To wrap things up, after learning of the Minolta price mixup and placing three orders, I sat and watched as Amazon blew away the orders, including legit non-camera items in the orders.

It was fascinating to read the voluminous Metafilter thread on the topic, noting that everyone was on the bandwagon until the moment Amazon pulled the item, and suddenly the morality discussion began. Seems the moralists were too busy buying cameras to gripe, but the sour grapes of missed opportunity caused latecomers to question ethics.

My favorite part, the one that made this all worthwhile, was this exchange between two MeFi users:

• "Astounding. I can't take a moral argument seriously from any of you who jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of an honest mistake. I don't want to hear ever again about greedy corporations or crooked politicians. You people just showed that you're willing to turn a blind eye when it is to your benefit. How does that make you any different from those you rail against?"

• "We have cameras."

So after hearing no explanation from Amazon for five days, I got an email apologizing for the price mixup, and offering a $10 gift certificate for my trouble. It was quickly followed by two more, one for each cancelled order.

So less than I had hoped, more than I deserved, and enough to get a free copy of Shrek, for which I don't mind it being delayed a few days. I don't feel too bad, considering how much Amazon's stock climbed today.