Monster cable has met their match when it comes to ripoffs ($2000 USB 2.0 cable) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Razor512
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2014, 10:47:48 pm
content: http://www.amazon.com/LightSpeed-10G-3-8M-Standard-Configuration/dp/B00MI2RKBU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409438012&sr=8-1&keywords=lh+labs+usb+cableAt first it seemed like a mistake, but it turns out that that company actually charging that much, and tried to justify their price by talking about how their USB cable improves audio quality by allowing a cleaner signal to make its way from the PC, to the external DACin addition to talking about how putting the power cables in a separate rubber jacket from the data cables, reduces noise (even though they all get joined together at the connectors anywayOverall, it seems that monster needs to hire a few more rappers to endorse their cables in order to trick people into spending even more than their $150-160 per meter of HDMI cable

author: Syntax_Error
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2014, 10:55:14 pm
content: Untrue claims with intent to deceive, such as this, should be illegal and prosecutable. This is absurd.

author: Razor512
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 07:41:25 am
content: It would be awesome if they would go after those companies, but if that starts happening, you will likely see 90% of the products on the market disappear

author: mcinque
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 07:56:19 am
content: "The digital bits needs to get from the server to our DACin the proper ORDERand in the proper time"Ooohh... and of course your cable play a definitive role in this.Those who buy this snake oil deserve to be crucified.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 08:18:40 am
content: No, they deserve to be fleeced. If they are willing to give money for that then they need either education or need to be asked more foolish things that they can overspend on.

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 08:55:21 am
content: I think I can beat you hereUSB cable:Starting at $3549 for 3FT.Quoted for those who are too lazy to click the above link:Quote

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 09:08:43 am
content: Lads, lads, you're not trying hard enough here. What you need to do is put some rocks on your cables:http://www.audaud.com/audaud/DEC01/EQUIP/equip3DEC01.html

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 09:24:39 am
content: Quote from: German_EE on August 31, 2014, 09:08:43 amLow-pass filtering is a valid way to filter (high-freq) noise.There is anAustralian resellertoo! How convenient, it's only ....$230 per ferrite?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 09:32:10 am
content: Well, who will spend $ 2000 on a USB cable?They are not targeting the low income group, so consumer protection will unlikely do anything.Once in a while we can read about the prosecution of companies that have these unreal claimswith a very clean intent to deceive the consumer. One case I remember was an oil additive (Snake-Oil)that was suppose to work, even when the oil pan was removed. They got prosecuted and lost andthe business folded.But in this case, who is stupid enough to spend that cash on a USB cable?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 09:50:48 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on August 31, 2014, 09:32:10 amThe same type of gullible people who give money to astrologers, psychics and other charlatans.Some people will believe anything they're told. Just look how popular religion is.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 11:29:12 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on August 31, 2014, 09:50:48 amThe same type of gullible people who buy expensive creams to reverse the skin ageing process.The same type of gullible people who buy expensive shampoos to bring their dead hair back to life.The same type of gullible people who buy expensive BMW's and Mercedes to save face.The same type of gullible people who buy expensive muscle building products.The same type of gullible people who buy investment properties thinking the bubble won't burst.The biggest religion in the world is money. The prophets of money (advertisers) make you believe anything you are told.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 11:33:17 am
content: QuoteLots of people.From a different perspective, this is no different from people buying expensive scopes / multimeters to measure battery voltage.I say, more power to them all. It is their money and they deserve to spend however that pleases them

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 11:43:52 am
content: No comments on their video?Alexander.

author: Terabyte2007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 11:57:30 am
content: That's the silliest looking POS I have seen in a while!

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 12:23:56 pm
content: Read the article, then look at the picture. I know that the odd ferrite bead here and there can work wonders when you have an interference problem but these folk are selling blocks of stone that are intended to sit on top of various pieces of kit. I quote:There are Shakti Stones under the amps, under the power supply for the preamp, above and below the DAC, as well as on top of the preamp, the PS Audio 300, the transport, and the loudspeakers. Yes, I said loudspeakers.Now, tell me how a rock sitting on top of a loudspeaker can improve the sound? Dave is quite keen on fighting marketing "wank words" and this lot are full of it:Music became more relaxed, with greater clarity. Space and ambience increased. The soundfield became considerably more open and defined. At a certain point, the effect became quite startling as another Stone or On-Line was added.

