Principia Discordia

Principia Discordia => Techmology and Scientism => High Weirdness => Topic started by: Lord Cataplanga on December 11, 2011, 04:28:10 PM

Title: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Lord Cataplanga on December 11, 2011, 04:28:10 PM
7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse (http://www.cracked.com/article_19567_7-bizarre-trends-that-predict-economic-collapse.html)

    #7. Mosquito Populations Surge
    #6. Waitresses Get Prettier
    #5. Tie Colors Turn Bland
    #4. Crime Takes a Turn for the Weird
    #3. Advertisements Get Nastier
    #2. Romance Novel Sales Spike and Playboy Models Get Heavier
    #1. Men Have More Affairs

The autor actually offers somewhat reasonable explanations for all these trends, so it isn't just the usual Law of Fives.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Cain on December 11, 2011, 06:40:30 PM
#6, #3, #2 and #1 all seem perfectly reasonable propositions.  The others are also not too bad, but those seem to have the most amount of logic and evidence behind them.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Cramulus on December 12, 2011, 05:15:00 PM
it's weird, right? We're in this very complex interrelated system. Every part of the machine is connected to other cogs which are turning in sync. And this produces some really weird correlations.

Like I've read somewhere that the economy is directly correlated to the average length of women's skirts. As the economy gets worse, skirts get shorter.


A city's just a big brain, with its own obsessions, neurosis, and conditioning.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: AFK on December 12, 2011, 06:17:32 PM
"Is this a double-dip recession or are you just happy to see me?"

"C'mon babe, you saw that the Dow Jones just tanked.  You don't want to be an outlier do you?" 
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on December 12, 2011, 07:14:07 PM
Number 6 should have an age qualifier- you might have a lot of college students in particular areas.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Rococo Modem Basilisk on December 12, 2011, 07:15:46 PM
#6 is hardly strange at all. You'd expect that when economic trouble starts, the first thing to happen would be that everyone moves slightly down the job social-status hierarchy. Pretty girls who during a boom would be working for more than minimum wage are now working minimum wage and hoping for tips. Since tipping is irrational and has a lot to do with attractiveness, more pretty girls are attracted to waitressing, and so, with the bottom rung otherwise flooded, those who continue as waitresses tend to be more attractive, whereas during boom years it's more accurately predicted by economic status. Common sense.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: LMNO on December 12, 2011, 07:54:05 PM
Please note the trend of the "miniskirt with tights" having been replaced with "forget the miniskirt; tights as pants" look.

That much said, I must stress that such things are NOT MANDATORY.  Please, use a full-length mirror before attempting.





That goes for guys, too.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 12, 2011, 08:31:57 PM
I'll add one, which is the popularity of bland car colors, especially silver.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 12, 2011, 08:39:56 PM
More homeless people trying to sell newspapers on the median.

Tucson doesn't fuck around with fuzzy indicators.  It goes right for the throat.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Freeky on December 12, 2011, 08:45:06 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 08:31:57 PM
I'll add one, which is the popularity of bland car colors, especially silver.

!!!!


I saw a red car the other day, and was shocked because it was the first red one I'd seen being driven around for a month!
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on December 12, 2011, 08:52:32 PM
Quote from: Science me, babby on December 12, 2011, 08:45:06 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 08:31:57 PM
I'll add one, which is the popularity of bland car colors, especially silver.

!!!!


I saw a red car the other day, and was shocked because it was the first red one I'd seen being driven around for a month!


Huh. Now that you mention it....
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 12, 2011, 09:24:10 PM
Yep. Silver, white, beige, light blue, and variations on the above (metallic or non). Harbingers of economic doooooom.

Red, yellow, jewel blue, and bright green are signs of an upturn. Bright green especially is only popular when things are good.

People are weird.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: AFK on December 12, 2011, 09:32:11 PM
Whether that is statistically true or not, the psychology makes sense.

If you have to buy a car...because yours just kicked the bucket, you're going for the bare minimum.  Something that gets you from point A to point B.  You don't have the luxury of being concerned with flash and style.

When you want to buy a car, you have the dough to drop, you're going to get something that people will notice. 

