From: Michael Murphy <murphy@io.com> Date: Wed Oct 23, 2002 10:09:11 PM US/Central To: "Jerry & Liz Moos" <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net> Subject: Re: [CR]RE: Taiwan Motobecanes et al
On Wednesday, October 23, 2002, at 08:35 PM, Jerry & Liz Moos wrote:
> I think I know what I am saying, namely that in my view, to be a "real"
> example of a marque, a product must either be (A) produced by a person
> or
> firm with some significant link to the original producer, like Bianchi
> or
> Peugeot or (B) be produced per designs and/or methods as near as
> practical
> to the original like Bates or Hetchins. The current Mercier and
> Motobecane
> do neither, and are therefore, in my opinion fakes and frauds. People
> who
> buy based on image unsubstantiated by substance or tradition are in my
> opinion gullible fools. Unfortunately our current society is full of
> such
> people. Of course those who think image is everything are entitled to
> their
> opinion. I am obliged to tolerate their opinion, but not to respect
> it.
> Least anyone feel insulted, I don't think anyone on this list fits that
> description.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Houston, TX
>
>
>
I agree completely with Jerry. I think that the intellectual basis for the community of this list joins in this agreement. I bear no grudge toward those who purchase these old badges and then turn profit if they never claim to be continuing the history of the badge. Furthermore, I cannot believe that anyone who purchases a current badged version of a previously historically significant line expects their purchase to be traditionally significant. I might have been so naive as a child in the sixties: I think that all contemporary buyers are much more aware.
Michael Murphy
Paige, Texas