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 12:43:39 pm
content: Quote from: German_EE on August 31, 2014, 12:23:56 pmMaybe I'm being far too generous, but those "stones" do look like ferrite, don't they?

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 12:44:46 pm
content: I suspect these guys (Shatki stones placement) may have struck a small vein of truth amongst their cobblygook, people are often much more pleased with the outcome of an event if they feel they have contributed to it in some way.eg1. Packet cake mixes were a complete flop until they hit on the idea of the people having to add an egg (despite that dried egg powder is easily achieved)2. ikea furniture; by saving money with self assembly, also people have 'invested time' into the product so it MUST be better.By placing your stones you feel as though YOU have done something to the sound.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 12:50:37 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on August 31, 2014, 09:50:48 amThat last sentence just made my day

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 12:54:46 pm
content: Why the hell is this company allowed to sell such bullshit, they should be shut down as scam artists, that's what they are.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 01:01:56 pm
content: Maybe I should start my own product line, how about "Placebo" as a name... it's a well-documented effect after all...

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 01:17:38 pm
content: The stone sound probably came from the last pebble being placed also was accompanied by the use of that other"stone" product. You, know, the green stuff that is growing outside. I had all my marigold seedlings nicked from the planter outside, just as they got to 5cm tall.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 01:24:40 pm
content: Quote from: German_EE on August 31, 2014, 12:23:56 pmA big heavy rock on the top of many speakers will improve them, by cutting down how much they shake around at high volume. Why did you chose to emphasis the only thing on that list where a stone can have a positive effect?

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 01:25:40 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on August 31, 2014, 01:01:56 pmThat's a stupid name. Product names are supposed to divert attention, not focus it.

author: kwallen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 01:32:06 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on August 31, 2014, 01:01:56 pmSomewhat brilliantly, that wouldn't nullify the effect at all. Many people are aware of the placebo effect, so even if you know a particular action is a placebo, it'll still work because you know the placebo effect exists. There's information which suggest that intravenous placebos are significantly more effective in medical studies, perhaps you should make injectable ferrite beads for audiophiles?No matter what it actually does, if you advertise it as providing a more relaxing listening experience, it probably will.

author: gildasd
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 01:37:19 pm
content: Call it "Obecalp", nobody will notice.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 02:04:27 pm
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on August 31, 2014, 11:29:12 amExcept some of the things you mentioned actually make a difference (a 100 grand Mercedes feels and drives better than a 10 grand Kia), while that cable makes no difference whatsoever.I love it how they advertise that the cable can do twice the speed of USB 3.0, while they have a 2.0 connector on there.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 02:18:51 pm
content: Quote from: Razor512 on August 30, 2014, 10:47:48 pmMonster is way ahead of these people. These people may take each sucker for a large amount, but will only sucker a small number of people. Monster has perfected the art of sucking just enough out of each sucker that they can make suckering a high volume business.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 02:39:56 pm
content: Monster has hit the fine line between profit and pain. Just a flashy enough package that the sucker/buyer will not feel any pain, and marketing where it is placed conveniently close to the items on sale, and giving a sales incentive to the retailer as well with a generous margin on the product.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 04:04:07 pm
content: Quote from: XOIIO on August 31, 2014, 12:54:46 pmIf all the bullshit is removed from all stores around the world, what would be left?Probably less than 50%

