Horological Meandering

ripwatch
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Ah, Consumer Reports...

Hi Thomas,

No doubt you won't be surprised to learn that I read Consumer Reports, too.  I do think it's mundane--after all, it deals with the day-to-day functionality of such fascinating objects as disposalls and latex paint--and kinda boring too, but it sure as hell is very useful! 

And regarding the "much-disparaged" comment, I think that is also correct:  as I read the car-buff magazines I subscribe to, or the high-end stereo magazines, I run across a steady drumbeat of disparaging commentary about CR.  You know, things like:  "Well, the Camry is a wonderful car if all you want is to get from A to B.  No doubt Consumer Reports will rave about it.  We, on the other hand, are bored to tears by it."

It seems to me, if I may risk a generalization, that those who are passionately involved in a particular hobby (inadequate word, but the best I can do on short notice) often tend to look down on CR's particular perspective on the products they're passionate about.  I've seldom seen such vitriol as that expressed by audiophiles regarding CR's ratings of audio products, for example.  And right here, in the "do you work for CR?" comment, perhaps I'm reaching but I detected at least a whiff of disparagement there, too (perhaps about me, certainly about CR!).

Meanwhile, Thomas, no offense taken by anything you wrote (or anyone else wrote, for that matter), and none intended on my part either.  I must confess I was a bit concerned as I wrote my original post, given that it was your words/thoughts that prompted my own comments, but I figured I've hung around here long enough that you'd realize my ramblings were, and always are, meant in good faith.

Best regards,

-Rip