Is coffee-shop coffee too expensive?

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker


Labor is expended to zero net gain (it's a zero-sum game).

But if there is no tangible difference other than additional social status between a "frivolous" item and one that isn't, there should be no additional labour expenditure.

[Kuciwalker]

I never claimed no tangible difference. There's a tangible difference between gold-coated USB connectors and regular ones, yet it provides no benefit while using more valuable resources. (This isn't quite conspicuous consumption, but it illustrates the point perfectly well IMO.)

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker


I wasn't the one to bring it up in this thread.

And really, I bring up the fact that he's a lawyer more often when I'm citing his opinion (usually in US law threads) than anything else).

First point, fair enough.

His opinions may be relevant and useful as a source, but be aware of the image that 'appealing to daddy' has, even when the actual intention is to provide a second hand professional view (this thread provides example of how people are seeing you). If you're happy with the way it reads and the image it gives, carry on, I'm just giving feedback.

BTW, I work with lawyers and accountants (yay for forensic accounting). We are teh cool too.

[snoopy369]

What additional labor was required for the gold coated USB connectors? Gold is more expensive because of its luxury (conspicuous) value, not because of it being particularly hard to extract.

[Solly]

Just go for a coffee at Wetherspoons. 69p for a Lavazza. That might be good or bad, I don't remember having the one I had there. You get a free biscuit too. And a chance to win your coffee back off the fruit machines. (The money for it that is).

[Cort Haus]

Originally posted by Doddler
Just go for a coffee at Wetherspoons.

Spoken like a true prole, sir.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by snoopy369
What additional labor was required for the gold coated USB connectors? Gold is more expensive because of its luxury (conspicuous) value, not because of it being particularly hard to extract.

Gold is more expensive because it is rarer and has valuable technical applications (and coating a USB connector is not one of them).

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Dauphin
His opinions may be relevant and useful as a source, but be aware of the image that 'appealing to daddy' has, even when the actual intention is to provide a second hand professional view (this thread provides example of how people are seeing you). If you're happy with the way it reads and the image it gives, carry on, I'm just giving feedback.

The people who most let that color their perceptions and arguments are the ones who I'm least interested in impressing.

I also am not optimistic that I'm going to significantly alter their opinions. Notice how PH calls me a spoiled rich kid despite the fact that I'm arguing against excessive consumption

BTW, I work with lawyers and accountants (yay for forensic accounting). We are teh cool too.

Of course, where did you get the impression I thought differently? my dad was an actuary for 20 years before he joined a law firm.

[Dauphin]

I was putting it out there for no other reason that to convince myself that I am professional in name, even if not in nature.

I even get to sign off all my e-mails "Executive".

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker
I also am not optimistic that I'm going to significantly alter their opinions. Notice how PH calls me a spoiled rich kid despite the fact that I'm arguing against excessive consumption

PH says that to a lot of people. Don't feel special.

He'd probably reckon I was a spoiled little rich kid too* if I was 10 years younger and he didn't know me in person.

* A form of California syndrome was a worry of my dad's even.

[Jon Miller]

Originally posted by Sirotnikov


No, it isn't a deal to people in Africa because it isn't their money. Just because person X has lots of money, doesn't mean anyone else is entitled to it, just cause he's poor.

Every dollar you own, is more than the usual african person has. Why not send him a dollar today?


Eventually the African people will sell some diamonds which will end up on some rich dude's watch.

I have to be able to eat/work/have entertainment also.

I do think I spend too much on restaurants though, but then I am going into debt more and more each year.

JM

[Solly]

I've always said that anyone who pays over £1 for a hot drink is a fool..

[Jon Miller]

Irish Coffee is good, but maybe that is too sensitive.

JM

[Imran Siddiqui]

Kuci is going to think poorly of me because I got the Deluxe Edition of the last Harry Potter book (which I'll hardly ever take out because I'm getting a regular edition as well).

Oh well, sucks to be Kuci.

Oh, I also spent like $90 for a sports jersey. Which is somewhat similar, but not quite like conspicuous consumption (showing everyone who you support).

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Kuci is going to think poorly of me because I got the Deluxe Edition of the last Harry Potter book (which I'll hardly ever take out because I'm getting a regular edition as well).

You work for the government, IIRC; I don't think my opinion of you has much room to fall