First let me just say despite my rather public interest in getting my share of the latest creation from Apple, I tried really hard to come up with a topic that had nothing to do with the iPad but truly with the exception of politics (which is not something I cover) there is little else being talked about on the webs.

That being said let us not discuss the product (especially since I hate getting worked up over something that will not be out for 60 days or so) but rather the hype and hysteria.

It was predictable that any new product on this scale from Apple on the heals of so many other impressive launches (even if you are not a fan of the products you have to admit that on the numbers Apple is doing very well with the iPhone, iPod and app store) that their would be more then casual coverage of this announcement.

It seems however that despite overwhelming advantages, the launch of what some will argue is a seminal new product has left the jury still very much divided on the outcome.

One of Apple's methods is to drive anticipation by literally starving people for information. While increasing anticipation, this also creates speculation and at least in this case when Jason Calacanis decided to start feeding the information lust just before midnight with some really unbelievable features, peoples hunger for facts got the better of them and Jason created an unintentional hoax which got the better of several very legit press outlets. Perhaps a fury which would have people believe that the device would have 2 cameras, an HD tuner, solar power, face/finger print recognition and run an iPad interactive version of farmville, had taken things to a point that no matter how good the product would be it would never match the users expectations.

Now clearly there is more to Apples methods then the 5 steps (Smack talk the competition, Say “most” alot, Compare product to something small and colloquial, Toss in a “boom”, Wait for Applause) outlined in this popular video.

So join us as we explore what works and what does not work when launching product.

As always, there is no better way to meet and connect with other executives then over dinner and conversation. $21 in advance via PayPal or $25 at the event gets you a full dinner, drink and the best networking around.