NotHardUp1
What? Me? Really?
It was in the 9th grade when I first heard of snob appeal as a marketing ploy. My English teacher was really good at covering the various types of propaganda and how they were used.
Before that, all I thought about such things was pretty much limited to luxury sales like Cadillac, and it didn't seem so much like snob appeal as high-end sales, as Cadillac DID have a great deal more on them and in them than cars I rode in. Marantz and Pioneer and Kawai stereos WERE much better than the scratchy receivers we had. Woolen pants DID drape much nicer than synthetics.
More recent evolution has termed many such items, especially when proffered by food vendors, as "artisan." And that is not to disrepect or disparage the craft that goes into any hand-crafted article, but the hype now surrounding it often exaggerates both the degree of "art" involved as well as the relative value or distinction. A loaf of sourdough at $8 or $10 is compensating labor with fair wage. A loaf at $20 should butter itself and sweep up crumbs.
A young friend at work has been appreciative of baked goods and candies I sometimes take in and share with the team. I take some around to other areas when there is enough. He wanted to thank me by sharing something he found very special: Luxardo Maraschino Cherries.
He talked about them for weeks before he finally brought them to me. I pondered some pastry that I could use them in or on where they would be sufficiently spotlighted. He seemed taken aback at that idea, and suggested how wonderful they were in a cocktail. Not being a drinker, the cocktail seemed a bit poor for me, plus I could not bring it in and share it.
So, I finally opened the jar yesterday. What. A. Disappointment.
They taste just the same as the flame red cherries we've had since childhood, only in a thicker syrup, and not brightly colored. If you were to take a blindfold test, you could not tell them apart. Suddenly, any drive to find a recipe evaporated.
Now, in finding a pic of them online, I find they are $24 for the small jar. Whereas I'm touched he spent that much as a thank you, I am really disappointed that this company charges such a silly amount for fruit. Sure, they have sold them for 200 years, but a great bottle of wine could be that price.
What about you? Have you had something built up to you, only to experience it and find it really quite meh? Doesn't have to be food. Anything.
Before that, all I thought about such things was pretty much limited to luxury sales like Cadillac, and it didn't seem so much like snob appeal as high-end sales, as Cadillac DID have a great deal more on them and in them than cars I rode in. Marantz and Pioneer and Kawai stereos WERE much better than the scratchy receivers we had. Woolen pants DID drape much nicer than synthetics.
More recent evolution has termed many such items, especially when proffered by food vendors, as "artisan." And that is not to disrepect or disparage the craft that goes into any hand-crafted article, but the hype now surrounding it often exaggerates both the degree of "art" involved as well as the relative value or distinction. A loaf of sourdough at $8 or $10 is compensating labor with fair wage. A loaf at $20 should butter itself and sweep up crumbs.
A young friend at work has been appreciative of baked goods and candies I sometimes take in and share with the team. I take some around to other areas when there is enough. He wanted to thank me by sharing something he found very special: Luxardo Maraschino Cherries.
He talked about them for weeks before he finally brought them to me. I pondered some pastry that I could use them in or on where they would be sufficiently spotlighted. He seemed taken aback at that idea, and suggested how wonderful they were in a cocktail. Not being a drinker, the cocktail seemed a bit poor for me, plus I could not bring it in and share it.
So, I finally opened the jar yesterday. What. A. Disappointment.
They taste just the same as the flame red cherries we've had since childhood, only in a thicker syrup, and not brightly colored. If you were to take a blindfold test, you could not tell them apart. Suddenly, any drive to find a recipe evaporated.
Now, in finding a pic of them online, I find they are $24 for the small jar. Whereas I'm touched he spent that much as a thank you, I am really disappointed that this company charges such a silly amount for fruit. Sure, they have sold them for 200 years, but a great bottle of wine could be that price.
What about you? Have you had something built up to you, only to experience it and find it really quite meh? Doesn't have to be food. Anything.
