wehavecameras November 21, 2001 11:15 AM Subscribe
The thread on the Amazon offer is purdy good. [more]
lots of folks taking diametrically opposite positions
I agree that its a good thread - one of those I've been trying to keep up with and that is (curses!) responsible for the very little amount of work I've done over the past day - but it seems to me that the "lots of folks" come down to marknau and "everyone else". :)
posted by Marquis at 11:46 AM on November 21, 2001
I agree that its a good thread - one of those I've been trying to keep up with and that is (curses!) responsible for the very little amount of work I've done over the past day - but it seems to me that the "lots of folks" come down to marknau and "everyone else". :)
posted by Marquis at 11:46 AM on November 21, 2001
I'm enjoying it too, but as an insider (I work at amazon), I really feel I have to bite my tongue - as I'm unsure what's good to be said in public or not. Usually the less the better. Generally speaking though - it's interesting to see people A) infer devious intentions from honest errors, and B) rationalize their actions if they feel they need to, or defend them if they're okay with it.
The only thing that stings is the idea that Amazon 'deserves' to be taken. Since I'm now so familiar with many of the individuals that make up Amazon.com, it's no longer an abstract entity and the idea that any of these people deserves misfortune is ludicrous. But, what can you do - human nature is what it is.
posted by kokogiak at 12:30 PM on November 21, 2001
The only thing that stings is the idea that Amazon 'deserves' to be taken. Since I'm now so familiar with many of the individuals that make up Amazon.com, it's no longer an abstract entity and the idea that any of these people deserves misfortune is ludicrous. But, what can you do - human nature is what it is.
posted by kokogiak at 12:30 PM on November 21, 2001
kokogiak--I have nothing to defend. I never attempted to order the camera. Not interested. Nor do I have a strong opinion on Amazon's righteousness. But I do firmly believe that there are valid reasons (should one be so inclined) to believe that Amazon has done lots of people wrong. Like Amazon's total, bald-faced lie in their privacy policy that they would NEVER sell user info and violate their customers' privacy. Broke that promise without batting an eye. And of course there's the previously mentioned abuse of the patent system. And their abuse of loyal customers with their attempt at screwing with prices.
That's all just off the top of my head, so I have no doubt that to many reasonable people, hurting or even destroying Amazon is a laudable goal.
posted by NortonDC at 4:13 PM on November 21, 2001
That's all just off the top of my head, so I have no doubt that to many reasonable people, hurting or even destroying Amazon is a laudable goal.
posted by NortonDC at 4:13 PM on November 21, 2001
NortonDC - point taken, I understand what you are saying, but happen to disagree on some points. However (don't take this as a cop-out), as much as I'd like to argue these points one at a time I really don't feel it is my place to do so in a public forum.
I haven't drunk the kool-aid, but I like the folks I work with and as far as I can see on a daily basis, there is no evil afoot in the halls of Amazon.
posted by kokogiak at 4:41 PM on November 21, 2001
I haven't drunk the kool-aid, but I like the folks I work with and as far as I can see on a daily basis, there is no evil afoot in the halls of Amazon.
posted by kokogiak at 4:41 PM on November 21, 2001
there's a lots of good people that work for exxon, that doesn't make it any less an evil corporation. it just means that the majority of the ppl who collect an exxon paycheck are as much a victim as the ppl that have live across the street from a refinery.
posted by danOstuporStar at 6:01 PM on November 21, 2001
posted by danOstuporStar at 6:01 PM on November 21, 2001
I thought the thread was a good-un as well. Like shadowkeeper said, very little troll/flame. Personally, I know it's good for me to have to explain why I believe something, so that I can analyze my own thoughts and get feedback from others.
Anywhere else, the thread would probably have degenerated into useless drivel 6 posts in.
posted by marknau at 9:53 PM on November 21, 2001
Anywhere else, the thread would probably have degenerated into useless drivel 6 posts in.
posted by marknau at 9:53 PM on November 21, 2001
Agreed that the thread was interesting to read, but for me, it was more about the predictable venality of people, and as a consequence, despite the animated discussion, a bit of a downer. I mean, I hate to be the one to say '...what about the neighbours?' as the party rolls on past 3 a.m., but all I could think of as I read the thread was 'The bombs are still falling, folks...'
That said, I would've ordered one in a heartbeat if I'd been around.
Ah the joys of reduced lucidity.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 4:25 AM on November 22, 2001
That said, I would've ordered one in a heartbeat if I'd been around.
Ah the joys of reduced lucidity.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 4:25 AM on November 22, 2001
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
- A simple post that turns into an involved discussion.
- lots of participation
- lots of folks taking diametrically opposite positions, and yet with very little trolling and/or flaming.
- a couple of good jokes.
- A few good side discussions
We so often point out the lousy threads here in MeTa that I like to occationally point out some of the good 'uns.posted by Shadowkeeper at 11:16 AM on November 21, 2001