What if, instead of choosing a career, I could have bid on a solid 3-star career? For my 75 dollars, I would receive a career more than adequate to my economic needs. But who knows? My bid might net me a career as a televangelist or a firm comptroller.
What if my college girlfriend had been a matter of a Priceline.com
bid? I might have been matched with someone bright and attractive who had me watch her play Solitaire and Patience, but then dated other fellows who apparently moved beyond games. Oh, wait, that was who I dated in college. No, I'm sure Priceline would match me with someone sincere and pleasant and cute and overlooked, because Priceline relies upon finding rooms and flights not in heavy demand, but entirely amiable.
What about location? I might have specified I want a good city in which to avoid stress and enjoy a good hike or bike. But would this mean Lincoln, Nebraska, or Ottawa, Kansas? Those might be too cold for me, though I love the Midwest. I love the Midwest in part because people like Madonna say they had to leave because they felt stifled there. I love places that require an appreciation for the quiet life to enjoy.
I seem to have dialled up a pretty-good life, but with Priceline.com and high speed access, who knows what I could have achieved? I could have been a winning bidder. I could have known all my answers within 15 minutes. I could be packaged for life.