Random Announcements

DougNg

So I haven't posted about this, but I've run into an interesting situation on Macrumors forum…

There are a couple of long threads dedicated to counterfeit Element cases for the iPhone 4/s

For those of you unfamiliar with Element cases, they're CNC aircraft grade aluminum machined cases with very high tolerances and high detail that range in cost from $100 to $160

These threads are tipping people off to Chinese knock offs that sell in the $20-$30 range

I'm inherently against knock offs, I think they hurt honest, hardworking people. It's argued that they're charging too much for the cases but nobody's twisting their arm to buy one. And to be honest, I have some understanding of CNC machining and the Element cases are worth every penny

I'm glad that we don't have that on this forum for two reasons: one, it's wrong. If you can't afford an expensive product, don't pretend you have one

Two: and it's being argued on that forum, is the whole freedom of speech thing. Here's the thing: forums are privately owned, and when a forum is actively moderated (unlike Usenet), and there's open discussion of where to buy counterfeit product, it qualifies as advertising of counterfeit product, which is illegal

Just wanted to share.

Thanks you guys for being classy like this

Giles

Freedom of Speech - Bollocks…..

Chris

There are actually people arguing that they have some sort of freedom of speech right on an online forum? I really wish folks would get it through their heads that the Constitutional right to free speech only controls governmental restriction of public speech. Non-governmental owners of private spaces can regulate in any way they want, reasonable or not. You have zero rights on an online forum. None. If you disagree, then leave; that's your only "right".

Just to be clear, that's totally fine with me.:)

Having said that, fakes are wrong on every level. I also participate on watchuseek, and discussion of counterfeit products is strictly forbidden. Some try to skirt the ban with justifications of "replicas" and "homages“, but frankly, that's sh!t. I've never heard a remotely compelling reason for purchasing counterfeit goods.

Megatron1505

I have purchased counterfeit goods in my younger days, not proud of it, and definitely wouldn't do it again. The purchase does not leave you with any sort of satisfaction, as you know that what you have is an inferior quality, piece of crap, fake. Just say no kids :-\

Lucifer

@Chris:

There are actually people arguing that they have some sort of freedom of speech right on an online forum? I really wish folks would get it through their heads that the Constitutional right to free speech only controls governmental restriction of public speech. Non-governmental owners of private spaces can regulate in any way they want, reasonable or not. You have zero rights on an online forum. None. If you disagree, then leave; that's your only "right".

Just to be clear, that's totally fine with me.:)

Having said that, fakes are wrong on every level. I also participate on watchuseek, and discussion of counterfeit products is strictly forbidden. Some try to skirt the ban with justifications of "replicas" and "homages“, but frankly, that's sh!t. I've never heard a remotely compelling reason for purchasing counterfeit goods.

Actually, most conventions does give states a positive duty to facilitate freedom of speech in addition to the negative duty (not to limit the people's freedom of speech actively). I'm quite sure that making moderators on an online forum accept crap does not come under this positive duty though..

injunjack

I didn't know if this is a rant or not…Maybe i'm just too old for this shit. But I just don't get jeans evo contests.

Maybe I need some real denim geek/nerd to explain it to me over couple of beers. Jeans fade when you use 'em, that's it.

Lucifer

-20 celcius here today btw. Nippy.

Giles

@Lucifer:

Love it…...

Giles

I have been asked questions recently that have made me a little concerned about what members think that they can and can't do on this forum.

I would like to make it abundantly clear that questions about sizing/fit pics/discussions about other brands of jeans are welcome here.

I happen to represent Iron Heart, but that does not mean I have no interest in other brands. There are a load of other brands out there that I have the utmost respect for. I have spent a silly amount of money on other denim brands whilst I have been in the Far East, that's because I have a love for all (well most) things denim. I am fascinated in different denims, different cuts and different approaches to construction. It may be merely a pair of 5 pockets of jeans to some, but to me (and I believe most of our members), it is so much more.

If this forum is to add value to the greatest number of people, it should embrace other brands and interests too. The more people we have contributing and finding this a useful place to be, the better it will be for all of us.

So please feel free to discuss any other brand you want to, I'll take it personally if you don't.

Giles

Sugar Mountain

@injunjack:

I didn't know if this is a rant or not…Maybe i'm just too old for this shit. But I just don't get jeans evo contests.

Maybe I need some real denim geek/nerd to explain it to me over couple of beers. Jeans fade when you use 'em, that's it.

I think the appeal lies in seeing the same cut and denim evolve in wildly different ways amongst the participants of a contest depending on lifestyle, washing routine, care/lack of care et cetera. Most people don't appear to be actively trying to 'win' a contest but if people are going out of their way to fade their jeans rather than just let have them reflect daily wear, that makes no sense. The attraction of contests is way more in the community feeling that they serve to create in my opinion.