I’m a social media strategist and a daddy blogger in Chicago, IL. Several weeks ago Google sent out a call via Twitter for people interested in the Google Glass. The idea was to tell Google why you wanted to be a #GlassExplorer for Project Glass and attaching the If I Had Glass hashtag. I thought I’d never be chosen so I thought “What the heck?” and entered.
#ifihadglass you’d never think of birth the same way again. Baby’s due in March. Google Hangout anyone?
— Daddy’s Grounded (@DaddysGrounded) February 22, 2013
They liked my pitch and responded:
@daddysgrounded You’re invited to join our #glassexplorers program. Woohoo! Make sure to follow us – we’ll DM in the coming weeks.
— Project Glass (@projectglass) March 30, 2013
I didn’t realize until after they accepted my application that I was only getting a chance to purchase Google Glass, not a chance to win/use one for review. $1,500 plus tax is not a purchase I can make without actually using a device to see if I like it. Not to mention the travel expenses and time off of work I’d have to spent to travel to NYC, Mountain View or LA. I had originally assumed there would be a Chicago option. There are Google offices in Chicago.
Here’s what the order process looks like when you can’t actually afford the $1,695 it costs (including tax) to purchase Google Glass:
The Twitter direct message saying that Google Glass is waiting for you.
The sign-in screen that link in the DM takes you to.
This is what you see once you hit the “Sign In Here” link where is said “Was your #ifihadglass selected on Twitter?” on the previous screen.
This is the beginning. You are excited to be part of the select group of approved Google Glass.
The various Google Glass color options are showcased with a cool color-changing-as-you-scroll effect.
(click on any above images for larger versions)
The details of what you get with the package include shades, a shield, charger and bag.
Select your color and agree to something.
Schedule a pickup location and time.
I picked a date & time that wouldn’t happen. *sad*
Confirmation & cost page.
Prompt to move on to Google Wallet and finalize transaction.
Everything up to this point is the same experience a person who is actually purchasing Google Glass would see. It starts to differ after the Google Wallet image. If I were actually purchansing you’d see the subequent screens, whatever they are. Instead? You get to see my face with Google Glass photoshopped on to it.
My offer expires in about a week. Anyone interested in making a donation via PayPal to joelgratcyk@gmail.com? I didn’t think so.
If you know someone at Google, please let them know I would gladly fly to Mountain View for a tour of Google’s HQ and a Tangerine Google Glass for review purposes. Tell them to contact me. My schedule is very flexible when Google is calling.