But personal technology seems to be immune to this.  Given the explosion of smart phones and tablets in a shitty economy.  And, for my money, that is all status-symbol stuff. 
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Freeky on December 12, 2011, 10:25:25 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Which makes the observation, which seems to be true, even weirder.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:33:48 PM
Quote from: Science me, babby on December 12, 2011, 10:25:25 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Which makes the observation, which seems to be true, even weirder.

Yeah.

Sometimes there are three color/trim price tiers, and the basic one contains four to ten colors options.

But get this; immediately prior to and during a recession, the options offered by the manufacturers become more drab.

Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Freeky on December 12, 2011, 10:37:00 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:33:48 PM
Quote from: Science me, babby on December 12, 2011, 10:25:25 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Which makes the observation, which seems to be true, even weirder.

Yeah.

Sometimes there are three color/trim price tiers, and the basic one contains four to ten colors options.

But get this; immediately prior to and during a recession, the options offered by the manufacturers become more drab.



That feels a bit insidious.  Like they're doing it on purpose so the common folk don't get Ideas about wanting to get things better instead of just waiting for it to come around.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Lord Cataplanga on December 12, 2011, 10:52:26 PM
Quote from: Science me, babby on December 12, 2011, 10:37:00 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:33:48 PM
Quote from: Science me, babby on December 12, 2011, 10:25:25 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Which makes the observation, which seems to be true, even weirder.

Yeah.

Sometimes there are three color/trim price tiers, and the basic one contains four to ten colors options.

But get this; immediately prior to and during a recession, the options offered by the manufacturers become more drab.



That feels a bit insidious.  Like they're doing it on purpose so the common folk don't get Ideas about wanting to get things better instead of just waiting for it to come around.

Maybe drab paint dries faster or something (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Model_T#Colors)?
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Cramulus on December 13, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
here's my guess about that:

during a recession, they make manufacture fewer cars, so they focus on the most popular colors?

most people seem to prefer drab colors:

Color    Percentage of New Cars
Silver    20.2%    
White    18.4%    
Black    11.6%    
Med/Dark Gray    11.5%
Light Brown    8.8%
Med/Dark Blue    8.5%
Medium Red    6.9%
Med/Dark Green    5.3%
Bright Red    3.8%
Dark Red    0.9%






Off topic: car color is correlated with accident rates (http://www.wisegeek.com/is-there-a-link-between-car-color-and-accidents.htm)

QuoteDrivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars!

FUCK I DRIVE A WHITE CAR, WHAT DO I DO SHIT DAMN FUCK

Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 12:25:41 AM
Quote from: Cramulus on December 13, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
here's my guess about that:

during a recession, they make manufacture fewer cars, so they focus on the most popular colors?

most people seem to prefer drab colors:

Color    Percentage of New Cars
Silver    20.2%    
White    18.4%    
Black    11.6%    
Med/Dark Gray    11.5%
Light Brown    8.8%
Med/Dark Blue    8.5%
Medium Red    6.9%
Med/Dark Green    5.3%
Bright Red    3.8%
Dark Red    0.9%






Off topic: car color is correlated with accident rates (http://www.wisegeek.com/is-there-a-link-between-car-color-and-accidents.htm)

QuoteDrivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars!

FUCK I DRIVE A WHITE CAR, WHAT DO I DO SHIT DAMN FUCK



But during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Rococo Modem Basilisk on December 13, 2011, 02:21:29 AM
Red cars cost more to insure, presumably based on crash rates, which are then based on the tendency for people who want to drive fast to drive red cars, which itself is based on the assumption that people who want to drive fast drive red cars.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 02:45:07 AM
Quote from: )+( on December 13, 2011, 02:21:29 AM
Red cars cost more to insure, presumably based on crash rates, which are then based on the tendency for people who want to drive fast to drive red cars, which itself is based on the assumption that people who want to drive fast drive red cars.

