The sign in the windows at AT&T stores for iPhone's read
NOW AVAILABLE
So I walked in and asked to buy one. They said I can order one and it will take up to 3 weeks to be delivered. I then pointed to the sign that reads:
NOW AVAILABLE
and asked what part of NOW meant three weeks and the manager was summoned. He blamed the marketing department. I suggested that what they were engaging in was false advertising, and since they had three demonstration units on the floor I should be sold one. They said, "they can't sell those." I then suggested they take the sign down, as "Now Available" wasn't really true. The manager said "marketing tells us what to put up." I then suggested they cover the NOW with white tape. They didn't think that was possible.
So, the next time AT&T says you have to pay your bill NOW or they will cut the service off, perhaps their iPhone sales definition should be used. I mean, if they define now as 10 days to three weeks, maybe that's the new meaning in their world...Somehow I doubt that...
Dictionary.com says now is defined as:
1. at the present time or moment: You are now using a dictionary.
2. without further delay; immediately; at once: Either do it now or not at all.
3. at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described: The case was now ready for the jury.
4. at the time or moment immediately past: I saw him just now on the street.
5. in these present times; nowadays: Now you rarely see horse-drawn carriages.
6. under the present or existing circumstances; as matters stand: I see now what you meant.
7. (used to introduce a statement or question): Now, you don't really mean that.
8. (used to strengthen a command, entreaty, or the like): Now stop that!
–conjunction
9. inasmuch as; since: Now you're here, why not stay for dinner?
–noun
10. the present time or moment: Up to now no one has volunteered.
–adjective
11. up-to-the-minute; encompassing the latest ideas, fads, or fashions: the now look; the now generation.
Wikipedia goes one step further under the False Advertising definition:
The actual statute defines false advertising as a "means of advertisement other than labeling, which is misleading in a material respect; and in determining whether an advertisement is misleading, there shall be taken into account (among other things) not only representations made or suggested by statement, word, design, device, sound, or any combination thereof, but also the extent to which the advertisement fails to reveal facts material in the light of such representations or material with respect to consequences which may result from the use of the commodity to which the advertisement relates under the conditions prescribed in said advertisement, or under such conditions as are customary or usual."
So what part of NOW did I get wrong?
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