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So your justification for illegally appropriating somebody else's brand is that "we're broke and can't afford to build our own brand"? And the further justifica

by seldo 17y ago

So your justification for illegally appropriating somebody else's brand is that "we're broke and can't afford to build our own brand"? And the further justification includes that deception is used in nature? I'm not saying I don't understand why it happens, I'm saying it's not right to do it, because it does damage to Apple's brand, contrary to the OP's point that it was merely an "homage" with no harm done. Sure, some people buy an iPhone lookalike knowing that it's a fake so they can make some kind of stupid fashion statement. But I hope, dear god I hope, that most people buying iPhones are doing so because they want a device that can make phone calls, browse the web, sync with iTunes, and do all the other fun stuff an iPhone can do. These devices don't do those things, not properly.

anigbrowl 17y ago
I explicitly said that such copying is crooked and I don't endorse it. I wrote to analyze, not advocate. I would rethink your remark about 'a stupid fashion statement'. I am not into fashion, but it has considerable utility. People make displays of wealth to attract a desirable mate and also to increase their social status. In many environments, dressing well and carrying the 'right' accessory conveys an impression of success which may be key to getting a promotion or closing a deal. Superficial it may be, but it works. In this context, the features of the iPhone are no more than distracting toys. All that matters is the display, which can be effected by having a secretary or colleague call you in the middle of a meeting so you can pull out your expensive looking phone and say you're too important to talk right now. And yes, people do things like that. It's the exact same reason there are so many ads for teeth whiteners. They don't help you chew better, they help you look better and therefore better off.
- seldo 17y ago
  I recognize that what you're saying is true, and that there are people for whom an iPhone-shaped shiny piece of plastic is as good as the real thing. However, I hate those people :-) They're bad people. Stupid people. Superficial people. I don't want them indulged.

by seldo 17y ago

anigbrowl 17y ago

I explicitly said that such copying is crooked and I don't endorse it. I wrote to analyze, not advocate. I would rethink your remark about 'a stupid fashion statement'. I am not into fashion, but it has considerable utility. People make displays of wealth to attract a desirable mate and also to increase their social status. In many environments, dressing well and carrying the 'right' accessory conveys an impression of success which may be key to getting a promotion or closing a deal. Superficial it may be, but it works. In this context, the features of the iPhone are no more than distracting toys. All that matters is the display, which can be effected by having a secretary or colleague call you in the middle of a meeting so you can pull out your expensive looking phone and say you're too important to talk right now. And yes, people do things like that. It's the exact same reason there are so many ads for teeth whiteners. They don't help you chew better, they help you look better and therefore better off.

seldo 17y ago
I recognize that what you're saying is true, and that there are people for whom an iPhone-shaped shiny piece of plastic is as good as the real thing. However, I hate those people :-) They're bad people. Stupid people. Superficial people. I don't want them indulged.