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Are you a “harbinger of failure”? (2015)

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Re: Are you a “harbinger of failure”? (2015)

#3
I’m not convinced. They describe it as the result of having a “preference for risk” but maybe they’re just seeking novel experiences? If they’re trying new things simply because they’re new, then their behavior offers no predictive power. There’s very little risk associated with buying a different flavor of soda :V

Re: Are you a “harbinger of failure”? (2015)

#5
I guess marketers want to find all those interesting categories of people who can tell them early whether something is going to work or not. This category just happens to be the ones who always get it wrong. The other category is the "trendsetters" those hipsters who get on something (correctly) before everyone else does.

Re: Are you a “harbinger of failure”? (2015)

#8
post #3

I’m not convinced. They describe it as the result of having a “preference for risk” but maybe they’re just seeking novel experiences? If they’re trying new things simply because they’re new, then their behavior offers no predictive power. There’s very little risk associated with buying a different flavor of soda :V

Skimming some of the paper, it differentiates between one time purchasers of failed products (a negative signal) and repeat purchasers of failed products (a stronger negative signal).

Re: Are you a “harbinger of failure”? (2015)

#9
I am, but not of the truly awful products, but of the really useful but too-niche products. I buy products that die so often I got into the habit of buying two and squirreling one away for when the first breaks, but they aren't for sale anymore.

Re: Are you a “harbinger of failure”? (2015)

#10
Is there a way to make money with this? I often find cool products on the food section which unerringly disappear after my first purchase.

I am also good at watching fads and as soon as I join they are over.

I definitely envy some people I know who have a talent for jumping on trends early. I often feeloput of sync with society .

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