I did a little digging and though the article does not name the other providers, based on pricing, I believe Hosted AWS Provider #1 is MongoHQ [1] and Hosted AWS Provider #2 is MongoLab [2]. (MongoHQ no longer has Replica Set: Small on their Pricing page but I found it in the Google cache. [3]).
Colored honey actually seems pretty awesome if it can be a controlled process that is not harmful - rather than the result of the bees ingesting candy waste.
1. On the showcase page, I wish I could scroll a little further down before each component becomes greyed-out. In some cases, a question will barely make it above the halfway point in my browser (basically, eye-level and my main content-viewing area) when it disappears, instead bringing focus to the next thing down (sometimes not even fully on the page yet).
2. If I enter an incomplete email and hit tab, it doesn't validate the form. If I then try to submit, it says one of my questions is incomplete, but doesn't highlight it in any way to show me which one needs attention.
While I can understand the excitement of opening up a shiny new thing, and agree somewhat with your assessment that the rep messed up (forgetting the charger and haphazardly handling your new phone), I don't feel that your proposed solution is in any way viable, and might even end up pissing people off more:
2. The rep retrieves the phone and hands it to you to check.
3. The rep then encourages you to open your iPhone and shares in your excitement.
4. Once the phone is open, the rep then respectfully asks to take the phone and goes about his business. He leaves the protective covers on the phone, and lets you take them off at your own will.
So, here you are on iPhone 5 launch day, you've been waiting for hours, and the store is absolutely packed with people. How does this process work out? Do you lose your place in line while you open your phone and play around with it for a few minutes (even though it doesn't do anything yet)? Is the rep supposed to stand there and wait, 'sharing in your excitement' while the lines grow even longer? The reps are at work and they are trying to get these rabid fans their iPhones as soon as possible. This guy was working quickly because the line was out the door and he's trying to do his damn job. I'm guessing that when you work at a phone company, even the thrill of a new iPhone loses its charm pretty fast.
A little Googling finds the founders - Jason Sun [1] and Ben Yi [2] - both worked at KILLSPENCER [3] before starting Vinted Goods [4]. While it's true that both sites have a top nav, I couldn't find any pics of someone operating a sewing machine on either site. Either way, the products seem similar, but what would you expect from a mentor/protege relationship?
Edit: The owner of KILLSPENCER, Spencer Nikosey [5] has a few interesting interview nuggets [6][7]:
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I'm most proud of the upcoming products and relationships I've built with the members of our SPECIAL PROJECTS INNOVATION TEAM. (This is the team Jason and Ben were on.)
WHO DO YOU BOUNCE IDEAS OFF AND/OR GET INSPIRED BY?
I have a small group of mentors. These people are amazing at what they do. I give them products and they use them, and give me feedback on how to improve the designs, construction, etc. I'm so lucky to have such amazing people interested in supporting the vision.
TAKE US BRIEFLY THROUGH YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND. WHERE HAVE YOU WORKED BEFORE LAUNCHING YOUR OWN COMPANY?
I launched my business straight out of school. While in school, I had the opportunity to intern for some great people. Scott Robertson (Design Studio Press) is where I got my first work experience. I spent so much time observing and picking his mind on the business of design and watched him build his business from the start.
"Either way, the products seem similar, but what would you expect from a mentor/protege relationship?"
Seem similar in the sense that they are both selling bags? Looking at the products they both look to have completely different designs and styles, I don't see how they seem similar.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who found it strange that the founders at Vinted Goods seem to leave their name off of everything. Whether or not it is fair, it makes me think that there is more to the story--particularly when their mentor shares so much about himself and his brand on his website.
Sure the complaint won't stand, but they do have a similar general look, they could have avoided it completely by just going for a different style. Should be common sense if you are leaving one company to start another.
