Hype
by Darren Ashby

Renowned inventor Darren Ashby displayed his latest innovation (code name Gilligan) today to a private audience of two investors Alan Blah-blah and Robert Yada-yada. Alan was heard to say "wow," as it was assembled with a simple LeatherMan tool from parts carried in two plastic garbage bags. It has been reported that Robert estimated the object could net $20.00 if released on time next year.

Nearby persons have speculated as to what Gilligan is. Is it a new toy, a video game, or even a free energy device? Darren is known for his love of video games. Numerous patent searches have failed to uncover the truth behind Gillian. The inventor may have simply mailed a letter to himself as patent money is tough to come by.

It is rumored that Darren’s son, who is known for writing books such as "Submarine Boy vs. Dr. Octopus," has signed a deal with his father to write a book about the invention. (contract amount undisclosed).

How will we find out what Gilligan is? We may just have to wait.

Does this sound a little farfetched to you? If so, then you haven’t heard of "Ginger." And I’m not referring to a redhead from the show Gilligan’s Island. So sit right back and hear this tale.

Start with Dean Kamen, renowned engineer. If you read Design News Magazine you may recognize his name as he has been awarded engineer of the year. Just a while back, he made national TV by inventing a wheelchair that stands up. Now mix in a little Steve Jobs, and toss in a dash of Jeff Bezos, both well know for making something sound like it is worth a lot more than it really is. Next, add a cup of interested investors who have a few million to spare and mix in phrases like:

• "Whole cities will be built around it.."
• "It will be bigger than the Internet."
• "It will revolutionize the world as dramatically as the PC."
• "In 5 years, Dean Kamen will be richer than Bill Gates."

Boil this all up in a big "pot ‘on the Internet," and you get "Ginger," the latest hype ride you can take right on your own computer.

So what is it? We should start by looking at the clues.

Maybe it is a scooter...

Or maybe it is really a GIT, but honestly I think it would be more efficient to just pedal. Heck, you can even buy a T-shirt about it.

No one really knows what it is. Part of me hopes someone has finally beat gravity and this is a personal levitation machine. That would be worth billions and a book deal. But I doubt this is the case as even Dean has said the hype is getting a little deep.

Could it really make Dean richer that Bill Gates in 5 years? If Microsoft stock keeps it up, (or is it down?) that is a real possibility!

I really want to say it is just a bunch of hype what with Steve and Jeff involved, two hype kings with respectable empires. But Dean is your typical anti-social, pragmatic engineer/inventor (the kind of guy I hope to be someday), and he delivers. So I guess I will just have to wait to be sure. There is one thing I know however. If it even remotely resembles the hype, it sure as heck ain't no scooter.

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Be sure to read "Ginger Becomes Marketing Genius" by eChips/ChipCenter Senior Tech Editor, Paul McGoldrick and cast your vote in the weekly poll regarding this subject matter.

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