author: Syntax_Error
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 04:12:58 pm
content: Quote from: firewalker on August 31, 2014, 11:43:52 amGood call. I watched the video and had a difficult time believing the guy was serious. There's a few times where it looks like he's trying to maintain a serious face, but struggling.To everyone that thinks people deserve to be fleeced by ridiculous predatory claims like this, I would disagree. To you/us/everyone *here*, this is beyond preposterous, and would only entrap a very gullible person. You would probably be right, but I still think the predatory, deceptive action is wrong, and I certainly don't believe that even the most gullible person "deserves" to be fleeced, much in the same way that I don't think a well-dressed person arriving to an ATM in an expensive car deserves to be mugged for their money, because they should "know better" that such an action could happen. Is their action a roll of the dice that could in fact put them in danger? Absolutely, and a smart person would take action to avoid it. But the mugging is still a crime perpetrated against an individual, and the predator should be brought to justice. And in no way does the individual "deserve" to be mugged. A stupid decision maybe, but to say thy deserve it implies that the criminal is doing nothing wrong.I think in the real world, you do have a personal part in protecting yourself from being fleeced, but that doesn't mean that deceptive false advertising bears no blame. I would also argue that the information held to be so common by people here, is actually part of a body of specialized knowledge (electronics, etc.) not possessed by everybody. People are just as easily fleeced when building and repairing homes, cars, making investments, authoring contracts, etc. and in none of these does the individual who lacks the specialized knowledge deserve to be preyed upon through deception.Oh, and sorry to detract from all the poking fun. Seriously.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 04:32:10 pm
content: QuoteI think we can all agree to that premise. We differ, however, on how such a practice can be best addressed. Some believes in government regulation / prosecution / actions in general.I think that eradicating stupidity is the best approach. You can teach a guy all you want that it is unwise to buy such a cable; Unless you educate him to be smarter, he will make the same mistakes, if not on overpriced cable, on overpriced go-fast stickers, "hi-fi" equipment, ....Those con-artists have a value: they provide incentives for people to be smarter.QuoteI actually don't think selling overpriced cable is a crime. People may have different reasons, some of them superbly valid from their points of view, to buy such a cable. So outlawing such cables, however their performance claims dubious, isn't wise.Mugging, however, is universally considered a crime, unless you are in a certain midwestern town in the USA,

author: Syntax_Error
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 04:45:11 pm
content: I don't think selling overpriced cable is the crime, either. The misrepresentation of the cable's abilities and the pseudoproblems that the cable is asserted to solve, is deceptive advertising. I'm aware that deceptive advertising is not a crime, either. I think it should be, and I think it should be prosecutable, like I said early on in the thread. Companies like this choose their words carefully to not break the law.He starts by saying they built a better cable. He articulates the "needs" of a good cable. Then he articulates the construction choices made for their cable. Each of these is perfectly legal. It is implied that his cable provides superior performance by satisfying these criteria outlined earlier in the video, and a perception of value (and justified cost based on performance) forms independently in the buyer's mind.This is deceptive, but not blatant false advertising. Blatant false advertising (which is illegal) is based on the concept of a provable lie. Modern snake oil salesman are careful to avoid this situation, and instead use words to play rope-a-dope with their victims/customers.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 04:55:23 pm
content: QuoteWe say "wrong things" all the time, especially the greatest among us: 100% of what's published in today's science journals is wrong, given enough time; Galileo proved others wrong; and people after him proved him wrong; The same with Newton and Einstein and I am sure countless others past, present and in the future.Is it really wise to prosecute people for saying wrong things?

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 05:00:59 pm
content: Surely, you can see the difference between the scientific process, whose entire purpose is to make thingsless wrong, and willfully fraudulent advertising...

author: Syntax_Error
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 05:06:43 pm
content: I'm really not sure where that example came from? I don't think I understand what you are getting at. This guy/people like this, are not on the frontier of new science for their time. They are selling a product, making or insinuating claims in order to sell their product. The problem is that the premise for the sale is the purported benefits of the product over the competition (regular cables) and these benefits do not exist. This is dishonest. That is my claim. I'm trying to keep it simple.I'm not saying that if you say something incorrect, whether or not you personally believe it, you should be prosecuted. If that's how it came across, that was unintended.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 05:12:07 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on August 31, 2014, 01:01:56 pm+1Yes, it's placebo but some buyers benefit from it. It fills their need for perfection and feeling special and discriminating, above the yahoo.

author: sunnyhighway
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 05:28:27 pm
content: They also sell a "split configuration".http://www.amazon.com/LightSpeed-10G-3-8M-Split-Configuration/dp/B00MI349CM/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1409505678&sr=1-6

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 05:29:15 pm
content: QuoteSo you think he should be prosecuted because he made false claims -> "these benefits do not exist".QuoteSo you think he should not be prosecuted just because he made false claims?Honestly, I am confused -> that's not a false claim,

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 05:32:28 pm
content: Quote from: Syntax_Error on August 31, 2014, 04:45:11 pmIn the UK that advertising would fall foul of the ASA (advertising standards agency)http://www.asa.org.uk/So if advertised here in the UK any one could make a complaint.