Everybody knows this DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT'S COMPLETELY NOT TRUE, and it's completely irrelevant to the conversation, so shut up.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Kurt Christ on December 13, 2011, 03:44:38 AM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 12:25:41 AM
Quote from: Cramulus on December 13, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
here's my guess about that:

during a recession, they make manufacture fewer cars, so they focus on the most popular colors?

most people seem to prefer drab colors:

Color    Percentage of New Cars
Silver    20.2%    
White    18.4%    
Black    11.6%    
Med/Dark Gray    11.5%
Light Brown    8.8%
Med/Dark Blue    8.5%
Medium Red    6.9%
Med/Dark Green    5.3%
Bright Red    3.8%
Dark Red    0.9%






Off topic: car color is correlated with accident rates (http://www.wisegeek.com/is-there-a-link-between-car-color-and-accidents.htm)

QuoteDrivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars!

FUCK I DRIVE A WHITE CAR, WHAT DO I DO SHIT DAMN FUCK



But during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches.
Do you have data that shows people will preferentially choose more drab colors in times of economic scarcity given that both are equally available? I'm not disputing the phenomenon, but I think the cause and effect may be the opposite of what you posit; car companies know that brighter colors normally have less broad appeal than drab ones, and phase them out in cost-cutting measures (not that the brighter color cars cost more to produce, but it would save money to cut down on the number of colors produced total) to focus on only the safer, more widely marketable colors. This leads to fewer new bright cars on the market, and consumers who would normally want the brighter cars settle for the dull colors.
I'm not saying I know this to be the case, but from the given information, it seems to be another reasonable explanation.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: LMNO on December 13, 2011, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Oddly enough, when we bought our last car, we were told that if we wanted it in burgundy, we had to get the luxury package, with leather heated seats, power everything, Bose stereo, etc etc.  It turns out that we simply could not have the standard package in that color; it simply wasn't offered.

So, in that case (and yes, it's anecdotal), the car color was directly linked to the price.  I wonder how many car manufacturers do that.


Incidentally, we went for dark grey.  Mrs LMNO still dreams of heated seats, though.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: East Coast Hustle on December 13, 2011, 03:20:57 PM
Quote from: )+( on December 13, 2011, 02:21:29 AM
Red cars cost more to insure, presumably based on crash rates, which are then based on the tendency for people who want to drive fast to drive red cars, which itself is based on the assumption that people who want to drive fast drive red cars.

Completely untrue, but thanks for putting your two cents in. :kingmeh:
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 13, 2011, 05:08:49 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 13, 2011, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Oddly enough, when we bought our last car, we were told that if we wanted it in burgundy, we had to get the luxury package, with leather heated seats, power everything, Bose stereo, etc etc.  It turns out that we simply could not have the standard package in that color; it simply wasn't offered.

So, in that case (and yes, it's anecdotal), the car color was directly linked to the price.  I wonder how many car manufacturers do that.


Incidentally, we went for dark grey.  Mrs LMNO still dreams of heated seats, though.

How hot, exactly, can you get those seats?
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: LMNO on December 13, 2011, 05:38:32 PM
I believe there was a setting labled "Phoenix in July".
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 13, 2011, 05:43:37 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 13, 2011, 05:38:32 PM
I believe there was a setting labled "Phoenix in July".

Now I have to go car shopping.

Or just SCIENCE up the car I have.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 05:54:26 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 13, 2011, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Oddly enough, when we bought our last car, we were told that if we wanted it in burgundy, we had to get the luxury package, with leather heated seats, power everything, Bose stereo, etc etc.  It turns out that we simply could not have the standard package in that color; it simply wasn't offered.

So, in that case (and yes, it's anecdotal), the car color was directly linked to the price.  I wonder how many car manufacturers do that.


Incidentally, we went for dark grey.  Mrs LMNO still dreams of heated seats, though.

They were lying to you. Did you know? That car salesmen will lie to you to make a sale now vs. risking you walking out and rethinking?

Yeah. They do.

