Things I've Noticed

Quick Quote on Autographs

"An autograph is useless unless it's legible, or you're famous."

+ Atul

Save SAAB and Why We Latch On To Brands

I know that there are more pressing issues in the world, such as helping those devastated by the earthquakes in Haiti.  But, that is being talked about and handled by many others.  We all wish we could do more.  I donated some money and hope you do as well.  One can’t think of such things all the time though.  What has also been on my mind is this car brand called Saab.  I’ve talked about it before, (many many times),and my friends know that I’m a Saab fanatic.  These are trying times for me and so many other Saab fans around the world.  I used to work for GM, leveraged that company’s ownership of Saab for employee discounts four times.  I still own two of the Saabs I've bought, and one of the others is still in the family.  Anyway, this whole business fiasco about who is going to buy Saab or whether Saab will survive is wearing on me. 

I ask myself why it has such an effect.  I know Saabs aren’t the best cars in the world, but their combination of characteristics are endearing and build loyalty.  The 1997 Saab 900 was the only product I’ve ever tried that made me an impulse shopper.  I ended up buying one and I still like driving it, don’t think I could ever sell it.  So there is the product aspect, but there will always be competent cars produced by somebody else.  Sure, they won’t have that same Trollhattan magic, but many other vehicles would be satisfying to own and operate.  That’s not the only reason why Saab fans are so fervent and gathering around the world to rally around their favorite car brand.  What makes the complete brand?  It’s what the brand stands for and how it does so with style, consistency, a feeling that it generates with every interaction one has with the product, communications and service from the company.  It really represents what us Saab owners are all about, as does any choice of vehicle.  We like to consider ourselves, unique, intelligent, not-too-pretentious, practical, and considerate lovers of driving and cars.  We become attached to our vehicles and find it hard to part with them.  But we forget that every company selling cars is a business first and foremost.  And it’s sad.

GM will do with Saab what they think is best for their shareholders.  Saab may go the way of the defunct brands like Oldsmobile, Eagle, Studebaker, and Edsel for business reasons only.  It’s all about money, but that’s not a good enough answer for those of us who are passionate about Saabs.  We are part of a tight-knit community that helps each other with issues and advice, networks for jobs, and are supportive to each other in a way that may be unsurpassed by other vehicle owner groups who are often too large or too immature.  There are some Snaabs out there who think they’re too good for other non-Saab owners or don’t acknowledge others who also drive Saabs because those others are cutting in on their uniqueness.  But overall, Saab fans want Saab to survive and to continue to produce products that keep us safe, provide utility and pleasure in our daily lives.  So on behalf of Saabsters everywhere, GM, please save Saab!  There are many people who will not forgive you if you let Saab die.  Many of these people have pledged to never buy another GM product if this happens.  Whether you keep it or sell it, keep your loyal Saab fans in mind.  It is a business, but there is something called customer goodwill that may help you in the future.  And besides, if Saab goes away, Saab owners will instantly lose thousands of dollars of resale value until some of our cars become rare classics.  More important than the money, we will lose a friend of a brand and a bit of our identity.  A brand is a terrible thing to waste.

+ Atul

Quick Quote on Airport Security Body Scanners

"It's ironic that people let doctors look at them naked to potentially save their lives but many don't want airport security people to see them naked to potentially save their lives."

+ Atul

Happy New Decade and 2010 after My Year of Wasting Money

I hope all of you also had a nice celebration on New Year’s Eve night. The year 2009 is over and I can’t say that I’m too sad about that. I tend to like even numbered years better.  Anyway, lots of things happened in my life, the economy was horrible, and I ended up wasting a lot of money. I don’t mind spending money but I hate wasting money. 2009 was my year of wasting money and I really hope 2010 is better that way. I spent too much money on things that brought me no joy or appreciation in return. Things like charges for getting towed, parking tickets, late fees, extra baggage charges, customs fees, inadvertent out-of-network medical expenses… They all made my “conscience burn” as is the translation of a common Gujarati expression. You think about how you worked hard to earn the money and that it has gone to waste. Then you think about everything you could have bought with that money. If it was not spent on me, the money could have gone to good use for somebody else as in for a charity. Honest mistakes lead to big time losses. Scams lead to money wastage. I can understand that there need to be fees and other charges to keep a business running. Those might seem like a waste to me, but waste is a subjective term.  Unfortunately though, money that is wasted never comes back, (unless you believe in financial karma). That’s the principle that money that gets lost due to bad fortune comes back to you with some good fortune, by way of bonuses, mistakes in your favor, or gifts.  I suppose it’s only fitting that I would lose money unnecessarily in a year of economic turmoil. I’m definitely not the only one. I’m thankful for what I have… but I still hate wasting money and I hope 2010 is a year a abundance for all of us.

+ Atul