Re: [Paddlewise] Unintentional Deception

From: James Lofton <n5yyx_at_etsc.net>
Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 12:43:36 -0700
Reeves, Debbie (Debbie) wrote:
> 
> Last night I received the REI Holiday 99 gift preview catalog.  On page 9
>SNIP< 
> I was troubled by this image because I have had many interactions with
> "newbies" who call or show up for open water trips with their small
> recreational boats.  They did not understand there was a distinction between
> the design of a recreational kayak and that of a touring kayak.  A kayak is
> a kayak, right?  I could never figure out where they were getting such
> misinformation, although some admitted that their purchase was based 100% on
> price (again, note the $380 price tag).  Now I have a beautiful color
> catalog that clearly depicts the problem.
> 
> Let me state that I do not believe that it was REIs intent to deceive unwary
> customers.  I believe REI to be a responsible outdoor reseller.  However, I
> am concerned with the way this page is laid out and I feel an obligation to
> speak up.  Hopefully, their marketing department will hear my plea.
>

People are a strange lot. They have to have labels and warnings on 
everything. 
Maybe it's because we do too much warning? Maybe we should let natural 
selection take over?
Why should it be necessary to have to tell someone that it's not safe to 
put honey on their kids face, so they could get a picture of a bear 
licking it off?
Some people belong in the outdoors, some don't.
Some people belong in the city, some don't.

Beautiful pictures won't lure me there! :-)

James

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Received on Wed Oct 13 1999 - 12:57:14 PDT

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