Worst case scenario would be you have to wait a couple months for your car to be built and painted your color. But that guy wanted his commission NOW.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 05:56:56 PM
Quote from: Kurt Christ on December 13, 2011, 03:44:38 AM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 12:25:41 AM
Quote from: Cramulus on December 13, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
here's my guess about that:

during a recession, they make manufacture fewer cars, so they focus on the most popular colors?

most people seem to prefer drab colors:

Color    Percentage of New Cars
Silver    20.2%    
White    18.4%    
Black    11.6%    
Med/Dark Gray    11.5%
Light Brown    8.8%
Med/Dark Blue    8.5%
Medium Red    6.9%
Med/Dark Green    5.3%
Bright Red    3.8%
Dark Red    0.9%






Off topic: car color is correlated with accident rates (http://www.wisegeek.com/is-there-a-link-between-car-color-and-accidents.htm)

QuoteDrivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars!

FUCK I DRIVE A WHITE CAR, WHAT DO I DO SHIT DAMN FUCK



But during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches.
Do you have data that shows people will preferentially choose more drab colors in times of economic scarcity given that both are equally available? I'm not disputing the phenomenon, but I think the cause and effect may be the opposite of what you posit; car companies know that brighter colors normally have less broad appeal than drab ones, and phase them out in cost-cutting measures (not that the brighter color cars cost more to produce, but it would save money to cut down on the number of colors produced total) to focus on only the safer, more widely marketable colors. This leads to fewer new bright cars on the market, and consumers who would normally want the brighter cars settle for the dull colors.
I'm not saying I know this to be the case, but from the given information, it seems to be another reasonable explanation.

By "the opposite of what you posit" I assume you mean "I am utterly illiterate" because you seem to think I said something other than "people tend to buy drab cars in a recession" and "manufacturers offer more drab colors prior to and during a recession"

You fucking complete retard.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: LMNO on December 13, 2011, 05:59:27 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 05:54:26 PM

They were lying to you. Did you know? That car salesmen will lie to you to make a sale now vs. risking you walking out and rethinking?

Yeah. They do.

Worst case scenario would be you have to wait a couple months for your car to be built and painted your color. But that guy wanted his commission NOW.

Hm.  Come to think of it, we were in a bit of a rush, as our previous car had recently been stolen, and we were bleeding money from the rental.

Live and learn, I suppose.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 06:03:03 PM
I AM SORRY. SOMEWHERE IN THERE I HAVE BECOME A COMPLETE ASSHOLE.

But I seriously hope that someone will stab me in the fucking face or at least tell me I am a fucking idiot if I exhibit signs of total naivete.

I walked out of my first car dealership at 18 because they were not saying things that I liked, and also because I wanted to see what they would say if I left. It's a fantastic experience. It changes everything. They do not like it at all. And then I told the dick salesman who tried to tell me that I couldn't have what I wanted that I was going to make a point of giving the commission to someone else because I don't like being bullied.

Just a tip: EVERYONE who is trying to sell you anything is lying. Brought to you from 13 years of retail.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 06:05:58 PM
Corellated: Never say yes the first time, and never, ever say yes if they ask you again.

As a fucking magnificent salesperson, I never sold people a fucking thing. I just asked them questions until they told me what they wanted. If someone is pitching something at you, you don't want it, and say no. If they push, walk the fuck out.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 06:09:00 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 13, 2011, 05:08:49 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 13, 2011, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Oddly enough, when we bought our last car, we were told that if we wanted it in burgundy, we had to get the luxury package, with leather heated seats, power everything, Bose stereo, etc etc.  It turns out that we simply could not have the standard package in that color; it simply wasn't offered.

So, in that case (and yes, it's anecdotal), the car color was directly linked to the price.  I wonder how many car manufacturers do that.


Incidentally, we went for dark grey.  Mrs LMNO still dreams of heated seats, though.

How hot, exactly, can you get those seats?

Not even close to hot enough.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 13, 2011, 06:13:49 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 06:09:00 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 13, 2011, 05:08:49 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 13, 2011, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Oddly enough, when we bought our last car, we were told that if we wanted it in burgundy, we had to get the luxury package, with leather heated seats, power everything, Bose stereo, etc etc.  It turns out that we simply could not have the standard package in that color; it simply wasn't offered.

So, in that case (and yes, it's anecdotal), the car color was directly linked to the price.  I wonder how many car manufacturers do that.


