Interesting to read that getting someone to register here on Badweb is considered being proactive while writing a protest letter to the president of a company who is killing off a subsidiary about which we care is not.
And if one thinks that I, with my letter, was EVER expecting to alter the business path of Harley-Davidson, then you assume more of your analytical abilities (and less of mine) than I do.
The simple fact is that I love Buell as a concept and as a company and I think shutting it down is short-sighted and wrong.
Blake- The difference is that if I had posted to someone that they should go back to being dead, I would be banned.
Personal invective has little place on these boards. I'm sorry that you infer condescension from my post, but I posted exactly what I see and how I see it, in a civil manner.
i really wish i was able to make it to the factory but i am grateful that i got to get to the last homecoming with my wife. really enjoyed that day. we sent wolfridgerider a card and a note to take up there with him to give to the factory. and by getting buell #4 next week, i'll be doing my part to try and keep the name alive.
i hope you guys and gals take a lot of pics of the day.
I do not believe letters to the board will change anything. But feel free (if you want) to vent. If nothing else you have given your point of view. Not necesarily a bad thing to put on record. The # crunchers love more "data". And I thought it was a good letter.
I will be there Monday. Preferably wearing a helmet instead of an elf hat.
Everyones dedication and support of Buell is encouraging and appreciated by those in East Troy.
Tramp. You are correct. It is a matter of economics. Mr Wandell has decide on a course of action and that's that.
However, I believe that Buell has amassed a brand that is worth money and momentum into the future. The issue is not to change Wandell's mind as much as it is to persuade him to shop the brand for sale.
If you need a reference, look at Amazon.com. Didn't turn a $ in profit for a long time, yet considered an extremely valuable brand. Why? Because of the value of mind share.
The real value of a brand is the value an investor perceives.
"Delivering condescending insult in a civil manner renders it no less insulting."
Blake- we criticize in others that which we abhor in ourselves. You and I share this affliction, as do most folks. You've posted some of the most condescending passages I've read on this board over the years, as well you may, it is, after all, your board.
What I find interesting is this need to divert attention from a hateful post by one of your cronies, a post that would have gotten anyone else banned.
While I feel your pain at the recent HD/Buell divorce, let's stop the nitpicking, the hate and the misery-mongering. Now is the time to celebrate that which brings us together.
PS- THANK YOU for keeping Badweb going. NOw, more than ever, its relevance glimmers.
Blake said: "Delivering condescending insult in a civil manner renders it no less insulting."
I've noticed you frequently tell folks: "you no read so good"
Isn't that a condescending insult delivered in a civil manner?
Blake- I love ya, I sincerely think the world of you, Have and will defend your statements here and on other boards, but sometimes, my esteemed e-friend, a man needs to admit he's wrong...at least some of the time.
I know I certainly am, pretty often!
We all have bad days, weeks, etc. Thank you for badweb, and thank you for your intelligent and well-received advice and viewpoints. Now, let's get back to talking about what unites us red-headed stepchildren of the new divorce....
If there were a huge public outcry from the motorcycle community it might have some influence. Perhaps, motivate HD to sell Buell . However, to say letter writing campaigns never work is historically incorrect. One example would be the CBS decision to cancel the show, "Jericho". It was subsequently brought back for an additional season after a letter writing campaign. Also, politicians can be swayed if enough of their constituents voice their opinion.
Who, exactly, said that letter writing campaigns never work? I agree w/Ferris, that statement is patently false.
Politicians and businesses, while often similar, are not the same thing.
Frankly, letters can't hurt, but I can think of better uses for our energy. Harley will not miss the Buelling public too much, they have enough of the Viagra and Concho set keeping their tills filled. A politician's job is to do the bidding of his or her constituency, who can, of course, vote him or her out. +1 on what ferris said.
I've often stated "Me no read good". When I misread a post and respond in appropriately, that statement usually leads the follow-on post. I freely admit when I am wrong. I freely admit that I can come down hard on folks.