The Apple thread got me thinking.... what brands do you identify yourself with?
There's a constant pressure from advertising to identify your existence with certain consumer product lines, and even if you do your best to separate yourself from it, it seems unavoidable to do so to some extent.
Off the top of my head, I see myself affiliated with Noxzema shaving cream, Gillette razors, Winston cigarettes, Vintage seltzer.
The beer market at least in the US is a forest of brand affiliations. I know I'll always choose Miller beer over Bud or Coors, in lite beers, for whatever reason. And Piels over Schaefer or Pabst, in cheap beer. Becks over anything comparable in imported. The taste of it means something, but not everything.
Always stuck with Speed Stick deodorant after a foray into Old Spice country. :Canuck: Mostly get generic supermarket items, but I have a loyalty to Jarlsberg cheese, name-brand Pine-Sol for cleaning supplies, and Aquafresh toothpaste.
I don't usually limit myself to brands anymore. I just look for certain items or styles. Sometimes that limits what brand I might buy but other times it doesn't.
For example, I used to like a particular type of black boot made by Timberland. They stopped making it but Columbia made something similar so I switched.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.bacharach.com%2F300%2F7411.JPG&hash=1a7d727e1f49205184692c738cf49dc3d6f0ff5e)
I tend to buy Aquafresh toothpaste and Old Spice deodorant (I think that's it. The red one). I prefer Coca-Cola to Pepsi, but I almost never drink soda anymore.
I really don't have any other brand affiliations; I'll buy whatever is cheapest, often generic brands. I own a Mac, but I don't really identify with Apple; the last 3 things I bought from Apple were an iBook in 2004, my current MacBook Pro in 2007, and a Mac OSX upgrade in 2008. Oh, and I got an iPod as a gift in '05. I don't like Safari, and I use the OS X partition less often these days.
EDIT: Actually, I think I'm more likely to hate brands than like them. I dislike Pepsi, Budweiser, Miller, Gateway (before they died), Walmart....
For my general everyday beer drinking needs I stick to Anheuser-Busch products; I was born in St. Louis and AB has employed a few family members over the years. I do enjoy a lot of the local microbrews and indulge in them when I am looking to just have one or two.
I really like Carhartt jeans when I am looking for work jeans. They are more durable and the double knee is a life saver; I am an electrician and do a lot of crawling around under desks and things. They are more expensive but I have found that I spend less in the long run buying the more expensive product. I am not partial to any of their other products, though I do have a pair of their overalls.
I can't think of too many other things I buy anymore based purely on brand name, it is mostly a financial decision now days.
Mountain Dew
Jif peanut butter(the other brands are too oily)
Mostly buy generics cause the name brands ain't worth the extra dough.
Kraft
Grilstad Trønderfår (Local type of Salami)
PepsiMax
Newcastle Brown Ale
rest is pretty much either whatever brand or made from ingredients.
Edge shaving gel and Speed Stick deoderant I have stuck with for a long, long time. Levis jeans, I don't think I've owned a different brand of jeans ever since I came to the land of the Great PX and no longer had to wear I'm a Retard Korean knockoffs. Been smoking Winstons for a decade or more now, before that it was Camels. I gave Capetano's generic smokes a try but they're not that much cheaper and they taste like shit. Used to be a true blue Coke guy but I bought my mom some Pepsi stock so now I'm drinking Pepsi.
Maybe Nintendo. I've had all their consoles except N64 and Gameboy Color and will almost certainly buy their next console and portable.
I like certain beers more than others, but I don't identify with any and buy based on alcohol content, taste, and what's on sale. Which at home usually meant Sierra Nevada, Pyramid, or Natty Ice.
Don't drink soda unless it's with liquor, then I don't care if it's Pepsi, Coke, RC, or Safeway Select.
Avoid brand name clothes and shoes.
Don't usually notice what brand hygiene products I use. Although I like Pantene.
I'm sure there are some, though none that I could name at the moment.
I generally don't get stuck on brands as much as I get periodical repetitive behaviour, for example finding a certain type of ice cream that I like, and buying the same kind until I tire of it or the staff at the local store start chuckling every time I come in. :D
I don't really want to count stuff like Gillette or IKEA since there's practically no alternatives to choose from.
Barbasol and Old Spice for the manly stuff
I avoid German cars, pepsi cola and toilet paper and batteries from dollar stores and Big Lots.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 28, 2010, 09:11:52 AM
Barbasol and Old Spice for the manly stuff
I avoid German cars, pepsi cola and toilet paper and batteries from dollar stores and Big Lots.
