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Verizon Wireless Bungles BlackBerry Storm VIP Event

Last week we learned that Verizon Wireless was inviting its VIP customers to a special preview event featuring the BlackBerry Storm. The whole idea was to give those customers a chance to see the Storm ahead of the masses. Too bad no Storms were at the event.

Scattered reports are coming in from disgruntled attendees of the supposed VIP events. Not only were there no Storms on hand to buy, but there were no demo models to even play with. So what's the story?

Verizon Wireless mailed flyers all over the place. The flyer read: "You're Invited, November 17-21. The Verizon Wireless private sale. You'll find our hottest devices at our best prices. Only for our most valued customers." There is a large picture of the BlackBerry Storm, next to which is text reading, "Introducing the BlackBerry Storm".

I think the implications are pretty obvious. The flyer says, in effect, "Come on down and buy a BlackBerry Storm!"

In all fairness, the event is scheduled to run from Nov. 17 to Nov. 21. The Storm's official launch date is the 21st. Why Verizon would imply to people that the device is available before then is anyone's guess. Perhaps the mailer went out before the release date was finalized. Either way, customers felt misled and I don't blame them one bit.

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