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What does this quote means "Decisions in 10 minutes or less, or the next one is free."?

From: http://news.microsoft.com/2000/02/16/the-motivator-behind-the-windows-2000-development-team/

The next decision is free? Which doesn't make a lot of sense and that's exactly the point of the (silly) joke?

waverider
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1 Answers1

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It's a reference to, "or the next one is free," which is a common advertising phrase.

e.g. Guaranteed 29-minute oil change or the next one is free! (from 1990, seems to be one of the oldest examples)

or Dairy Queen's "Get your BLIZZARD treat served upside down or your next one’s free" (from late 2015)

Ward - Trying Codidact
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  • Newspaper from 1988 -- I guessed pizzas would have been one of the first uses, but your search was quicker than mine! However, a useful addition to your answer would be to mention that the time limit is important: decisions need to be made in ten minutes in order to progress the project. – Andrew Leach Feb 25 '16 at 07:26
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    Yes, I understand he's referring to that advertising phrase. But what "next" is free? The decision? Or it just doesn't matter. And is it supposed to be a joke? Is it just me that thinks it's just mildly funny? (I know sense of humor and English are two different things, but bear with me please :) ) – waverider Feb 25 '16 at 07:37
  • Not sure if this really answered it. I believe it to be the idea the next decision will be made for you, without your input, as any decision is better than no decision at all. – Xonatron Aug 24 '20 at 21:23