wildman (11/24/82)
A number of replies: floyd!trb-- I agree that you certainly don't have to have any regard at all for Christmas. Since you don't, why don't you just avoid all those jerky stores that insist on bringing it to your unwilling attention, and let them KNOW that you are unhappy. decvax!minow-- While your quote sums up the mercantile mentality completely, I gather that you regard it(the quote) as a bit ironic, and depicting something that you don't really like. Write someone a letter! To the rest of you who have disputed each other's objections to the commercial Christmas season, DON'T argue about it, BOYCOTT! And be sure that you tell the merchants WHY, and WHAT you are boycotting. Since I have tried such things before, I know that a quiet, firm letter to an advertisor, stating that you dislike their commercials, etc, stating your reasons for dislike, and the action that you intend to take, will have an effect. In fact, I suspect that even one or two NON-FANATICAL letters will have a greater effect than you realize. When you write them, do NOT write as a member of a group, and do NOT parrot the "group's" arguement, make your own. The people who read such things (and they ARE read, if they seem reasonable) are quite good at picking out form letter stuff, stuff from the (im)Moral (mi)Majority, leftist groups, rightist groups, etc, so don't be rhetorical, just state your opinion, say that you will consider buying other manufacturers products first (do not be absolute, just get across the idea of a disadvantage), and offer a reasonable solution. (Such as restraining Christmas commercials to the last three weeks before Christmas, or whenever YOU would like to see them...). You will probably get a reply, by the way, IFF your letter managed to penetrate the crank filter, so you will get some belated feedback. To the person who (I do NOT evaluate his/her objections, they are his/er own objections, and represent his/her own taste, which is not MY business) objected to the phone company arguements; Rather than making fun, why don't you write them a letter? Write, Write, Write!!! It matters. L. Greystoke
rosin (11/24/82)
And now for something completely different . . . My wife owns and runs a small craft gallery in Red Bank, NJ. (I am resisting the temptation to interject a "plug" here.) The store does about 40% of its annual business between Thanksgiving and New Years. She does a small amount of newspaper advertising and sends out about 1100 postcard "reminders" to people who have THEMSELVES asked to be put on her mailing list. Clearly, this season is critical to the survival of her business. I get involved, as do our kids, to help out in these busy times. Frankly, I find working in her store, greeting customers, working with them to find the "right" piece of pottery, hand blown glass, etc. for a gift for a special person, to be very satisfying and a splendid change from 'work'. My wife, the gallery owner, is also a weaver, and she not only receives gratification from the abovementioned activities, but she also feels very good when someone who really cares buys a piece she has woven. This kind of business must compete with the Malls and mass produced goods to survive. Advertising, "seasonal" window displays, seeking promotion in trade and general newspapers is a significant activy. But, before you send letters, talk with the merchant and find out what motivates her/him including making a profit to help send the kids to college. Bob Rosin, Bell Labs, Lincroft, NJ, ...!houxi!houxn!rosin
tas (11/27/82)
You all would probably be extremely amazed at the results that even ONE (1) letter can produce when directed at an advertiser, TV/Radio station, etc. I suggest that gripes about advertising and such lowly democratic institutions should be directed at the source as well as (instead of???) net.general. In some cases, one literate critical letter can influence policy. Let the source of your complaint, as well as the USENET community, hear about your feelings (and reserve flames for USENET, please...). Tim Seaver
djo (12/02/82)
This is the way to go. I have had great results with a well written, perhaps even amusing letter that gets my point across to a merchant, publisher, or whomever. Try it, you may be happily surprised!