You avoid TP completely? :x
Quote from: sbr on January 28, 2010, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 28, 2010, 09:11:52 AM
Barbasol and Old Spice for the manly stuff
I avoid German cars, pepsi cola and toilet paper and batteries from dollar stores and Big Lots.
You avoid TP completely? :x
SIGH.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.englishrussia.com%2Fforum%2Ffiles%2Fblank_facepalm_224.gif&hash=40a7c5c5c3ee1d2f111109830d8a5236447da6c9)
Nought these days.
I used to but...now I just buy things which look/work good (work good...hmm...) whoever made them.
My parents though I know hate all things Sony after one stereo which was always breaking.
Quote from: sbr on January 28, 2010, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 28, 2010, 09:11:52 AM
Barbasol and Old Spice for the manly stuff
I avoid German cars, pepsi cola and toilet paper and batteries from dollar stores and Big Lots.
You avoid TP completely? :x
sbr doesn't know how to use the three seashells! :lol:
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on January 28, 2010, 10:33:30 AM
Quote from: sbr on January 28, 2010, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 28, 2010, 09:11:52 AM
Barbasol and Old Spice for the manly stuff
I avoid German cars, pepsi cola and toilet paper and batteries from dollar stores and Big Lots.
You avoid TP completely? :x
sbr doesn't know how to use the three seashells! :lol:
Ha. Demolition Man.
I'm not as brand loyal as I used to be, but off the top of my head, I would say in general terms, Sam Adams, Unibroue, Heinz ketchup & mustard, Vlasic pickles, Coke, and (don't hate) Starbucks. For sports (since it is very much a business), Bengals, St. Louis Cardinals, and West Virginia University. And I suppose I would have to include Android since that is my avatar.
One might also think Microsoft and Samsung, given all the products I've bought with those brands, but it is at least not a conscious brand affinity.
If I were Argentine, I'd be easier to pin down. They all have a slavish devotion to Sony & Polo. Not to mention Disney for the kids. If you are an adult returning to Argentina from NYC, it is a requirement to carry a Disney Store bag.
Yes, I suppose on reflection, I have an affinity for Apple Inc.
But trying to think of other brand affiliations...
-Labbatt beer
-Old Dutch potato chips
-Coke over Pepsi
-Asham curling equipment
-err...
I'm having trouble thinking of much else. :mellow:
British Petroleum gas stations. I gas up at the one here because it's a block away, on the road I look for BPs cuz they seem to keep their bathrooms clean.
The only particular brand favoritism that comes to mind, is Tillamook for my dairy products.
My only real "image" (or lack thereof) oriented product loyalty is, of course, Pabst Blue Ribbon. Beyond that there are a variety of products which I use constantly because I like them (Crest toothpaste, Speed Stick deodorant, Marlboro Light cigarettes, 7-Up, Wrangler jeans, etc) but "image" doesn't even enter my mind when purchasing & using these products (which is what I interpreted the original post to be asking for). They are just personal preferences that I have developed over the years as a result of trial & error...
Coca-Cola.
Sensodyne makes my toothpaste
Apple makes the used computers I keep buying like a sucker
LG makes good electronics that have never given me any problems at all
Criterion= quality DVDs
but mostly I don't pay that much attention to brands especially clothes, I could tell you what store I bought my clothes at but not the brand
Harvie and Hudson work shirts.
Levis jeans.
Bajadera chocolate. (http://parthenonfoods.com/bajadera-nougat-dessert-500g-p-297.html)
Carhartt Pants
Midnight Sun and Meantime breweries.
Puma shoes
those are the ones of top of my head.
The closest I have a brand loyalty is possibly Paradox. And that's just fucking sad.
Quote from: katmai on January 28, 2010, 03:56:14 PM
Carhartt Pants
Midnight Sun and Meantime breweries.
Puma shoes
these are a few of my favorite things.
That's so sweet. :)
I work for one of the top brands in the world, so I guess you could say I am affiliated with it.
Old Spice deodorant and shirts by Nyne and Architect are about it (I'm kinda broadly built besides being short, so most brands of shirts make me look like Dopey the Dwarf).
Crest toothpaste, Diet Pepsi, Speed Stick, Gilette razors, Delta Airlines, AT&T, Nokia phones
Quote from: Barrister on January 28, 2010, 11:46:32 AM
Yes, I suppose on reflection, I have an affinity for Apple Inc.
