What would you expect from New Yorkers. I always considered New Yorkers as the rudest suckers around and I'm a native New Yorker. I think it has something to do with the high population. Survival of the fittest (rudest). People are always trying to cut in line to cheat others that are trying to be considerate. I guess if you can get away with it, why not.

the offer of Freebies to bring out the best in a crowd.

At least one customer who thought an iPod was guaranteed left the line early.

What? Some fool actually thought that if you were stupid enough to stand in line for 10 hours they'd magically just hand over an iPod?

The line was described by some as "less civilized" than a similar store opening in San Francisco,

probably because the people in SF were all on various 'prescription' medications, and, as such, in a much nicer mood.

and another commentator suggests that as much as half of the line consisted of people who had cut in, with no interference by New York City police or paid security.

Hmmm, I bet the police like to hear how they're now supposed to be line monitors. Same with paid security. Now, if you slugged a cutter in the back of the head, I'm sure they would've gotten involved.

An iPod billboard ad came down shortly before 6 PM to read "Now Open," but some visitors were not able to enter until after 9:30,

What did they expect, Apple to open the doors and let in 700 people at once? There are such thing as fire laws, you know.

by which point there were no t-shirts left, and only $10 iTunes cards were being handed out as prizes.

Amazing how little people value their time. I wonder how many took off from work just so they could get a 'free' gift.

And how soon before those who 'won' a free ipod are bitching because they don't have a computer to use it with...

that's why they're rude. they're not new yorkers, they're from staten island and nj. people who think the meatpacking district is still models and money.

New Yorkers are extremely polite and friendly compared to Londoners!

Having been there, it was one of the lowest class crowds of people I have ever seen and I would say it would be conservative to guess that 500 people cut into line.

I am still so facinated that a simple store opening (even if it is apple) is such a cause for news coverage.

And as far as the crowd being a pain, I am sure most people were fine and only a few idiots causing issues. But the press and its "Nave NOT a CLUE in the world" attitude is the worst.

JMHO.

elder Norm

...

Taxi drivers in NY are the worst drivers. If you drive 1 mile slower they'll cut right in front of you. If the traffic light just turns green, your brain better responses fast to the pedal, otherwise cars behind you will honk! Half of the population in NY are immigrants (yes and I used to be one of them), the term "excuse me" doesn't exist (on all races) and they just step on your feet and cut you right in. Welcome to NY and, strangely, I still love it.

was hot 97 the radio station saying there were free ipods? if so, you should be glad you didn't get shot.