 25, 2011, 09:52:58 pmVery useful selective memory you have there, Kiriakos -- you didn't predict it at all, you stated outright that the only way it made sense for a woman to have won one of the 'scopes was if a male in her household was interested and used her account. That's not quite the same thing, now, is it?But whatever, you carry on pissing and moaning about your reputation; after all, reputation means nothing when compared to words and actions, and yours very often speak for themselves.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:42:49 pm
content: The prediction needs some base to stand on, if you dislike the base because of your own believes, its your problem not my.

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:47:07 pm
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on November 25, 2011, 07:38:45 pmEhh, I'm too lazy but I could write a script that uses CURL and host it in the datacenter off the immediate peer to facebook and get sub-millisecond response (plus FB server delays of course). These contests are pretty dumb, most of the time winners can afford these scopes easily anyway. I'd rather see them donate scopes to schools in poor countries, winner gets to choose which one.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:49:16 pm
content: Quote from: alm on November 25, 2011, 11:20:52 pmInteresting. I am not after this kind of experiences. For me it is just pointless noise. I don't want to have to befriend a company and I don't want to listen to self-adulation about "social this and social that is great because it is great".When I pick up the phone at work or send an email I am after the kind of experience known as getting a reliable, useful and complete answer. I don't want to have to go through the experience of having to tweet something like "Yo, this one goes out to my homies at Agilent, your stuff is the shit! Yo! Wana a quote for your shit, peace out!"

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:52:41 pm
content: Quote from: Wartex on November 25, 2011, 11:47:07 pmMaybe. I have often seen that winners of such contests had no real interest in the stuff and were just reselling it at the first opportunity.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2011, 11:55:50 pm
content: Quote from: alm on November 25, 2011, 11:20:52 pmThe fact they are attempting to communicate has to be commended. I'll disagree on the effectiveness of the communication.QuoteNothing wrong with that...QuoteTrue! Although some marketing guru will declare that any recognition is good recognition. Hell saturation TV advertising works, right up to the precipice at which a good proportion of the population cannot be bothered to even switch the box on anymore.QuoteYou had a statistical chance of winning, but then statistically your still a chance of an all expenses paid holiday on the orbiting space station.QuoteTheir fault! I don't have too much sympathy for those who act before thinking things through.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 12:35:07 am
content: Risking sounding cocky, I think you are on the right track here Agilent. And because of that, since you have asked for input I will type up my irrelevant perspective.The topic of fairness is coming up frequently. I dont like the word fair, it is too subjective. A renowned negotiator said that anyone after the age of 7 using this word is living in another world. I can't see how any competition can be made truly 'fair', there will always be some discrimination. Picking on an example mentioned previously, a contest can have requirements like entrants must sign on a forum and have a certain number of posts to be considered. Isn't 1000 posts better than 10? How do you define 'fair'? Is that 'fair'? Would you feel it was 'fair' if you won the prize? What is 'fair' really is defined by the organiser in their terms and conditions; everything that meets that is 'fair'. Tough.It's not perfect, but what is important is to maintain the momentum. We need more companies getting to explore such practices. Tweak the offering if you have to convince someone internally that this is a good idea (e.g. promotion and end-user feedback from 'RoadTests'), but keep the ball rolling! It promotes competition and you, the buyer, are the real winner in the long-term. But dont enter expecting to win! Remember this was not designed to makeyouwin; chances are you won't win! I personally think the process can be made to be great fun and if you win, what a pleasant surprise!That's my take on it. Congratulations to the winners!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 03:46:04 am
content: Quote from: Alex on November 26, 2011, 12:35:07 amOf course, fair is always subjective.In my case I wanted the contest to be only open to the current forum users. It wasn't ploy to get more users into the forum, just a small prize and bit of fun for those already involved. Hence the 5 post minimum to ensure that you were at least a semi regular contributor, and to try and weed out those just joining for the contest. (the forum also happened to make it technically easy to run the contest and pick a random winner)I also personally like to see prizes going to those less fortunate. Like if someone already has a 20 multimeter collection, I'd prefer a multimeter prize goes to someone who only has one, or none. Maybe the person with 20 meters thinks they are entitled to a fair shot at it to?, and you can say that's fair enough too. But the "worthiness" aspect if very difficult to judge, so most time you should even bother. A random winner takes care of that question.Ultimately, any company giving away valuable test gear stuff like scopes is a good thing.Although I'm not a fan of games of skill or timing, or ones that can be cheated by scripting etc or ones that involve the most votes (even though I have won several of those contests myself).If it's just a straight prize draw, then I prefer to see a flat out random draw to one where you have to put time and effort into something, and be made to jump through hoops.I also like the design contests, as they usually produce good content. But they are different ball game entirely I think.Dave.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 04:03:42 am
content: Quote from: alm on November 25, 2011, 11:20:52 pmSome people make a living from those banner adsDave.

author: aparlett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 08:46:38 am
content: Im worth you guys shpoould go to people that deserve itI would really like to see Agilent work more with schools and university, something like Microsoft dose, with its MSDN, Its a great idea , it benefits both parties students get cheap software, and Microsoft gains market share. It would be awesome if Agilent could set up a student program.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 10:07:41 am
content: "Quotes Of The Day"for me from page 5-7Quote from: olsenn on November 25, 2011, 09:56:18 pmQuote from: BoredAtWork on November 25, 2011, 11:52:41 pmQuote from: firewalker on November 25, 2011, 04:23:30 pmand maybe eevbloggers are not the intention after all (in context of the contest). they (agilent) got some of the "eyeballs" here already. those winners that "i dont know who" just maybe the right person for agilent marketing, they maybe will speak for them in another side of the world, or simply maybe like BAW, hands down to another "delegate(s)" at very good price. but sadly, there will be no 3000X teardown fun for us here.

