Wall Street protesters: We're in for the long haul

[citizen k]

EUOT occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about the best way to re-distribute rich peoples' money. Languish occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about commercial use of the word "champagne" and the relative merits of high-quality sparkling wines.

We have a one track mind.

[DGuller]

There is something to the Paradox method of moderation.  Forums like this wouldn't exist without it.

[HisMajestyBOB]

EUOT occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about the best way to re-distribute rich peoples' money. Languish occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about commercial use of the word "champagne" and the relative merits of high-quality sparkling wines.

Are the forums still filled with Glenn Beck worshiping Tea Partiers? Because I would have expected that thread to degenerate into another discussion of the merits of "free banking" and the gold standard.

[Ed Anger]

What the hell? Last time I was there it was full of whiny Europeans.

[The Minsky Moment]

That's how "genericization" works - originally the term (say "kleenex") was unique; then it comes in to general usage to designate a type of product rather than a specific product.

It seems like this argument is where you've organized your final redoubt, but I would remind you again that making the argument presumes the parallel to trademark and thus in essence, gives up the game (protected designations of origin) while arguing one play ("champagne").

Don't know the Canadian practice on this but in the US genericization is actually more difficult to establish than you seem to think.  For example, you mention Xerox, but Xerox in fact maintains a trademark in the US and while the matter has yet to be tested, many commentators believe the company would ultimately prevail - the same is true for Google ('googling") or even Band-Aid (hence the ads with "Band-Aid Brand").  A key part of the inquiry is what efforts the mark holder made to protect against genericization, which if applied via analogy to Champagne, would suggest a favorable outcome for the Champagne producers.

[The Minsky Moment]

you can have champagne, but stay away from port

The Australians don't but at least they make pretty good knock-offs.

[Grinning_Colossus]

EUOT occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about the best way to re-distribute rich peoples' money. Languish occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about commercial use of the word "champagne" and the relative merits of high-quality sparkling wines.

We are the: 1%

[Ed Anger]

EUOT occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about the best way to re-distribute rich peoples' money. Languish occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about commercial use of the word "champagne" and the relative merits of high-quality sparkling wines.

We are the: 1%

Yay!

[garbon]

In honor of Americans acting badly, I bought this today. It says champagne and california!

[Razgovory]

EUOT occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about the best way to re-distribute rich peoples' money. Languish occupy thread degenerates into flamewar about commercial use of the word "champagne" and the relative merits of high-quality sparkling wines.

Are the forums still filled with Glenn Beck worshiping Tea Partiers? Because I would have expected that thread to degenerate into another discussion of the merits of "free banking" and the gold standard.

There's like half a dozen of them.  Curiously two were Americans living in China.

[HisMajestyBOB]

What the hell? Last time I was there it was full of whiny Europeans.

That changed after 2008, when Stonewall embraced Glenn Beck and chased off all the lefties and moderates.

[HisMajestyBOB]

In honor of Americans acting badly, I bought this today. It says champagne and california!

Ugh, those Barefoot wines taste like swill to me.
And I'm the type who always buys and enjoys $10 wines.

[Ideologue]

Yeah, isn't that gas station wine?

[Ideologue]

What the hell? Last time I was there it was full of whiny Europeans.

That changed after 2008, when Stonewall embraced Glenn Beck and chased off all the lefties and moderates.

What?  Really?  Didn't he use to be pretty left himself?

[garbon]

Ugh, those Barefoot wines taste like swill to me.
And I'm the type who always buys and enjoys $10 wines.

I didn't buy it for the taste.