The Illusion of Choice

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Saw this graphic on another site and thought it was interesting. 

[Staggerwing]

Why does Nestea show up on both Craft and CocaCola's roster?

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Joint venture between Nestle and Coca-Cola.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nestea

[Gusington]

Clamato?? I'll take the Mountain Dew instead, I guess.

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

That brings up an interesting point. If an employee's only method of doing anything is spend money, and their money is controlled by their employer, the employer effectively governs their life. They are the real government as far as that person's life goes. Everything else has limited significance in comparison.

[bayonetbrant]

This is a few years old, but still quite relevant

[mirth]

Alpo is Alpo. I spread it on toast and enjoy it. Does it really matter who makes it?

[airboy]

You left off every store brand in the grocery universe.
This is an important omission because the "major brand names" market share have been declining for a decade in most product categories.

Next, within the conglomorate each brand has a seperate manager who is in competition with everyone one else.  Your brand does well and you get lots of money.  Does poorly and you get fired.

Next, these things go in cycles.  Many times brands have been sold by conglomerates and revitalized.

Last, with the internet it is easier today to identify new options and have them shipped to your door.

So in reality, I think that consumers have more choice today than ever before.

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

I agree there is more choice in terms of products. The visual may still be correct in bringing attention to lack of choice in terms of who gets the money. It is probably true (hard to prove) that over time more money is being funneled to fewer entities.

There are a number of jokes that begin with "There are two types of people in the world..." This thread brings it to my mind with the conclusion that is not a joke, "... those with Capital, and those without." People with Capital have the ability to do things, people without have the ability to be employees.

I think the next Renaissance will happen if/when a large proportion of people have the ability to pursue their dream. Of course many will fail, just transferring money to others. The world seems to be moving in the opposite direction from the traditional "American dream". There seem to be more barriers keeping small businesses from starting.

[GDS_Starfury]

all this thread makes me ask is how the hell Twinkies failed.

[mirth]

When the f^&! did twinkies fail?!  :o

[GDS_Starfury]

wasnt it twinkies that went bust a year or so ago?

[GDS_Starfury]

dude, pay attention to life once in a while.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-17/business/chi-hostess-brands-seeks-court-permission-to-liquidate-20121116_1_hostess-brands-gregory-rayburn-madison-zingers

[Staggerwing]

A lot of the Hostess stuff, including Twinkies, is back on the market after some company bought up the Hostess assets and put many of the products back in production.

[Gusington]

Yes never fear...they will never be able to take away our Suzie Qs...breakfast of champs.