RE: [A/S] New Airstreams

[Jim Whitworth <jim_whitworth@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

	R. Kenan wrote: Right on, Roger.  What do you think those two
believe that kind of  "pleudo-artsy" snobbery will accomplish for them?
	and
	R. Hightower wrote: " Thor had been looking for ways to attract
younger buyers, and Deam told them flatly "Young people aren't going to
get in that old trailer that hillbillies and your parents used." Stupid
statement. Go to a Vintage rally and see all the young people in those
old trailers. They're smart enough to see quality without needing flash.

	Good functional design will always survive. Coco Channel
designed the plain slim black dress ages ago and fashionable wealthy
ladies who can afford most anything are still seen at fancy occasions in
almost the exactly same dress. W. Byam designed the first Airstreams and
we all know where that led. I doubt that Thor & Airstream are
necessarily thinking of eliminating the design/style/quality for which
we were all drawn to our choice of Airstreams.

	But designers will always, without fail, initiate change. The
status quo won't make them any money. The two young designers were
simply looking for a vehicle or way to make a name for themselves. Come
up with enough silly ideas (hula hoops, pet rocks, mood rings, Edsel's)
and something will stick, make your name/career and make you wealthy.  

	If you are a politician and want to have a poll support your
position, you simply write out the questions to be asked in such a way
that those being asked those questions are more or less forced to give
the answers you want (classic "Yes Prime Minister", for my fellow BBC TV
watchers). I think Thor simply saw an opportunity to get the answers
they wanted (to justify designing & producing a line of A/S trailers
with non traditional interiors to appeal to a younger market) by asking
a silly (but loaded) question (with the desired answer assured) of 2 men
who can only progress their careers by advocating radical change.

	I agree with the feeling that the young folks entering the RV
market will continue to value A/S design & quality. I also know that as
a business Thor and Airstream may be feeling pressure to find a way to
appeal to a certain market sector. IMHO, I think there is room and
market for both.

	I'm also of the honest opinion that those who are responsible
for marketing America's produced goods don't give a damn what my opinion
is if I am not in the age range between 12 and 21.

	Jim 
	'02 Safari 27'
	'02 F250 PSD
	Houston