Incidentally, we went for dark grey.  Mrs LMNO still dreams of heated seats, though.

How hot, exactly, can you get those seats?

Not even close to hot enough.

:(

I was gonna take Filthy Assistant to lunch.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Triple Zero on December 13, 2011, 07:14:53 PM
One thing I was told when I saw a bright green car and said "We should get one of those!" is that they are harder to trade back in when you buy a new one, so that could be a reason (don't have any statistics to back it up either).
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 08:20:14 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 13, 2011, 06:13:49 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 06:09:00 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 13, 2011, 05:08:49 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 13, 2011, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Oddly enough, when we bought our last car, we were told that if we wanted it in burgundy, we had to get the luxury package, with leather heated seats, power everything, Bose stereo, etc etc.  It turns out that we simply could not have the standard package in that color; it simply wasn't offered.

So, in that case (and yes, it's anecdotal), the car color was directly linked to the price.  I wonder how many car manufacturers do that.


Incidentally, we went for dark grey.  Mrs LMNO still dreams of heated seats, though.

How hot, exactly, can you get those seats?

Not even close to hot enough.

:(

I was gonna take Filthy Assistant to lunch.

Is a disappointment.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2011, 08:21:34 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on December 13, 2011, 07:14:53 PM
One thing I was told when I saw a bright green car and said "We should get one of those!" is that they are harder to trade back in when you buy a new one, so that could be a reason (don't have any statistics to back it up either).

Is total bullshit. Statistically speaking. People are superstitious assholes.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 13, 2011, 09:27:21 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 08:21:34 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on December 13, 2011, 07:14:53 PM
One thing I was told when I saw a bright green car and said "We should get one of those!" is that they are harder to trade back in when you buy a new one, so that could be a reason (don't have any statistics to back it up either).

Is total bullshit. Statistically speaking. People are superstitious assholes.

I always believed the red car/insurance thing, just because that's the sort of shit actuaries do, to get revenge on the world for making them go to the prom alone.  It sort of bothers me that it isn't true.

Never heard the green car thing.  Having never done anything with a car but have it hauled off by amused wreckers, I have no clue about anything involving resale.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Kurt Christ on December 13, 2011, 10:21:31 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 05:56:56 PM
Quote from: Kurt Christ on December 13, 2011, 03:44:38 AM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 12:25:41 AM
Quote from: Cramulus on December 13, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
here's my guess about that:

during a recession, they make manufacture fewer cars, so they focus on the most popular colors?

most people seem to prefer drab colors:

Color    Percentage of New Cars
Silver    20.2%    
White    18.4%    
Black    11.6%    
Med/Dark Gray    11.5%
Light Brown    8.8%
Med/Dark Blue    8.5%
Medium Red    6.9%
Med/Dark Green    5.3%
Bright Red    3.8%
Dark Red    0.9%






Off topic: car color is correlated with accident rates (http://www.wisegeek.com/is-there-a-link-between-car-color-and-accidents.htm)

QuoteDrivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars!

FUCK I DRIVE A WHITE CAR, WHAT DO I DO SHIT DAMN FUCK



But during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches.
Do you have data that shows people will preferentially choose more drab colors in times of economic scarcity given that both are equally available? I'm not disputing the phenomenon, but I think the cause and effect may be the opposite of what you posit; car companies know that brighter colors normally have less broad appeal than drab ones, and phase them out in cost-cutting measures (not that the brighter color cars cost more to produce, but it would save money to cut down on the number of colors produced total) to focus on only the safer, more widely marketable colors. This leads to fewer new bright cars on the market, and consumers who would normally want the brighter cars settle for the dull colors.
I'm not saying I know this to be the case, but from the given information, it seems to be another reasonable explanation.