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 12:15:47 pm
content: Quote from: aparlett on November 26, 2011, 08:46:38 amI doubt that'll ever happen on an individual level. Ask yourself a few questions:How difficult is it to manufacture precision test equipment?How often does an individual replace said precision test equipment, let alone own one?How difficult is it to copy software?How often does one upgrade software or replace a functioning computer?You're more liable to see something like a student discount on a NI myDAQ, which includes a bloated software suite and a sorry excuse for an audio bandwidth USB DSO.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 01:14:37 pm
content: Quote from: slateraptor on November 26, 2011, 12:15:47 pmit will be easy if you have multi millions dollar on your back, multi thousands equipments on your bench, and you are going to sell the equipment at 5 digit figure and you know there will be potential buyers for it. the difficult part is getting feedbacks from customers and responding to it appropriately.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 03:19:12 pm
content: What I would like to suggest to Agilent is that they have a giveaway on some of their scope options to any members of the EEVblog forum. The options don't cost Agilent anything other than a little bit of admin. It would give Agilent scope owners that feel good factor that Agilent reward their customers.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 04:43:50 pm
content: I like to believe that any offerings at one specific forum,it is a event that counts more in the public relations between the forum owner and the what ever company.If the point is to award the local contributors , every one with a post counter over the 300 mark, is an regular visitor in my eyes.And a true contributor is at the 600 post in his counter or more.Those numbers comes from the fact that the EEV are two years old, and so those estimated numbers are a good proof of who is who.

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 04:52:11 pm
content: ^^^ I value the SNR more, but maybe that's just me.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 04:52:49 pm
content: Why not set the minimum at 3400 posts, moderators not eligible?

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2011, 07:35:45 pm
content: A bit of advice, scope with that capabilities and price point is a serious tool, these are not some common gadgets like computer, camera, phone or other cool & trendy electronic gadget.If I'm not mistaken, one of the purpose of this marketing activities is to bring product awareness to the "right audiences", and its just doesn't feel right if the winner probably can't appreciate what it does, or worst doesn't even know what a scope is, which is very possible by the way this event was made. Surely, the "right audiences" will feel a great disappointment knowing this precious gadget might fall into the wrong hand instead to one of them.Why not do it better next time like making a quiz to test the contestant's product knowledge, and in depth if needed, so its not enough just by briefly browse or read your product's brochure or data sheet, but actually they will have to go through in detail and understand your product's strong points and competitive edges, and who ever came out 1st with the right answer wins it.Believe with this kind of contest will be quite an effective filter leaving out only the right audiences as the right target, and hopefully will be better served than those people that only have big & fast network or script kiddies.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 12:09:59 am
content: Quote from: alm on November 26, 2011, 04:52:49 pmOne such suggestion with out a smiley next to it, its like an act of war ... are you ready for one ?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 12:45:56 am
content: Quote from: alm on November 26, 2011, 04:52:49 pmInclude multiple posts about waiting for the postman and any fool can qualify.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 01:39:48 am
content: Agilent please give to the above lurker a red crocodile test clip, but not the black one too.I like to see him scratching his head for life, of why he did not get and the black one as pair !!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 02:00:44 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on November 26, 2011, 07:35:45 pmI think Lecroy did exactly this recently.Dave.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 12:03:12 pm
content: Rohde & Schwarz did something like this when they introduced the RTO oscilloscopes and they have a quizhttp://www.scope-of-the-art.com/en/community/downloads/

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 01:09:47 pm
content: Haven't Agilent already given scopes to two members of these forums? How many more should they give away?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 01:45:26 pm
content: Quote from: joelby on November 27, 2011, 01:09:47 pmThey have? Do elaborate!QuoteIt's not exactly a give away when offering equipment for review. As I understand it the reviewedscopes from Agilent were returned. Not so for meters and smaller items. Consider the amount of work done in producing a decent review and a free multimeter is actually a pretty cheap purchase of a substantial chunk of skilled labour. Hardly giveaways.End of the day what Agilent (or any manufacturer) benefits most from these exercises is to gain communicationwith their market and brand/product awareness. The facebook and eBay chooklotto exercise is a poor way to achieve this, sure the numbers can be staggering, but for most the impact is fleeting.I don't think anyone here is demanding more freebie, but more than a few have rolled their eyes at what is the point of sending desirable gear to casual ebayers.By contrast consider the impact of the reviews done by members here, there has been a substantial amount of detailed user interaction, and a hell of a lot of real life feedback. Recent reviews by Dave, John and even our renowned Mediterranean loon have shown to be detailed, accurate and without undue vendor influence.Any manufacturer who has belief in his own product should see the forums as an excellent path for exposure and user feedback

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 07:47:52 pm
content: Considering we're on page 8 of this thread, I imagine someone at Agilent is happy

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 12:43:13 am
content: Quote from: PetrosA on November 27, 2011, 07:47:52 pmI bet this thread will keep going on for another week. It will keep going on for 2 weeks if there is another post-war because of contest fairness, better ways of getting more customers or the usual suspects criticizing Kiriakos and his replies.

