Friday, March 16, 2012

Markets in Everything: Linestanding.com


In about a week, the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the constitutionality of Obamacare.  And as you can imagine, a seat inside the courtroom is in scarce supply.  Many folks will probably camp out overnight just for the off-chance of getting inside. 

If you have more money than time, you can arrange for a queue-for-hire service from linestanding.com  For $36 an hour, you can have a warm body hold your spot for you.  That’s actually not a bad price, given the popularity of the case.

3 comments:

  1. Well, that's below my opportunity cost of working, so I'd pay it! I mean, if I wanted to watch the SC.

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    Replies
    1. So you make at least $72K per year? And that's not annualized either. What do you work? A nine month contract? Not too shabby. I need to switch careers.

      On the flip side, you'd miss the opportunity to rub shoulders with some high profile folks. I've stood in line at the SC before. It was a couple of years ago, and I didn't have to wait long. It was pretty neat to actually go inside and watch the Justices bash the lawyers.

      I didn't realize this, but each Justice holds tickets for about 40 seats. If it weren't unethical to sell them, I'm sure they could really clean up for the Obamacare hearing.

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    2. Yeah, nine month contract, paid over twelve. The start-up cost is a little high, though. A lot of people I know work consulting gigs on the side. I don't because I do research, which will take up as much of your day as you let it!

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