Sorni wrote:
> G.T. wrote:
> > Sorni wrote:
> >> G.T. wrote:
> >>
> >>> Sorni wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> G.T. wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>>>> Keep promoting your megalithic soulless purchase-and-destroy
> >>>>> behemoth of a vendor all you want, I still won't be buying TLKF.
> >>
> >>
> >>>> Um, Greg, you still working for G.E.? :-D
> >>
> >>
> >>> I work for a rebel unit of G.E.
> >>
> >>
> >> Well, NBC /is/ biased, I'll give you that!
> >
> > Yes, I am ashamed of working for such a right wing media corporation.
> > I'll give you that.
>
> Good stuff.
>
> >>> Regardless, I don't go around
> >>> promoting my megalithic soulless purchase-and-destroy behemoth of an
> >>> employer.
>
> >> Um, OK.
> >>
> >> Bill "sure sounds like rationalization (in this context)" S.
>
> > So show me where I've promoted a GE refrigerator or an NBC tv show.
>
> Well first of all, "rationalization" doesn't necessarily mean dishonesty or
> even hypocrisy. (IOW, I didn't say or imply that you DID promote
> anything -- other than Leno some time or other maybe?) However, if you're
> bad-mouthing Mike for promoting the bikes he sells while at the same time
> sucking off the teat of your "megalithic soulless purchase-and-destroy
> behemoth of an employer", then perhaps a principled argument isn't your best
> tact. (Again, /in this context/.) Besides, I'll bet if you owned an NBC
> affiliate you'd promote the hell out of "your" programming.
>
> A few years ago, I was in the market for my first road bike since high
> school. Had absolutely no preference as to brand, frame material, color,
> whatever. I ended up buying a Klein Q-carbon Team because it fit me and my
> budget the best of anything I test rode -- AND the gorgeous paint job didn't
> hurt, either.
>
> Then a month or two ago, I decided to by a Madone SL frameset because it was
> drastically discounted (nearly 50%). If I had a principled objection to
> "TLKF" as you call 'em, then I'd've passed no matter how good a deal -- OR
> I'd have had to make a decision balancing my "ethics" versus my "bike lust"
> (?). Similarly, you don't HAVE to work for G.E. -- although granted you'd
> probably have to accept less money and benefits to work for some /rebel/
> little outfit. So you make a choice based on what's best for you...just
> like Mike does selling bikes (although in his case he has no conflict
> because he truly believes in his products).
>
> That's what I meant by rationalization.
What amazes me about this whole "soul-less mega corporation" schtick is
that the bicycle market today is far more vibrant than it was, say, 35
years ago -- back when you could get a few brands of very soulful
water-pipe-frame bikes with Simplex or Huret components that barely
worked. I'm not sold on some of the current fashions like compact
frames and low spoke-count wheels, but it is really amazing to walk in
to the soul-less Trek dealer and see multiple brands of 'cross bikes,
racing bikes, touring bikes, fixed gear commuters, the Portland,
downhill bikes, uphill bikes, uphill-and-downhill bikes, etc. etc.
Most with lifetime warranties. Beats the **** out of walking into the
bike shop 40 years ago and seeing ten yellow Schwinn Varsities -- or
going to the high end shop down the street and seeing a PX10 and a
Raleigh Pro, both of which I eventually own(ed) and can attest were not
particularly soulful -- unless really heavy is soulful. -- Jay Beattie.