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 02:37:43 am
content: Quote from: PetrosA on November 27, 2011, 07:47:52 pmEven more than they might expect...I wrote about this in my column last week:Penny-wise, dollar-foolish with social media advertisingso they reached about another 5,000 people through my column and goodness knows how many through the newspaper that reprints it.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 06:09:53 am
content: Quote from: RCMR on November 28, 2011, 02:37:43 amGood post.Great idea for the AirNZ contest thing, not surprised they didn't take it up. And the reason is exactly as you say - some smart arse marketing person wasn't paid huge dollars to suggest it, so it can't be any good an idea, right?QuoteFar too kind, but we'll take it!Dave.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 09:50:24 am
content: Negative comments are far better than no comments!Alexander.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 09:00:55 pm
content: Quote from: ivan747 on November 28, 2011, 12:43:13 amHow true ... I have pay with hard earned cash all my tools , and among them four Fluke multimeters, that I have posted pictures of how I got them and in what condition, and how I had rebuild some of them, and I still get tricky comments about be a beggar or something.I do not take seriously any comments from young ones, who does not aware my past, but I was never expected an such of word from an old contributor.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2011, 01:58:32 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on November 28, 2011, 09:00:55 pmI didn't intend it to be criticism.I am sick of people posting comments against you. I have read some of your reviews and I actually like the teardowns. Also you post about multimeters that aren't well-known, so you let us know about different brands.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2011, 03:37:58 am
content: Quote from: ivan747 on November 29, 2011, 01:58:32 amThe Bullet it was not for you ..Even if I had use your message as reason to reply.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2011, 05:04:36 am
content: I guess now its getting trickier to navigate in this forum without bumping on these fluffers crap oot posts, its time to update the ignore list again.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2011, 08:37:47 am
content: Is this becoming the Kiriakos Trutanfaly or whatever his name is hate forum and does most of the topics need to become a war against him? At first i had nothing against him but now im going to ignore him too to avoid reading this in every topic

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2011, 11:34:39 am
content: Quote from: Balaur on November 29, 2011, 09:01:24 amI'll call a spade a spade and a dickhead a dickhead!I was complimentary about the Agilent meter review because I though it was well done, well researched and offered a perspective different from the usual bench bound engineer's one. I'll continue to bouquet things I see as valuable and equally I'll continue to deride post whoring and ego pandering, and pathetic self promotion.Any complaints can be directed tosomeonewhocares@acma.gov.au

author: AgilentScopes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2011, 10:08:04 pm
content: Epilogue:I got a chance to exchange a few messages with the first winner. He's a student at Texas A&M, and. I couldn't have been more pleased that he won.I also asked him about scripts. He said he thought about it, but didn't see a way since it wasn't obvious how we were going to post (we did try to mix things up to make it hard to seed a script). His winning process was:Set an alarm at midnight and every 10 minutes afterward to look for the announcementPractice buying a few items on eBay to get used to the click patternHit F5 every second until the auction popped.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2011, 10:50:07 pm
content: Welcome back @AgilentScopesAfter the 2011 EDN China Innovation Awards, the Winner haves also another reason to brag for it.

author: AgilentScopes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2011, 03:47:12 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on December 20, 2011, 10:50:07 pmThanks, Mr. Triantafyllou. It won against a pretty heavy-hitting lineup of products from our competitors. If it was a different year, several of them could have won.All marketing weaselry aside, it's the most impressive product I've been associated with in 20 years as an engineer.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2011, 04:29:58 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on December 20, 2011, 10:08:04 pm

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2011, 04:51:32 pm
content: Quote from: AgilentScopes on December 21, 2011, 03:47:12 pmPersonally I am at the stage of noob about using oscilloscopes, but as a modern industrial electrician, I have start to feel the need to explore the world of portable ones.I have feel all ready the need to have a basic portable oscilloscope so to verify on site, the behavior of those DC/AC inverters, who had become a widespread equipment, in every setup about solar energy production.In Greece there is a major interest about solar energy production, due the fact that we do have lots of sun.And the new reality will be, that our needs for portable oscilloscopes will grow very shortly.

author: altech6983
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 22, 2011, 06:19:02 am
content: I figured I would stop in and give step four how it really is as I forgot to tell Agilent that detail.4) Live in the country next to a town with a population of under 6k in Texas and have 6Mbit DSL.5) A lot of luck.BTW I'm the winner that did the above video.

author: _Sin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2011, 01:06:26 pm
content: Quote from: altech6983 on December 22, 2011, 06:19:02 amCongratulations! That's quite some bit of kit...