Late this afternoon, Erie Times-News reporter Robb Frederick and chief photographer Rich Forsgren took off to cover the line of folks that began forming in front of local electronics stores. The people were assembling to be able to purchase a Sony PlayStation3, which is due to go on sale Friday morning. Yes, I know that's two days from now. Clearly, these folks want one of the big, new game systems.

Are such fans playing with a full deck? Who's to say? All I know is that most people are fascinated by devoted fans who line up and wait all night in freezing cold or blistering sun to buy tickets, purchase a product or tell a celebrity how they feel about him/her.

Such devotees are fun to cover. Not only do they make terrific news stories, they seem to come from all walks of life. In addition to the introduction of the new game system, James Bond fans are sure to descend upon movie theaters that show the new Bond film this weekend. It premieres Thursday at midnight across the nation.

Film fans get so excited for new movies or sequels that many will don the garb of their favorite Harry Potter characters, their favorite Bond villain, Lord of the Ring hero, etc., etc.

Why do they do it? Well, they'll probably tell us, won't they? That's why reporters are hustling to the scene. In the past, many have admitted that they just want to be part of an exciting event. I would imagine that pschologists might have a field day at such assemblies, although most people probably just do it for fun. Have you ever noticed the way fans of the Oakland Raiders dress at football games?

I attended a Raiders-Browns exhibition game in Cleveland a couple years ago, and ended up riding an elevator with a bunch of people who looked like extras from that credit card commercial -- the one where they ask, "What's in your wallet?" I suppose everybody wants to belong to such a fun club, especially one that has such good costumes.

One thing for sure, such events always make good newspaper stories, because readers seem to be endlessly fascinated by people doing crazy stuff.

I'd have more to say on this, but I must run to join my teenage sons in line at BestBuy. We're hoping to be lucky enough to get a PlayStation3.

-- Kevin Cuneo