, How to Camp-out on Launch Day (The Defintive Guide) @ Gamer411

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With the launch of Sony's next-gen console swiftly coming upon us, coupled wtih the fact that pre-orders have gotten consumed quicker than a Jr bacon cheese burger at Healthy Weigh, most of us have one last attempt at obtaining one at launch. Camping out. This is your guide to having a successful, safe, stress-free sidewalk slumber party. Nothing can ruin your entire launch weekend like braving the elements and enduring the pointless conversation of that annoying dude with the bionic B.O. that suddenly thinks you and he are b.f.f.'s only to realize that it's all for naught. This is your guide of dos and don'ts so you can walk away console in hand and smile on face.
First and absolutely formost: TIMING IS EVERYTHING! The best way to be sure that you secure a decent position in line is to set up shop as early as management will allow. Generally, getting there at closing time would normally be sufficient, but with what we've seen with the pre-orders the past two months, gamers are getting more desperate and more rabid. Times have changed for the worse and you must be prepared to meet the challenge. Basically this really boils down to how well you know the gamers in your area. Gamers in L.A. are not going to abide by the same rules as those in Biloxi. This requires the utmost discernment and is by far the trickiest. Err on the side of caution.
Launch day is November 17th; so unless you live in the lower lattitude states (screw you FL) you must be ready for inclimate weather. Homeless men and women all over the world have been doing this for eons, but you to can do it in style (no offense Uncle Bob). Make sure you dress in layers; you can always disrobe if need be. If you really want to, you can get real camping gear such as portabable heaters and thermal hand warmers, but that's a little much for me. Also, be sure to keep your head warm at all costs. About 60% of your body heat leaves via your thinning noggin.
Comfort is also necessary. The concrete is unforgiving and even your fat caboose isn't plush enough to compensate. Bring foldable furniture. The collapsable chairs you used to tailgate at the ballgame aren' t exactly ideal for this event. The most under-rated, and maybe the most efficient and comfortable, is the everyday, run-of-the-mill, redneck/ghetto plastic lawnchair. It is also a good idea to bring extra blankets and pillows.
Now what is a body to do once you do finally set up camp? Sleep stupid! That's the simple beauty of the lawnchair. You will have probably had a hard day at work (the unemployed won't be in line for the PS3) and you need your rest. Your adrenaline, however, will not allow you your eight hours so bring your handheld, a book, crosswords, ipod, and the PS3 review issue of OPM, as it will be on shelves by then. Please be sure to bring earbuds. Not everyone wants to hear you play Lumines, and if you want privacy nothing says "go away" like earbuds- oh and headphones are so last-gen.
The last area of concernis etiquette . DON"T BE 'THAT' GUY! Pay attention to the signals your fellow camper is sending. If your attempts to strike up a little small talk are met with short concise grunts, then your company is likely unwelcomed and you should therefore cease all attempts of communication. Hopefully, there are enough people present with their own PSP's and/or DS's that you can enjoy some killer miltiplayer matches.
Launch day is merely weeks away and many of you are indeed planning to make an event out of it. I hope this guide serves you well. Hopefully, those of you who are wise benefit from these tips. I wish you the best. Godspeed, gamers.

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