Subject: Stocks, Stocks Everywhere

Posted by Chad Green on 8/16/2010
In Reply To:Stocks, Stocks Everywhere Posted by Tim Joy on 8/13/2010

Message:

Hi Tim,

What are the constraints that make some lines longer than others? I would say that it has more to do with the outcome of the experience, the anticipated emotional and physiological response, than anything else. For example, if your perceive a long line at a restaurant, you can assume the dining experience there will be a very pleasant one. If you can also observe the patrons within the establishment, you can simulate their experience cognitively, thereby increasing your anticipation even more.

As for theme park rides, I would interpret the lengths of people waiting in lines to be measures of desired emotional responses (i.e., anticipated outcomes or benefits). To meet these perceived needs, theme park managers could use the information to (a) determine the desired symmetries of anticipated outcomes to meet profit margins park-wide and (b) effect changes to maintain these symmetries over time.

This is perhaps how a sophisticated theme park manager would think....

So how could we meet the anticipated emotional needs of children (i.e., curiosity, inspiration, excitement, imagination, and passion for a topic/discipline/skill) given the constraints of public education? Would using leverage to influence its center of gravity (e.g., at the local, state and federal levels) be an option?

Best,
Chad