|
|
Post by buckeye on Jul 9, 2007 12:22:33 GMT -5
My brother found an article over at the Atlantic about the history of the De Beers diamond cartel. I haven't even finished reading it but I thought I would get it posted here so others can read it. Makes you realize the power of smooth marketing. www.theatlantic.com/doc/198202/diamondEnjoy, Bryce C |
|
|
|
Post by beryl5 on Jul 9, 2007 16:01:56 GMT -5
De beers would roll over if all the Russian diamonds were put on the market!!-Beryl5
|
|
|
|
Post by genchaos on Jul 10, 2007 0:36:51 GMT -5
That article was written in 1982, yet the diamond industry is still going strong. It's still the gemstone that MUST be purchased in an engagement ring. Diamonds are STILL forever. Small diamonds in multiple settings are still being pushed for anniversaries and "just because" presents.
In reality, what commodity isn't being supported by a false market? It would take so little to topple the financial world of today.
|
|
|
|
Post by buckeye on Jul 10, 2007 1:42:50 GMT -5
I agree with you that most markets are falsely elevated or lowered, but I think what De Beers has done is totally different from any other purveyor of natural resources.
If you think about it, De Beers is no different from people selling crystals for "healing". They are artificially elevating their prices and they are selling hope. The only difference being that De Beers has a monopoly on the market and they have convinced almost every single American that a diamond is necessary to bind a relationship (whereas crystals for "healing" can be picked up elsewhere for much cheaper and only a small portion of the population believes it actually works).
Just another reminder that if you say something loud and often enough people will eventually believe it.
|
|
|
|
Post by genchaos on Jul 10, 2007 3:02:23 GMT -5
"Fossil fuels are the simplest and most cost-effective alternative for power and transportation."
|
|
|
|
Post by dr00bie on Jul 10, 2007 9:09:16 GMT -5
I read that article a year or so ago, and even printed off 4 copies to distribute around to people I know... it is a long article, but well worth the read!
Drew
|
|
|
|
Post by buckeye on Jul 10, 2007 13:38:39 GMT -5
Hey genchaos, Unfortunately they weren't really lying. Until solar power becomes more efficient and electric cars take off, we are kinda stuck using the most convenient fuel. On the topic of alternative modes of transportation though... www.phoenixmotorcars.comI can't wait for these to come on the market. I want to drop a solar panel in the bed of the truck and leave it in the sun all day, never have to charge it! |
|
|
|
Post by genchaos on Jul 12, 2007 4:26:51 GMT -5
I'm not an eco-extremist, I was just referring to the likenesses in marketing and business tactics. Your statement is correct now, especially the part about "until...electric cars take off", but only because oil producers have spent billions to keep it that way. Other energy sources would be viable in today's society if the same amount of money and research had gone into their development and advertising campaigns. How many people today think there could be a better option than a diamond engagement ring. Probably the same number who know that solar-powered transportation has been available for decades, so long as you were willing to give up a lot of creature comforts.
That vehicle does look incredible. Out here, though, if I had to recharge every hundred miles, a trip would get interesting. Western states are all about countless miles of nothingness, but at least you'd always have plenty of sun. I wonder if they'll design them like any other mobile electronic device so you can charge multiple batteries and then drop in a new one whenever you need it.
|
|
|
|
Post by dr00bie on Jul 12, 2007 13:42:30 GMT -5
My wife loves her 1 ct. marquise cut white sapphire engagement ring...
Drew
|
|
|
|
Post by genchaos on Jul 17, 2007 2:12:36 GMT -5
Oh, if only I had been that smart. My wife got a diamond from me, as well as a traditional pass-me-down of my great grandmother's diamond ring. I haven't bought a diamond since, though--not because I knew anything about the info in the article above, but because I prefer color in gemstones.
|
|
|
|
Post by sapphiregirl on Jul 20, 2007 20:44:08 GMT -5
Well you know a white sapphire is very interesting. I like color in gemstones or a gemstone that has a color not characteristic of it.
|
|
|
|
Post by colorshapetexture on Jul 21, 2007 1:23:28 GMT -5
Genchaos, OK so you have toppled the financial world. ..... My rocks are better than yers. And i want to see this battery. Solar is omni directional. Wind is ... well it blew that away...I got a nuclear rock hammer for sale that can find .... what was it i was looking for?
|
|