author: Syntax_Error
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 05:38:22 pm
content: dannyf,The difference is the intent to deceive. Yes, this would have to be proven, but that's how these things (crimes) go anyway. I'm not trying to make plays on words, but I'm wondering if you are.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 05:59:37 pm
content: QuoteOK. So you think the cable guy should be prosecuted for making a false claim with the intent to deceive?How do you know that the cable guy here has that intent?QuoteI am slow in judging people's intent, especially when they disagree with me.

author: Syntax_Error
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 07:02:52 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on August 31, 2014, 05:59:37 pmYes, that is correct. Rather, I think it should be a prosecutable offense, which as I understand it currently is not.QuoteGood question. I personally don't, if I'm being honest. I (strongly) believe he does, and the burden of proof would be on his accuser to substantiate that accusation. That's how I'm accustomed to the law working. The specifics of how this would work can have substantial variation from place to place. For example, on one extreme the plaintiff in a claims court has to satisfy this burden, and on another hand in another place with different laws, a complainant has their complaint reviewed (by the gov) and they determine whether or not to pursue the plaintiff's claim. The FTC in the United States operates this way, for example. Your question is a primary one that has to be answered/proved satisfactorily in order to assess legal fault. Again, the specifics of this vary strongly from place to place and offense to offense. I'm not a lawyer or a judge, so it is difficult to give sufficient detail and also not put my foot in my mouth with errors.QuoteFair enough. I get edgy when I suspect someone is trying to mess with me when I'm trying to be serious, and that's what I was getting at.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 07:38:19 pm
content: QuoteI assume that you understand how high of a hurdle that is.It is very tempting to go with the masses - it is the path of least resistance. However, truth is often unpopular. Galileo was not favorably viewed during his time. The same for Einstein - those "nobel" committee members were so suspicious of him work and they never awarded him the prize for the relativity theories.In those situations, it is important to go with your mind, rather than your instinct - you will be surprised how often wrong your instinct is.QuoteBut do we really want to go down that path? Does anyone seriously think this guy selling a $2K usb cable to some willing but stupid buyers is menacing our society as much as that guy mugging people at ATM machines?To me, we should deal with this guy after we have eradicated world hunger, restored world peace, reversed global warming (and subsequent global cooling), rescued every drowning polar bear, turned every inch of desert into oasis, given every kid a chance to earn a PhD in electronics, every boy a beautiful wife and family and every girl a handsome husband, etc.That's how high this cable issue is on my priority list.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 08:53:48 pm
content: How is this stuff different from the usual audiophoolery crap? Those cables are targetted straight and square at those fools. Unfotunately, there is plenty of idiots around who will pay for such cable, along with premium power cables, speaker cables, various dowsing gizmos to "tune" the listening space, etc.

author: skipjackrc4
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 10:35:31 pm
content: Absolutely ridiculous.I know Monster Cable gets a lot of crap from people (and they deserve it), but I will say, their live music cables really are very good. I own 2 guitar cables from them (they were gifts, I make my own cables otherwise), and they're the best cables I have. Not that they sound any better, but they're very mechanically rugged. They don't get kinked, and the connectors are probably the best that I've seen in term of fit and finish. But there is a difference between mechanical reliability and "better sound through a USB cable".

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2014, 10:59:32 pm
content: Their DAC makes some amusing claims also:Quote

author: Syntax_Error
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2014, 12:43:42 am
content: I wonder what the patent number is? Somehow, I doubt there are any patents pending. Is it too late to hope that this is satire?

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2014, 11:51:19 am
content: I could be wrong, but I don't believe it is an offence in the USA to rip someone off. You can charge $10000 for a USB cable if you want. There is no law against it. I think it might be the same here. But false claims about a product is another thing.

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2014, 12:28:26 pm
content: Quote from: Syntax_Error on September 01, 2014, 12:43:42 amThe review I just submitted was most certainly satire. I hope they let it through to the page.Cool, it is up.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2014, 12:42:14 pm
content: QuoteIf some of us got their wishes, they would like to government to decide who can say and who cannot.QuoteDepending on how you define false claims. There are abundance examples of false claims to be made legally and legitimately.

