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Author Topic: Seriously....  (Read 2573 times)

w3bby

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Seriously....
« on: April 13, 2011, 12:26:15 pm »

Why does "what car do you drive" deserve to be a pinned topic on a model boat forum?

dreadnought72

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2011, 12:56:54 pm »

In his 1899 work "The Theory of the Leisure Class: An Economic Study of Institutions" Thorsten Veblen suggested that conspicuous consumption was a primary driver behind consumerist societies.

Conspicuous consumption is defined as the waste of money by certain groups of people in order for them to display a higher perceived status than others, even though cheaper products can work just as well or, indeed, better.

For example, we know that cars are for moving people and model boats around from A to B.

But notice that the thread in question started off with Lexus and a BMW convertible. Two "high status" cars owned by an individual, when only one - and a cheaper one at that - would do the job required. Indeed, a rusty old transit van from the 70s might be an even more appropriate vehicle.

That the thread has been obviously popular, and is now stickied, would suggest to me that here - in the near-all-male-scrum of Mayhem - there are some individuals who need to display their status, for whatever reasons, in off-topic idle chit-chat.

Andy, driving an all-but-knackered green Ford Ka covered in vinyl flowers, and sometimes found on a bicycle.
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triumphjon

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2011, 01:33:30 pm »

why not , to some its a status symbol , others just a means of transport , whatever we drive can normally have an effect on how big a model we make , in my own case if it wont fit inside the boot space then i dont make it ! ive my own personal choice , a 1974 triumph 2500  , a raleigh shopper with twin carriers ( for round town ) & get use of my step daughters little french hatchback ( which i also keep mobile for her !c )
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barryfoote

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2011, 02:06:05 pm »

Andy,

I was very impressed with your explanation, until the end..........I have never seen a Ford Ka riding a bicycle!! %% %% %%
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Patrick Henry

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2011, 02:40:26 pm »

Andy,

I was very impressed with your explanation, until the end..........I have never seen a Ford Ka riding a bicycle!! %% %% %%

Barry, it's Scotland mate...come along, please. They chase haggis up there...


Rich
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wullie/mk2

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2011, 03:25:49 pm »

And our dogs chase bin lorry operatives,
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triumphjon

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2011, 05:05:05 pm »

they have graduated from chasing the postmen then ?
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tonyH

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2011, 05:57:35 pm »

With so much junk mail that the poor old postie has to dump on us there's not much difference is there? >>:-(
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wartsilaone

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #8 on: April 13, 2011, 08:28:12 pm »

I think The initial question should have been, How do you get you models to the pond? May be worth a new topic.
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omra85

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #9 on: April 13, 2011, 09:36:34 pm »

Barry, as an ex member of the Met, you must have seen the cars on bikes thing (I've seen it on The Sweeney) ...

Stop villain
Remove brown paper bag from his car
Lick finger
Poke finger into bag
Lick finger again
Say "Oh, oh - you're nicked"
-
-
-
and THAT's when you see the flowery green cars riding bicycles!

 %% %% {-)

Danny

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Jonty

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #10 on: April 13, 2011, 10:05:55 pm »

  Wasn't the 'bandwagon effect' another of Veblen's theories? One person gets a Chelsea tractor, and they all want one.
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dreadnought72

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #11 on: April 14, 2011, 12:00:45 am »

It predates Veblen, but yes - the idea's there.

Personally the whole "keeping up with the Joneses" thing doesn't work with me. Last years' model anything, while maybe not as stylish, is always cheaper and just as functional. Hmmm...perhaps I've lived in Scotland too long!  %)

Andy

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yorkiej

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #12 on: April 14, 2011, 12:43:21 am »

Quote from:  Hmmm...perhaps I've lived in Scotland too long!  %)

Andy


[/quote
I don't think so Andy. The World is full of pompous people who think that their 'Worthy Vehicle' is an extension of their appendage.

I wish I had a £ for every bloke I met who said the likes of ' Hello, I haven't seen you for ages. What car are you driving now?

My answer as always has been 'The one that meets my needs'.

We have all heard it ' I took the Volvo to Glasgow' or 'The Lexus took me to town smoothly' ad nausiam, when half the time they haven't got one!!

All I can add to these folk is "Get a Life".

I have an old Citroen Berlingo. Being a self satisfied bloke, I spend my money on my wife, my home my full size boat, my model boats and my model railway.  (I'm not mentioning the fags and drink).

Cheers

John
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barryfoote

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #13 on: April 14, 2011, 07:50:37 am »

Barry, as an ex member of the Met, you must have seen the cars on bikes thing (I've seen it on The Sweeney) ...

Stop villain
Remove brown paper bag from his car
Lick finger
Poke finger into bag
Lick finger again
Say "Oh, oh - you're nicked"
-
-
-
and THAT's when you see the flowery green cars riding bicycles!

 %% %% {-)

Danny





Ah now that explains it....Thanks for that, I feel better now....

Where did I put that paper bag??  %% %%
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RaaArtyGunner

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Re: Seriously....
« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2011, 12:48:16 pm »

I think The initial question should have been, How do you get you models to the pond? May be worth a new topic.

By my Car  %) %) %)
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