Keith, I think you may be on to something, but I'm not sure that any of us - including you - have fully grasped the idea. It needs a lot more work, but then anything worthwhile does.
As for status goods, I suppose that cell-phones, or mobiles, have receded as status goods. In their place, I would say, are digital cameras. Over here, a decent 5 megapixel costs around $350 (without tax or shipping over the Internet). Perhaps, the same camera costs about $450 in the local (mom and pop) store. Maybe a little less at Walmart. Plus tax, of course, which would add another $36 or so. I have been pointing out my SLR has about 30 or 40 megapixels but now I've stopped. I got a 5 megapixel digital Minolta for my birthday. Ed would be interested in the 2 or 3 weeks or so in which my son Alan checked reviews and prices. He got it for about $350 without shipping or tax via the Internet. I suppose each dollar you save in a price is worth almost the $2 you earn at work. When I learn how to work it, I will simply have to have a photo printer (about $160) and that will require (no doubt) expensive paper. So, I have my status good - until they come out with a 10 megapixel which can take full length films, yet is modestly priced. I suspect that these cameras are rather more expensive in the UK. Perhaps the same amount in pounds as we pay in dollars. Are the better ones a status good in the UK? Harry ******************************************** Henry George School of Social Science of Los Angeles Box 655 Tujunga CA 91042 Tel: 818 352-4141 -- Fax: 818 353-2242 http://haledward.home.comcast.net ******************************************** -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Keith Hudson Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 9:50 AM To: Christoph Reuss Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: II. Find the cause (was RE: [Futurework] FW Basic Income sites Christoph, Appendix to previous: I think the big paradox is that although feelings against consumerism are higher now than ever before (and may be at their maximum now) the trend-setting middle-class people who initiate consumption trends have never been busier or more stressed in their working weeks. They have very little extra time in which to buy, use and display new consumer goods (that is, those that are new, highly desirable but also also require time in which to use them). I think it is very significant that in America (and England), with low interest rates, and surging productivity, there is no corresponding growth in consumer spending. In my opinion it is not just because the average customer has high credit card debts (though this is true) but because the middle-class professional trend-setting class are not buying any more than before. For the first time in history I think we are seeing a situation where no highly desirable new product is appearing. It is not in demand any more; it is not being supplied any more. There is very little evidence so far for what I am suggesting. But I think we are at a very significant hiatus just now. Keith --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.552 / Virus Database: 344 - Release Date: 12/15/2003 _______________________________________________ Futurework mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://scribe.uwaterloo.ca/mailman/listinfo/futurework