By "the opposite of what you posit" I assume you mean "I am utterly illiterate" because you seem to think I said something other than "people tend to buy drab cars in a recession" and "manufacturers offer more drab colors prior to and during a recession"

You fucking complete retard.
QuoteBut during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches
You suggest a cause/effect relationship in your post, that car companies think people won't want to buy bright cars in a recession, and so make less of them. You give a particular reasoning for their decision; I suggested an alternative reasoning for the same decision.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 12:57:30 AM
Quote from: Kurt Christ on December 13, 2011, 10:21:31 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 05:56:56 PM
Quote from: Kurt Christ on December 13, 2011, 03:44:38 AM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 12:25:41 AM
Quote from: Cramulus on December 13, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
here's my guess about that:

during a recession, they make manufacture fewer cars, so they focus on the most popular colors?

most people seem to prefer drab colors:

Color    Percentage of New Cars
Silver    20.2%    
White    18.4%    
Black    11.6%    
Med/Dark Gray    11.5%
Light Brown    8.8%
Med/Dark Blue    8.5%
Medium Red    6.9%
Med/Dark Green    5.3%
Bright Red    3.8%
Dark Red    0.9%






Off topic: car color is correlated with accident rates (http://www.wisegeek.com/is-there-a-link-between-car-color-and-accidents.htm)

QuoteDrivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars!

FUCK I DRIVE A WHITE CAR, WHAT DO I DO SHIT DAMN FUCK



But during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches.
Do you have data that shows people will preferentially choose more drab colors in times of economic scarcity given that both are equally available? I'm not disputing the phenomenon, but I think the cause and effect may be the opposite of what you posit; car companies know that brighter colors normally have less broad appeal than drab ones, and phase them out in cost-cutting measures (not that the brighter color cars cost more to produce, but it would save money to cut down on the number of colors produced total) to focus on only the safer, more widely marketable colors. This leads to fewer new bright cars on the market, and consumers who would normally want the brighter cars settle for the dull colors.
I'm not saying I know this to be the case, but from the given information, it seems to be another reasonable explanation.

By "the opposite of what you posit" I assume you mean "I am utterly illiterate" because you seem to think I said something other than "people tend to buy drab cars in a recession" and "manufacturers offer more drab colors prior to and during a recession"

You fucking complete retard.
QuoteBut during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches
You suggest a cause/effect relationship in your post, that car companies think people won't want to buy bright cars in a recession, and so make less of them. You give a particular reasoning for their decision; I suggested an alternative reasoning for the same decision.

Really? Your reasoning is essentially exactly the same, and you are stupid for thinking otherwise.

Please explain to me how "they will sell fewer brightly-colored cars" is different from "they will mostly sell safe bland colors".
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 12:59:44 AM
For Roger:

Red cars have higher resale value, at least.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Kurt Christ on December 14, 2011, 04:51:19 AM
Quote from: Nigel on December 14, 2011, 12:57:30 AM
Quote from: Kurt Christ on December 13, 2011, 10:21:31 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 05:56:56 PM
Quote from: Kurt Christ on December 13, 2011, 03:44:38 AM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 12:25:41 AM
Quote from: Cramulus on December 13, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
here's my guess about that:

during a recession, they make manufacture fewer cars, so they focus on the most popular colors?

most people seem to prefer drab colors:

Color    Percentage of New Cars
Silver    20.2%    
White    18.4%    
Black    11.6%    
Med/Dark Gray    11.5%
Light Brown    8.8%
Med/Dark Blue    8.5%
Medium Red    6.9%
Med/Dark Green    5.3%
Bright Red    3.8%
Dark Red    0.9%






Off topic: car color is correlated with accident rates (http://www.wisegeek.com/is-there-a-link-between-car-color-and-accidents.htm)

QuoteDrivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars!

FUCK I DRIVE A WHITE CAR, WHAT DO I DO SHIT DAMN FUCK



But during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches.
Do you have data that shows people will preferentially choose more drab colors in times of economic scarcity given that both are equally available? I'm not disputing the phenomenon, but I think the cause and effect may be the opposite of what you posit; car companies know that brighter colors normally have less broad appeal than drab ones, and phase them out in cost-cutting measures (not that the brighter color cars cost more to produce, but it would save money to cut down on the number of colors produced total) to focus on only the safer, more widely marketable colors. This leads to fewer new bright cars on the market, and consumers who would normally want the brighter cars settle for the dull colors.
I'm not saying I know this to be the case, but from the given information, it seems to be another reasonable explanation.