Duh.
Quote from: Barrister on January 28, 2010, 11:46:32 AM
-Old Dutch potato chips
Oh yeah, definitely Utz potato chips and pretzels for me. Though I'm trying to lay off them for the time being, I will always choose Utz over any of its crappy competitors. :mmm:
Quote from: C.C.R. on January 28, 2010, 12:38:31 PM
My only real "image" (or lack thereof) oriented product loyalty is, of course, Pabst Blue Ribbon. Beyond that there are a variety of products which I use constantly because I like them (Crest toothpaste, Speed Stick deodorant, Marlboro Light cigarettes, 7-Up, Wrangler jeans, etc) but "image" doesn't even enter my mind when purchasing & using these products (which is what I interpreted the original post to be asking for). They are just personal preferences that I have developed over the years as a result of trial & error...
I wasn't thinking of purely image-oriented things alone... just general "brand loyalty" I guess.
Quote from: Barrister on January 28, 2010, 11:46:32 AM
Yes, I suppose on reflection, I have an affinity for Apple Inc.
Hell, they made at least one sale because of you - namely, mine. :D
You should charge commission. ;)
For myself, I'm not particularly brand loyal.
Other than Apple, probably not per se. I however have a long list of brands I boycott, for various reasons (usually to do with politics etc.)
Quote from: Martinus on January 28, 2010, 06:50:49 PM
Other than Apple, probably not per se. I however have a long list of brands I boycott, for various reasons (usually to do with politics etc.)
Please list so I can start supporting them.
:)
Brand loyalty is for chumps. That said:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpennportal.files.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2Ftastykake.jpg&hash=6d7b02b1d7e22a9f4534a645f6e3b01856fd135b)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alumni.uc.edu%2Fimages%2Fgliers_goetta.gif&hash=cdb93c071550ef4caca71e87797e50bcf4a12248)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.idealmeat.com%2Fimages%2FPurnell_Old_Folks.jpg&hash=311ef1201799a2d289fe9965252ae3fa30542797)
(yes, old people make mighty tasty sausage)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiskygrotto.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F05%2Fwoodie.JPG&hash=c9b6235f625c058c92ce6191f5f2ce6ca2995ffa)
Quote from: Caliga on January 28, 2010, 07:22:04 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.idealmeat.com%2Fimages%2FPurnell_Old_Folks.jpg&hash=311ef1201799a2d289fe9965252ae3fa30542797)
(yes, old people make mighty tasty sausage)
yum.
Made right by me in Shelby County. By Mexicans. From Old Folks.
Quote from: Caliga on January 28, 2010, 07:53:00 PM
Made right by me in Shelby County. By Mexicans. From Old Folks.
As long as it makes my gravy tasty, they could make it from Hobos.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 28, 2010, 11:51:43 AM
British Petroleum gas stations. I gas up at the one here because it's a block away, on the road I look for BPs cuz they seem to keep their bathrooms clean.
Since Cal hasn't asked yet, how's their food? :D
Quote from: Martinus on January 28, 2010, 06:50:49 PM
I however have a long list of brands I boycott, for various reasons (usually to do with politics etc.)
Alright, let's hear it. I could use a good laugh.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 28, 2010, 07:23:22 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 28, 2010, 07:22:04 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.idealmeat.com%2Fimages%2FPurnell_Old_Folks.jpg&hash=311ef1201799a2d289fe9965252ae3fa30542797)
(yes, old people make mighty tasty sausage)
yum.
:lol: I remember seeing that in WV, and of course we have it at Kroger here in Cincy.
A brand loyalty of mine was destroyed yesterday. For 3+ years I've done most of my shopping at a supermarket that was near my house, conveniently on my way to/from work, and with good selection and prices. They've had security dudes standing near the cashiers for a while now, which is unsurprising considering what kind of folks sometimes linger around the subway station in front of the supermarket.
I often stopped there to pick up a bite for dinner (like last tuesday), and I did my weekend groceries shopping there.
Yesterday evening, though, I noticed that they had remodelled the entry area slightly (instead of two "gates" from cashier area into the supermarket they had only one), but went in as usual. I've barely made it beyond the entrance to the market area when I hear "No bags!" shouted behind me.