author: ehughes
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 01:14:14 am
content: Quote from: sacherjj on September 04, 2014, 12:28:26 pmDear fine Sir:I custom manufacture a 10TB/s (tera-bit/sec) rated USB2.0 connector that would work well with your new cable. We use a tritanium alloy coated with a "quantum foam" treatment which enables tachyon based data bursts. Your signals can achieve edge rates of 1kilovolts per yoctosecond.Each connector is comes with a lifetime warranty and are only $795 a piece for immediate delivery. I can supply type A and type B in standard,mini and micro form.Also, to achieve the data rates you will need to use our poly-lithium-silver solder which is manufactured with a planck scale meta-material construction technique. Only $500 per foot for 32AWG. It can be supplied with no flux or with a no clean, organic or rosin based core.Reply to this if you are interested. We cater to discerning individuals such as yourself who only accept the best in their audio signal chain.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 01:46:45 am
content: I don't have as good a quality oscilloscope as sacherjj, so I had to sell both my scope and my bench power supply.Looking forward to it arriving.Man! Can you believe the freight cost to New Zealand on that cable. Ridiculous I say!

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2014, 07:07:38 pm
content: Responded comment:Quote

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2014, 01:36:48 pm
content: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3I8VKTCITJCX6User review poetry.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2014, 02:40:07 pm
content: I am using this cable to program my Arduino and the quality is amazing. For example with the blinking LED example the blinking is crisp and more defined.

author: sunnyhighway
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2014, 04:50:27 pm
content: Quote from: zapta on September 07, 2014, 02:40:07 pmIf you think that's the best you can achieve, then you should absolutely try to power your Arduino with a Keithley Model 2280S-60-3 using this AudioQuest NRG WEL Signature Series 6 Feet AC Power Cable for the Keithley for only $6,899.75.http://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-NRG-WEL-Signature-Power/dp/B0055OM9WS/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1410107869&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=NGR+WEL+Signature+power+cableIt's from the same trustworthy manufacturer and it contains some stunning technologies like:• Solid PSS Silver• 72V Dielectric-Bias System (DBS)• Multiple-Position Noise-Dissipation System• Counter-Spiral GeometryThe result is absolutely amazing. The Arduino LED wil blink with a level of brilliance an clarity you never would have thought possible.I hardly have any words for it. WOW... just WOW...

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2014, 07:14:48 pm
content: QuoteIt is a custom-made cable so it should cost a lot.Curious as to how many of such cables the guy actually sold. Don't want to be in his position.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2014, 07:18:19 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on September 07, 2014, 07:14:48 pmHow many does heneedto sell to make a living?

author: abaxas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2014, 07:51:47 am
content: These rip off cables really boil my piss.Just buy good quality, nice looking and easy to fit cables.My setup.B&W 805 speakersKrell KSA100 Mk IIBenchmark DAC1TEAC VDRS transport.Van den hul D102 interconnects - ~£30 / ~$50Chord rumour bi-wire speaker cable (2 x 3m lengths) = ~£50 / ~$80Ultra cheap coax digital cable - ~£2 / ~$3Job done with ultra mild bling and my ears like it.

author: beatle
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2014, 02:25:22 pm
content: The mind boggles!Those guys have also had a a Kickstarter campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gavn8r/geek-a-new-usb-awesomifier-for-headphones) that was over founded by a factor of 10 to $0.3M. And they apparently needed that because in their great philanthropy they wanted to create new and affordable cheaper version of DAC (as their original one is 'Hand made to order" and costs ~$30k).They also made more than a $1M on indiegogo:https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/geek-pulse-a-digital-audio-awesomifier-for-your-desktop."Thank you suckers for your money":

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2014, 03:35:50 pm
content: QuoteGood for them all.If wasteful spending buys your happiness, it is money well spent.

author: beatle
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2014, 05:42:42 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on September 09, 2014, 03:35:50 pmI understand your point and partially agree. It is not directly bad, but indirectly bad from the economics (in both meanings) standpoint. The thing that I see as harmful is the alternative price of the resources spent. The amount of money spent for this could be used to buy real products thus bringing down the price of quality products for everyone while also rewarding the honest businesses.This practice takes away all those millions of dollars from the economics of scale mechanism and harms the competitors. Besides, I just instinctively dislike waste.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2014, 11:20:40 am
content: QuoteThere are tons of "indrect bads" from the other side as well:how about the welfare of those who derive utility from spending their money the way they want?if you think such economic freedom is to be constrained, where does that kind of constraints stop?...Everything approach has its pros and cons. I think in the end, you will find that the simpler the better. It is their money and they should spend it however they see fit (legally).Yes, it can wasteful at times. But history has shown repeatedly that people are far better resource allocators than a government can ever hope to be.