By "the opposite of what you posit" I assume you mean "I am utterly illiterate" because you seem to think I said something other than "people tend to buy drab cars in a recession" and "manufacturers offer more drab colors prior to and during a recession"

You fucking complete retard.
QuoteBut during economic boom times, brighter colors are more popular. Is all I'm saying. And auto makers know that during a recession, brighter colors won't sell, so they start making fewer of them when an economic downturn approaches
You suggest a cause/effect relationship in your post, that car companies think people won't want to buy bright cars in a recession, and so make less of them. You give a particular reasoning for their decision; I suggested an alternative reasoning for the same decision.

Really? Your reasoning is essentially exactly the same, and you are stupid for thinking otherwise.

Please explain to me how "they will sell fewer brightly-colored cars" is different from "they will mostly sell safe bland colors".
You state that they believe bright colors sell less in a recession, so they stop making them. This is not the same as stopping making bright colors because it is cheaper to make fewer colors of car, and brighter colors are less widely appealing than more neutral colors to begin with. Essentially, your statement is: Because bright colors sell less in a recession, car companies stop producing them. Mine is: Because car companies want to cut costs in a recession, they stop making their niche products, which results in even fewer of these colors sold in recessions. Or, more simply: Because car companies start producing fewer bright colored cars in a recession, there are less bright colored cars sold.
I'm sorry if I was unclear, but these are not equivalent chains of cause-effect.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: AFK on December 14, 2011, 02:54:38 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 12, 2011, 10:10:05 PM
Car color has little to nothing to do with the price.

Sure, but my point was about the psychology of the buyer.  People who are putting disposable income towards a vehicle are more likely to be in a mindframe where they are looking for more than just utility in a car.  As opposed to the person who needs to buy a new car because theirs shit the bed.  These people aren't using disposable income, they are using income that has to do some mad multi-tasking like putting bread on the table, clothes on the kid, etc. So their approach to buying a vehicle is almost 100% about utility.  Something that gets them from destination to destination. 

The former is going to have the luxury of looking for a car that is more of a looker.  Color certainly plays a role in that kind of decision-making because it is one of the first things that will get noticed by other people. 
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 04:59:04 PM
Jesus fuck, the pointless fucking pedanticism in this thread is making me feel like I accidentally stumbled into a colony populated by the genetic spawn of Enki and Requia.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: LMNO on December 14, 2011, 05:00:47 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 14, 2011, 04:59:04 PM
Jesus fuck, the pointless fucking pedanticism in this thread is making me feel like I accidentally stumbled into a colony populated by the genetic spawn of Enki and Requia.

What color car are they driving?
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 05:01:09 PM
"You have pointed out that bland car colors are vastly more popular prior to and during a recession, so I am going to argue pedantically about something having to do with cause and effect, even though you never said a fucking thing about cause and effect. Because it makes me feel smart even though it's a non-argument".

I guess it's the small things in life that bring you a sense of validation, right?
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 05:01:27 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 14, 2011, 05:00:47 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 14, 2011, 04:59:04 PM
Jesus fuck, the pointless fucking pedanticism in this thread is making me feel like I accidentally stumbled into a colony populated by the genetic spawn of Enki and Requia.

What color car are they driving?

FUCKING CHRISTMAS GREEN.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: LMNO on December 14, 2011, 05:01:57 PM
That colony must have a pretty good economy, then.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 05:04:49 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 14, 2011, 05:01:57 PM
That colony must have a pretty good economy, then.

The economy in pedantstan never crashes.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: AFK on December 14, 2011, 05:12:30 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 14, 2011, 05:01:09 PM
"You have pointed out that bland car colors are vastly more popular prior to and during a recession, so I am going to argue pedantically about something having to do with cause and effect, even though you never said a fucking thing about cause and effect. Because it makes me feel smart even though it's a non-argument".

I guess it's the small things in life that bring you a sense of validation, right?

No, but pushing big angry red buttons does make me giggle.   :mrgreen:
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: AFK on December 14, 2011, 05:15:18 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 14, 2011, 05:01:57 PM
That colony must have a pretty good economy, then.

