Bike Forums - Is Information Valued

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- - Is Information Valued (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/944533-information-valued.html)

...on the original question, since the thread is still open, there seems to be a generational
shift that has come about on whether or not information in and of itself has a value.

us older farts seem to think it does, but I know plenty of younger types who firmly believe
that "information ought to be free". And in fact you find this argued a lot as a viewpoint
on debates about the internet. these guys have grown up assuming information ought to
be free, because it has more or less been so for their whole lives.

Look here at teh Biekforums.........we give out a lot of free information here for no discernable reason.

............................................of course, some of it is worthless, but still.:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by howellhandmade (Post 16699720)

I agree, I think, in that I would prefer a salesman to be cordial and informative (if necessary) rather than garrulous and overly "friendly." I may have questions, but I don't like being "sold."

The customer's manner indicates how friendly they'd like to be; it only makes sense for staff to reciprocate in kind when someone's taken it a couple of notches past civil cordiality, or if they just expect a simple business transaction.

Usually the mechanic should be asking a pertinent question or two, at which point the customer's temperament becomes obvious enough.

If I walk into a bike shop, and someone starts talking my ear off, that'd be off-putting but it doesn't really happen IME (Oz is a bit different to US)... but if I start chatting, it's nice when I get longer enthusiastic answers rather than short dismissive ones, which I've come across too often.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart (Post 16700013)

As the OP I ask that this thread be closed. As soon as it drifted into personal attacks the cause was lost.

If it were me, I'd just report the post that started it and ask a mod to delete the involved posts; I think you're being rather pessimistic and throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

This is one of the more interesting threads I've seen in a while, and I reckon it can still deliver.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Cutter (Post 16694603)

I HATE stationary cycling... I think most people do. But if the LBS setup a dozen el-cheapie trainers and let customers bring in their own bicycles and setup and ride as a group for free. A projection screen and a cycling video would be a nice extra touch as well. At least they could have a dozen cyclist in their shop on a cold week night.

And why does NONE of the LBS's have a decent web page********** Any geek could put up a forum/chat room for the LBS. Yet... I can't even check to see what might be in stock at the LBS's.

Why not a LBS parking lot "classic bicycle show" in the summer. Other places do something similar with classic cars. Or maybe a Saturday afternoon [hot dog] cook-out for customers in early summer?

How about a bicycle tool loaner program for customers who buy bicycles from the LBS? LBS's... need to find ways to create a new business model that fulfills needs that Internet stores can't. Even if that means... inventing a new need.

Our LBS has a great webpage. Bikebeatonline.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart (Post 16700013)

As the OP I ask that this thread be closed. As soon as it drifted into personal attacks the cause was lost. I only wanted a discussion about how to value information that one can't gain on their own. I offered two variations on the shop's actions, neither was done by the shop and not by me at ant shop I've worked/owned. But The question was put out here as an academic exercise. that some seem to not be able to understand critical debate is sad. So, again, can this thread please be closed and locked down. Andy.

I think you discounted the possibility that there is a "black hole" drawing conversations having anything to do with bicycle retailing toward it. People just can't resist going in the directions of LBS vs. online and friendly vs. businesslike no matter what the opening question. Having said that, I also think you accomplished quite a lot under the circumstances. It would be a shame to delete this discussion. Perhaps most importantly you give up rights to a discussion when you throw it up on the board. You started it, sure, but after the first reply it just isn't yours anymore. I think it would be more constructive to not try to take your football and go home, but rather to pump it up from time to time and keep playing. In other words get in the conversation more often and keep steering it in the direction you want it to go. Show some "listening" skills (or is it "reading" skills), reflect back onto the participants what they are saying and how they are or are not answering your question. IMO you are not putting enough effort into keeping this thing on track. The OP is the most important moderator of all, not just for censorship, but for actually steering a conversation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart (Post 16700013)

OK...Closed