quote: Originally posted by lovedontloveme
Well... I do think it doesn't really do good to the independent coffee shops out there, BUT, it's all to do with commerce. If the independent stores really had er.. good tasting coffee and were skilful, they would somehow be able to get more customers and such. Starbucks has done well, they've build a solid reputation and a large customer base.
Anyhow, I love that white chocolate mocha frappucino thingy. Mmm, yummy.
Makes sense but is flawed. This argument is reminicent to the debate between big business and small businesses in the late 1800's and early 1900's in which the classification as "Captains of Industry" and "Robber Barons" of the Big Businesses were the main quesiton. Most people would think that, yes, they all started from square one. However, this is NEVER the case as the economic model for each household is different. If you're from a rich family, you're sure as hell going to have an easier time setting up a shop and paying off loans than somebody starts off from a poor family. Thus, one could see business, especially business such as this, as a cycle to benefit the rich and (indirectly) keep the poor at bay.
Also, the question of whether Starbucks is "ethically" wrong or right because they're forcing out independant shops is one probably would never be decided as it is an argument over morals and being "fair." Not only does arguing that Starbucks is immoral fall under the fallacy of "appeal to pity" but also, it gives no real reason to reject the coffee made by Starbucks, and why doesn't address why they were successful.
IMO, the main reason why they were successful is because of the "fast-food" outlook of starbucks. YOu go in, you order, you get your coffee, and you're out. And in today's world of rush-hour traffic jams and commuting, that is what most people are looking for. A quick, easy way to get coffee so that they can both have a "refreshing beverage" and get to work on time. What Starbucks does is appeal to the circumstances of the people, which is basiclly what one needs to succeed in a business.
I like fruit drinks better btw, coffee just doesn't taste "refreshing" to me.
oh another note, you have nice transitions Uniece
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ni pour ni contre; ça m'est égal
"The weight of this sad time we must obey,/ Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say./ The oldest hath borne most; we that are young/ Shall never see so much, nor live so long."
King Lear (V.3.300-304)
Last edited by Crazydeb8ter on 06-23-2002 at 07:05 AM
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