The Bandwagon

I'm a big fan of creative design and modern ingenuity. Ranging from buildings to ballpoint pens, well thought out, ergonomically correct design is pleasing to use and pleasing to look at. I understand the whole reason for designing something so well, the whole world should know about it. If it fits our needs, and we can afford it, we should also have the opportunity to own it. Keep in mind though, up until this time, it has not been considered a necessity. If you've existed up to this point without perishing, it's just another 'thing'. But, if it is something that is so well thought out and would make life run a little smoother, why not? Unfortunately, there's always an opportunist waiting behind every good idea and invention. They can produce something so close, it may look like the original, but doesn't perform or last as well. Then come the stampeding masses to own the latest copy of the authentic. Walmart seems to be foremost in taking a good idea, cheapening it, and selling to the public for less. There are several items that have been bastardized. One such item is Crocs. Crocs are the slip on shoe made popular by the chef Mario Batali. It seems these shoes are fitting for quite a few jobs, as well as wearing for casual appearances. Nothing wrong with owning a pair, in fact, everyone should. But if you purchase the knock off, the experience isn't going to be as pleasurable as owning the actual pair. So my advice is, support good design, and don't hop on the bandwagon just to be a part of the current fad. Some folks just get carried away with the 'latest', and before you know it, they run it into the ground, ... or Walmart. Be prepared for the new iPad to be half the price, labeled as the uPad, and work 10% as well, in the next few months.