back to the original hypothesis, I would think that many of us would support local retailers within certain criteria:
- local product support
- genuine interest and expertise in their particular idiom (be it restaurant, sport, entertainment)
- supports local community

If internet retailers do this as well, then I would be happy to patronize them as well. Rick's site is a good example of that.

Several of the boat dealers are prime examples of this as well, supporting the sailing community by hosting regattas, sponsoring teams, etc. I don't know of many boat manufacturers that do this directly, so it stands to reason that the dealers absorb those overhead costs, and some of that is buried in the prices I pay from them

I try to patronize locally owned/operated restaurants in the off-tourist season (I stay home during season - it's ridiculous), and will pay a certain amount extra to local sailing/dive/shooting/alcohol/topless shops to encourage community activity and support.

In many cases I make that specific point to the owners of the establishment I choose to patronize. I also point out specific cases where internet prices are dramatically (like over 20%) different. In some cases the retailer adjusts their pricing, or explain valid reasons for the difference.

I'm certain most, if not all products can be found slightly cheaper on the internet. It stands to reason that internet retailers do not have nearly the overhead that a brick & mortar business would.

Most retailers are aware of the price discrepancy between web and brick, and don't charge dramatically higher than the average internet cost.

I doubt any savvy retailer would be naieve enough to think that 99% of their customers don't do their homework before a purchase, and know pretty well how much things cost.

Those sites which sell items for substantially less than the average tend to be suspect in my book (inaccurate description or specs, hidden costs/shipping, or outright misrepresentation)

Talk about sanctimonious crap! I'm with Jake. Frankly, I find it ironic that [censored] [censored] piss [censored] whatever is offensive to the moderators but racism is not. I'm moving toward putting the whole site and online store on ignore. And no matter how vehement the protest, wrong is still wrong.

Yes
I will pay a little bit more to buy from someone who helps the local sailing.

I agree with your reasoning but feel your conclusion is extreme.

Because ignoring it shows anybody that grazes through here that we don't care and it gives all of us a bad image. That political thread alone shows that a lot of people are incapable of ignoring things they don't care for. Can you imagine what society would be like if everyone was just a "bigger man" and ignored everything that was unsuitable? I can turn that around on you a thousand ways. C'mon man.

Re: Freedom of Speech, you'll also note that I did not demand that he take it down. He has the right to put it up there as much as I do to complain about it. I'm good with that. That's how this works.

And what, bomb his birthplace?

I do not own a store, nor do I sell any products. I had this discussion with a few friends the other night and was surprised to find almost no loyalty in them. I was just wondering how everyone else felt.

As to my signature you will find that it has been removed.

Well done. Thank you.

Okay Karl, say something inflammatory or this place will be silent as a morgue.

I know! California has banned the sale of foie gras. Let's beat on them awhile.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/48012557/

Hold on, I'm dodging traffic on I94 and changing my signature.....