Comments on: Marketing Strategies for Rapists

By: Douglas Karr

Douglas Karr — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 02:04:08 +0000

Thanks, Foo! I appreciate you sharing that with me and I had mixed feelings on using the word myself since any comparison to actual rape could be really offensive. I definitely used the word as ‘link bait’ but in hindsight, I’m not sure it was that great an idea.

At the root of my comparison was not the actual act, but the premeditation. How would someone who is going to use and abuse you market themselves? In this case, Shell Oil, a company with record profits beyond our dreams, is trying to get us to like them. We’re fighting a war and our soldiers are engaged directly in trying to protect the oil fields and distribution systems.

Rather than the companies trying to limit visibility and contribute to trying to build a peaceful middle east (they really could help!), they’re taking advantage of the opportunity to get increased profits. I know that’s still not a comparison to rape, but people are, in fact, dying over this! It really irritates me and I vented.

Thanks again! It appears you took great care in wording your response. No worries, I would never attack someone with valid criticism of my words - and yours were very important. I’ll definitely rethink my wording next time!

With Utmost Respect,
Doug

By: modifoo

modifoo — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 22:46:54 +0000

I remember when I first read your post, I reacted strongly; but I couldn’t pin-point it. First I thought it was about that I do not believe that it is a god-given right to have access to cheap gasoline. But I knew that wasn’t it.

Today, while driving, it dawned on me. One of the many good things about your blog is the careful use of language (remember the Basecamp post). In your post you are using the word “rape” as an analogy for paying unreasonable prices. While I understand the point you are making, I think we all have to be careful about comparisons. Yes, it does paint a strong picture to compare a person to, say, Hitler. But at the same time, this makes Hitler appear less evil. In your post, this would translate to: rape isn’t really such a terrible experience, just a nuisance.

I’m in no way implying that that’s how you think, or even meant it to sound.

By: modifoo

modifoo — Tue, 22 May 2007 16:39:20 +0000

…for extra credit (and total confidence that the DVD is gone for good) put it into a microwave oven - preferable one that you have no plans of using for food again.

By: Douglas Karr

Douglas Karr — Tue, 22 May 2007 11:25:13 +0000

Hi Jon,

I am empathetic to my friends across the pond! I also have friends across Canada who pay much more than we, gluttonous, Yankees, do. The problem here is that we’ve gone from $2 to $3.40 in a matter of months. That’s a hard shift to get used to when you live in ‘ol suburbia and depend on your car.

When I lived in Denver, I took the bus and rail to work and loved it. I’m afraid I don’t have very good options here in Indianapolis. Perhaps if we drive it up to $5 or even $10 a gallon, we’ll have more options!

Cheers and thanks for commenting!
Doug

By: Douglas Karr

Douglas Karr — Tue, 22 May 2007 11:19:53 +0000

The shredder did have a tough time, but she’s back now!