I turned around and the security guy waves me over, "No bags!" He held out his hand demandingly For a moment I was confused, thinking that maybe he wants to check the contents of my backpack (something that some supermarkets do at checkout). He took it and wanted to put it into one of the currently not used cashier stalls.
I asked him, "Excuse me, what are you doing?" His curt reply, "Later!" At that moment I realized I was supposed to leave my backpack which contains my netbook, cellphone, passport, apartment keys and a few items more under his watchful eyes, while I picked up a sandwich for 2 EUR.
I asked him to please hand me back my bag an declared loud enough for some cashiers to hear that I would take my business elsewhere, and that after three years as loyal customer I didn't feel like being treated like a shoplifter.
I sent an email to the corporation, complaining about the unfriendly behaviour of their security dude and that I was disappointed that they have obviously made mistrust a ruling principle when dealing with customers. I also informed them that I would return my customer card because of the incident, explaining I wouldn't be able to conduct much business with them anymore, if 80% of the time I went there I would have to leave 1000 EUR worth of stuff (I exaggerated) at an unguarded chashier's booth while picking up a 1 EUR item.
With brands I'm pretty proud of my Saturn and my favorite soft drink is Dr. Pepper. I'm not big on brands overall and I'm pretty horrible at fashion.
More on a case by case basis.
Beer like Franziskaner for the tast and the practical cases.
I used to like Apple when they were more about computers but I still have trouble buying anything with Microsoft around.
Criterion or HK Vidéo and Wildside vidéo in France are some DVD labels I am favourably prejudiced to though on an automatic/compulsive/day one buying.
Quote from: Syt on January 29, 2010, 01:22:14 AM
A brand loyalty of mine was destroyed yesterday. For 3+ years I've done most of my shopping at a supermarket that was near my house, conveniently on my way to/from work, and with good selection and prices. They've had security dudes standing near the cashiers for a while now, which is unsurprising considering what kind of folks sometimes linger around the subway station in front of the supermarket.
I often stopped there to pick up a bite for dinner (like last tuesday), and I did my weekend groceries shopping there.
Yesterday evening, though, I noticed that they had remodelled the entry area slightly (instead of two "gates" from cashier area into the supermarket they had only one), but went in as usual. I've barely made it beyond the entrance to the market area when I hear "No bags!" shouted behind me.
I turned around and the security guy waves me over, "No bags!" He held out his hand demandingly For a moment I was confused, thinking that maybe he wants to check the contents of my backpack (something that some supermarkets do at checkout). He took it and wanted to put it into one of the currently not used cashier stalls.
I asked him, "Excuse me, what are you doing?" His curt reply, "Later!" At that moment I realized I was supposed to leave my backpack which contains my netbook, cellphone, passport, apartment keys and a few items more under his watchful eyes, while I picked up a sandwich for 2 EUR.
I asked him to please hand me back my bag an declared loud enough for some cashiers to hear that I would take my business elsewhere, and that after three years as loyal customer I didn't feel like being treated like a shoplifter.
I sent an email to the corporation, complaining about the unfriendly behaviour of their security dude and that I was disappointed that they have obviously made mistrust a ruling principle when dealing with customers. I also informed them that I would return my customer card because of the incident, explaining I wouldn't be able to conduct much business with them anymore, if 80% of the time I went there I would have to leave 1000 EUR worth of stuff (I exaggerated) at an unguarded chashier's booth while picking up a 1 EUR item.
Heh, Germans. You never learn.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 29, 2010, 06:09:16 AM
Heh, Germans. You never learn.
Judging by the accent and failed grammar of the security dude I'm pretty certain that he was not German or Austrian.
Quote from: derspiess on January 28, 2010, 10:49:44 PM
Since Cal hasn't asked yet, how's their food? :D
Delicious.
I've been thinking about it.
Other then Kraft, damn brand is like 90% of my dry food.
Pepsi
Aveano shaving cream
Pontiac(How I will miss thee!)
Samsung & Sharp
Nvidia
Microsoft(eh, we all use Windows)
Quote from: Syt on January 29, 2010, 01:22:14 AM
A brand loyalty of mine was destroyed yesterday. For 3+ years I've done most of my shopping at a supermarket that was near my house, conveniently on my way to/from work, and with good selection and prices. They've had security dudes standing near the cashiers for a while now, which is unsurprising considering what kind of folks sometimes linger around the subway station in front of the supermarket.
-snip-
Don't you live in Vienna?
Thats....very odd. The sort of thing you'd expect only in Jerusalem.