Friday, June 15, 2007

What is it about major life events that makes people lose their fucking minds?

Gawker lets this couple have it. I followed the link from this douchebag's pathetic argument: "[T]his mode of gift-giving is more environmentally friendly and economically efficient than the old-fashioned registry," he writes with regard to engaged couples hitting their loved ones up for cash. "Let's say you buy a friend a food processor off the Bloomingdale's registry. Labor, money, and energy are consumed as the food processor is wrapped, packed, shipped, and delivered. Then the happy couple must dispose of the packaging material—all that Styrofoam and nonbiodegradable plastic. This carbon-emitting process can be repeated dozens of times per wedding. By contrast, giving somebody cash, or resort credits, is a virtually frictionless transaction. The gift itself moves digitally. No funds are wasted on packaging or shipping. To be sure, jetting to Bora Bora involves burning copious amounts of jet fuel. But you can allay those concerns by purchasing carbon offsets for the environmentally conscious couple.

"So, young lovers, don't let the haters at Gawker get you down. Register for a safari in South Africa, a Caribbean cruise, five days at a dude ranch, or for cold, hard cash!"

Here's the difference: Gift-giving isn't just about the recipient. When I give a gift, I choose something personal that lets the recipient know it's from me -- usually something goofy, off-key, irreverent. I want the freedom to choose what I buy, not to mindlessly throw bucks toward your twin massages in Bora Bora.

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