Damned straight. 

MLIAC,
Upper Middle Class Pedant
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 05:22:01 PM
Quote from: My Lady is a Cantaloupe on December 14, 2011, 05:12:30 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 14, 2011, 05:01:09 PM
"You have pointed out that bland car colors are vastly more popular prior to and during a recession, so I am going to argue pedantically about something having to do with cause and effect, even though you never said a fucking thing about cause and effect. Because it makes me feel smart even though it's a non-argument".

I guess it's the small things in life that bring you a sense of validation, right?

No, but pushing big angry red buttons does make me giggle.   :mrgreen:

Your momma must be proud.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: AFK on December 14, 2011, 05:25:10 PM
Oh dear, did the witty comeback trend go bearish? 
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Dysfunctional Cunt on December 14, 2011, 07:02:34 PM
Back to the color subject, I was curious enough to go hunting for why there should be a color increase or decrease during a recession... For which I couldn't find anything, however the two articles below were  interesting and the AutoWeek one seems to imply that neutral colored cars have been the "trend" for a number of years now, even before the recession.

http://www.decisivemagazine.com/automotive/auto-tech/mobility-money-mood-marketing-sway-car-color-choices (http://www.decisivemagazine.com/automotive/auto-tech/mobility-money-mood-marketing-sway-car-color-choices)

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101207/CARNEWS/101209917 (http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101207/CARNEWS/101209917)

Very interesting breakdown there.

I'm not sure why Silver is included in neutral though...  :?
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 07:35:43 PM
Neutral colors will always be the top sellers for obvious reasons. Sort of like how off-white paint is always the most popular. What I find interesting is that the brighter colors seem to (by my observations) decline in popularity prior to and during a recession compared to their popularity during an economic boom.

The fact that car companies don't even bother to offer them as options also fascinates me. In 2007 a brand-new Mini Cooper had a two to six month lead time... they hadn't made the damn thing yet when you ordered it, and they would paint it any one of perhaps two dozen colors that were available. Now, they offer them in eight colors, the most colorful of which is a somewhat subdued red. They also have dark green. In 2007, color options included coral red, yellow, lime, pink, and orange.

It doesn't cost more for the manufacturer to offer these options. But they don't, and one would presume that the reason is that people don't order bright colors during a recession.



Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Triple Zero on December 14, 2011, 08:44:23 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 08:21:34 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on December 13, 2011, 07:14:53 PM
One thing I was told when I saw a bright green car and said "We should get one of those!" is that they are harder to trade back in when you buy a new one, so that could be a reason (don't have any statistics to back it up either).

Is total bullshit. Statistically speaking. People are superstitious assholes.

Um, okay, but what if the car dealer says this? I mean I can imagine

"Well, there's not a lot of demand for bright green cars, so it's going to be harder to sell it again, therefore I can't offer you as much trade-in value."

Sure it might be bullshit but they'd say anything to get a better deal out of it, right?

Though I'm basically just wondering, because I have exactly zero experience in buying cars, let alone trading back in a used one :)
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 09:05:54 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on December 14, 2011, 08:44:23 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 13, 2011, 08:21:34 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on December 13, 2011, 07:14:53 PM
One thing I was told when I saw a bright green car and said "We should get one of those!" is that they are harder to trade back in when you buy a new one, so that could be a reason (don't have any statistics to back it up either).

Is total bullshit. Statistically speaking. People are superstitious assholes.

Um, okay, but what if the car dealer says this? I mean I can imagine

"Well, there's not a lot of demand for bright green cars, so it's going to be harder to sell it again, therefore I can't offer you as much trade-in value."

Sure it might be bullshit but they'd say anything to get a better deal out of it, right?

Though I'm basically just wondering, because I have exactly zero experience in buying cars, let alone trading back in a used one :)

What if? :?

I don't even understand the point of bringing up this imaginary scenario.
Title: Re: 7 Bizarre Trends That Predict an Economic Collapse
Post by: AFK on December 15, 2011, 12:25:06 AM
Conversation?  Discussion?   :eek: