Take a look at what Lawrence is carrying these days.
https://lovemyswitches.com/taiway-3pdt-on-on-switch-solder-lug-short-shaft/
A few years ago I had put in a request for Taiway or similar quality toggles in a 3pdt short bat configuration. He was only carrying the cheapies at the time and I didn't feel confident about using them in customer builds. I honestly forgot about it and figured my suggestion was white noise even though he said he appreciated the feedback.
Fast forward to October and he sends me an email referencing my request and says that he's now carrying the Taiway brand! I was super impressed that he tracked the communication and followed up. At that time he still didn't have the 3PDTs but he does now!
He really has some fantastic prices and does a great job of being honest about which parts are really nice quality and which need to be treated gingerly. I really like that. I'm planning to buys some of the toggles and I want to give one of those DeMont (https://lovemyswitches.com/super-premium-3pdt-latched-foot-switch-soft-click/) super premium stomp switches a try when he gets them back in stock.
Now if only he would change the name of his business to something more inviting to women builders.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:34:17 AM
Now if only he would change the name of his business to something more inviting to women builders.
I'll admit I'm not a big fan of the name but it's very much tongue-in-cheek and I think he's a pretty classy guy. I think he explains somewhere on his site where the name came from. It's not as insidious as it sounds.
I agree. He is a great guy and BLMS has amazingly high-quality and quick service. When did he move to Portland!? My last shipment got to me in a day or so. I was amazed!
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:51:59 AM
I agree. He is a great guy and BLMS has amazingly high-quality and quick service. When did he move to Portland!? My last shipment got to me in a day or so. I was amazed!
I think it's pretty recent. It's right across the river from me. Are you in the PNW?
Beaverton. So, I just tell everyone I live in Portland ;D
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:57:33 AM
Beaverton. So, I just tell everyone I live in Portland ;D
I'm in Washougal. Let's hang out some time. If you haven't checked it out yet, Stomptown turned me on to a place called Surplus Gizmos out on Cornelius Pass Rd. It's hit and miss in terms of finding useful stuff but sometimes you can score some pretty cool stuff.
I live at Surplus Gizmos! And you never have any idea what you may find if you dig for hours.
I do love Lawrence's stuff. The thing I miss most about Portland is being able to go out and get everything I needed. Now even pedal parts. I couldn't get a 3 way switch here in Flagstaff if I tried!
Pretty neat that we have someone local now in the Portland area. I've used BYOC under a time crunch (they are located in Tri-Cities area iirc) but it's really not that much faster than Small Bear, etc.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 03:11:07 AM
I live at Surplus Gizmos! And you never have any idea what you may find if you dig for hours.
Man I love surplus Gizmos. Moved out to The Dalles a few years back but I still make 2 or 3 trips a year, including the 50% off Black Friday sale. In fact that's the only place I'm willing to shop on Black Friday. :)
I've also been really pleased with BLMS. I get orders in two days (San Francisco) from him and his stock continues to improve and has good pricing. As always, it's tough to expect a one stop shop for all your pedal making needs but these days I'm down to him and Tayda with an occasional special order elsewhere.
Oh and his bare and powder coat enclosures seems to be consistently good. I got fed up with inconsistency from Mammoth.
BYOC in Tri-Cities? Wow, that's good to know - only an hour or so down the road. Also nice getting OSH PCBs a day or 3 quicker since they're in Portland.
Gonna have to check out Surplus Gizmos next time I'm down there. Hadn't heard of it, but it looks like fun.
Quote from: jubal81 on January 05, 2018, 05:40:38 AM
BYOC in Tri-Cities? Wow, that's good to know - only an hour or so down the road. Also nice getting OSH PCBs a day or 3 quicker since they're in Portland.
Gonna have to check out Surplus Gizmos next time I'm down there. Hadn't heard of it, but it looks like fun.
Yeah, it's a lot of fun for sure. Make sure you ask about the Germainium diodes and transistors they keep behind the counter. They are a bit expensive but I guess that's to be expected. I typically wait for the 50 percent off sale to buy them.
Quote from: Stomptown on January 05, 2018, 04:51:15 AM
Man I love surplus Gizmos. Moved out to The Dalles a few years back but I still make 2 or 3 trips a year, including the 50% off Black Friday sale. In fact that's the only place I'm willing to shop on Black Friday. :)
My other favorite place was called R5-D3 Electronics out of Milwaukie. It had the craziest selection of old gear and tubes. Tubes galore! Sadly the owner, Bob, passed away a couple years back. I really miss the old surplus stores. I'm only 33, but I am still old enough to remember the tail end of good old days.
Edit: Sorry for hijacking the thread. :(
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:51:59 AM
When did he move to Portland!? My last shipment got to me in a day or so. I was amazed!
It's been a while. At least a year. I have an order email with the Portland address from March 2017, but I think he moved a few months before that.
Quote from: Leevibe on January 05, 2018, 02:54:19 AM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:51:59 AM
I agree. He is a great guy and BLMS has amazingly high-quality and quick service. When did he move to Portland!? My last shipment got to me in a day or so. I was amazed!
I think it's pretty recent. It's right across the river from me. Are you in the PNW?
I'm also in Portland (Tualatin). Do you think he does pick-up orders?
Quote from: Aleph Null on January 09, 2018, 10:41:17 PM
Quote from: Leevibe on January 05, 2018, 02:54:19 AM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:51:59 AM
I agree. He is a great guy and BLMS has amazingly high-quality and quick service. When did he move to Portland!? My last shipment got to me in a day or so. I was amazed!
I think it's pretty recent. It's right across the river from me. Are you in the PNW?
I'm also in Portland (Tualatin). Do you think he does pick-up orders?
Dang. There's a lot of us out here. Tualatin/Tigard is where PGS used to be before they opened the shop in the Pearl. Poor PGS.
I don't know if he does will-call but I'd be kind of surprised if he was set up for it. It would be fun to meet him though. Next time I put in an order I'll ask.
Quote from: Leevibe on January 09, 2018, 10:46:32 PM
Dang. There's a lot of us out here. Tualatin/Tigard is where PGS used to be before they opened the shop in the Pearl. Poor PGS.
I don't know if he does will-call but I'd be kind of surprised if he was set up for it. It would be fun to meet him though. Next time I put in an order I'll ask.
Pedals, coffee, beer, and waterfalls!
Couldn't hurt to ask. It might actually be worth it for him, depending on his arrangement with UPS/USPS.
Quote from: Leevibe on January 05, 2018, 03:00:00 AM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:57:33 AM
Beaverton. So, I just tell everyone I live in Portland ;D
I'm in Washougal. Let's hang out some time. If you haven't checked it out yet, Stomptown turned me on to a place called Surplus Gizmos out on Cornelius Pass Rd. It's hit and miss in terms of finding useful stuff but sometimes you can score some pretty cool stuff.
Woah that's crazy. I live right down the street from surplus gizmos. Just moved to Hillsboro about 1.5 years ago for work. That place is super fun. I go there all the time for random bits. They have some really wild stuff out front sometimes.
GO BLAZERS!!!
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:34:17 AM
Now if only he would change the name of his business to something more inviting to women builders.
His email notifications have been coming through as "Lawrence Love My Switches" for a while now.
dave
Quote from: JakeFuzz on January 09, 2018, 11:14:48 PM
Woah that's crazy. I live right down the street from surplus gizmos. Just moved to Hillsboro about 1.5 years ago for work. That place is super fun. I go there all the time for random bits. They have some really wild stuff out front sometimes.
Thats crazy. Im just off 170th and Baseline. Small world. Or forum...
Quote from: Zigcat on January 10, 2018, 05:07:29 AM
Quote from: JakeFuzz on January 09, 2018, 11:14:48 PM
Woah that's crazy. I live right down the street from surplus gizmos. Just moved to Hillsboro about 1.5 years ago for work. That place is super fun. I go there all the time for random bits. They have some really wild stuff out front sometimes.
Thats crazy. Im just off 170th and Baseline. Small world. Or forum...
I was working out in the field all last week off 185th and all I could think about was making a trip to SG. Unfortunately it didn't work out though...
Quote from: davent on January 10, 2018, 02:10:56 AM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:34:17 AM
Now if only he would change the name of his business to something more inviting to women builders.
His email notifications have been coming through as "Lawrence Love My Switches" for a while now.
dave
I believe he dropped the B-word from his site name. Too many people complaining that he was being blocked due to language.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:34:17 AM
Now if only he would change the name of his business to something more inviting to women builders.
I highly doubt that that is the one thing that keeps women away from building pedals. Maybe we should accept its just not a hobby that appeals to most women? Just like there are things that women do that don't appeal to most men? I like to go to zumba class because its a fun way to exercise. You know how many other men there are? Usually none.
Quote from: Muadzin on January 11, 2018, 01:54:11 PM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:34:17 AM
Now if only he would change the name of his business to something more inviting to women builders.
I highly doubt that that is the one thing that keeps women away from building pedals. Maybe we should accept its just not a hobby that appeals to most women? Just like there are things that women do that don't appeal to most men? I like to go to zumba class because its a fun way to exercise. You know how many other men there are? Usually none.
No, I won't accept that. Ever. There is even a term for your statement. Sexist...
Even if both music and electrical work have been more male-dominated in the past, there's no need to put up more barriers or make people feel unwelcome. For example, juvenile behavior on music forums is common yet offputting and unnecessary. (I'm not calling out anyone here. Actually this forum and talkbass seem to be two of the most civilized places in this area.)
It's probably hard to remember, but the original computers were often women. Slides rules and the whole shebang. I would guess that once it became a more respected/critical/high-paying field, the men took the positions and now it's fairly male dominated though that has been changing in recent years.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 11, 2018, 11:27:56 PM
Quote from: Muadzin on January 11, 2018, 01:54:11 PM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:34:17 AM
Now if only he would change the name of his business to something more inviting to women builders.
I highly doubt that that is the one thing that keeps women away from building pedals. Maybe we should accept its just not a hobby that appeals to most women? Just like there are things that women do that don't appeal to most men? I like to go to zumba class because its a fun way to exercise. You know how many other men there are? Usually none.
No, I won't accept that. Ever. There is even a term for your statement. Sexist...
I'm with Zagcat here.
I don't care who you are, where you're from or what chromosomes you've got if you're interested I guitar or pedals I say go for it. The more builders we have contributing to the community one way or another the better.
And I gotta say, Lawrence I love ya and you're shop is one of the absolute best but, I'd love putting that sticker you sent on my car but I just can't do it. If there's a funny story about the name that's cool, but at the end of the day somebody who is looking at my bumper doesn't know that story, but they can still pass judgement.
I'm not coming down on one side of the argument or the other, here.
The only way to win is not to play.
I had some good stuff typed up, but...
Quote from: alanp on January 12, 2018, 07:58:32 AM
I'm not coming down on one side of the argument or the other, here.
The only way to win is not to play.
^^ This.
Agreed. I giggle everytime I see my BLMS shirt because I understand it's intention but I also choose where and in front of whom I wear it. I'm not sexist at all but because of that I'm very sensitive to the message it could convey.
I DO think we're way too PC these days, but if that's what it takes to make changes...so be it.
Low participation rates by a gender usually indicate a subtle or overt culture of exclusion. There is no human endeavor that is well served by excluding those who can lend their talents and personal experience simply because of who they are, and therefore we (in general, not just here) should always be making sure that we don't encourage, enable, or accept a exclusionary practices.
Quote from: midwayfair on January 12, 2018, 06:39:07 PM
Low participation rates by a gender usually indicate a subtle or overt culture of exclusion.
This is basically what I had planned to post earlier today. Women generally don't build pedals because we have a culture and history that discourages them from engaging in that sort of activity, either professionally or as a hobby. It's not because somebody has "Bitches" in the name of their company. That's a symptom, not a cause.
These look really nice!
https://lovemyswitches.com/anodized-aluminum-nut-for-foot-switches/ (https://lovemyswitches.com/anodized-aluminum-nut-for-foot-switches/)
Quote from: stringsthings on January 13, 2018, 12:22:20 PM
These look really nice!
https://lovemyswitches.com/anodized-aluminum-nut-for-foot-switches/ (https://lovemyswitches.com/anodized-aluminum-nut-for-foot-switches/)
Milk just came out of my nose.
Quote from: stringsthings on January 13, 2018, 12:22:20 PM
These look really nice!
https://lovemyswitches.com/anodized-aluminum-nut-for-foot-switches/ (https://lovemyswitches.com/anodized-aluminum-nut-for-foot-switches/)
Unfortunately, switches wearing those will only engage when stepped on with Huggy Bear goldfish shoes.
On the plus side, it adds some sweet mojo to any enevelope filter.
Kind of a drag this got removed as it opened up a bit of discussion but with respect to CA I understand. This is where it all started for me so a bit of reverence for ground zero.
Quote from: culturejam on January 12, 2018, 09:01:47 PM
Quote from: midwayfair on January 12, 2018, 06:39:07 PM
Low participation rates by a gender usually indicate a subtle or overt culture of exclusion.
This is basically what I had planned to post earlier today. Women generally don't build pedals because we have a culture and history that discourages them from engaging in that sort of activity, either professionally or as a hobby. It's not because somebody has "Bitches" in the name of their company. That's a symptom, not a cause.
Next time you are prepared to put an icepick through your temple because you are watching a Hallmark Channel movie with your mate, remember, society made you feel that way.
I'm posting in this thread.
Quote from: madbean on January 16, 2018, 01:42:10 AM
I'm posting in this thread.
Don't. It's political suicide
Quote from: Leevibe on January 16, 2018, 01:43:36 AM
Quote from: madbean on January 16, 2018, 01:42:10 AM
I'm posting in this thread.
Don't. It's political suicide
I'm replying to a quote of my post in this thread.
Quote from: atreidesheir on January 16, 2018, 01:37:59 AM
Next time you are prepared to put an icepick through your temple because you are watching a Hallmark Channel movie with your mate, remember, society made you feel that way.
No, its usually the plot, direction, writing, and acting that takes care of that. I have no problem with cheesey detective stories, even the occasional rom-com, but Hallmark channel movies are just BAD.
Like, yes, lets have Melissa Joan Hart Kidnap Mario Lopez and play if for romantic comedy. Yep. Man held against his will and forced to play a role, and its played as cute. Yep. :-X (I may have been forced to watch a few too many of this channels xmas trash heap over the holidays at my Parents place)
Quote from: Zigcat on January 11, 2018, 11:27:56 PMNo, I won't accept that. Ever. There is even a term for your statement. Sexist...
I'm going to take the high road here and refrain from any name calling, as I like to keep this board a civil place. Now, you
assume there is a problem and therefore
demand a fix. Why not actually
prove first that there actually
is a problem, and then we can talk. Without calling people sexist. Not that I care one fig what some guy on the internet thinks about me, but you will find in life that you're not making yourself likable with people if you call them names. Nor get much cooperation from them.
Quote from: Muadzin on January 16, 2018, 09:50:28 AM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 11, 2018, 11:27:56 PMNo, I won't accept that. Ever. There is even a term for your statement. Sexist...
I'm going to take the high road here and refrain from any name calling, as I like to keep this board a civil place. Now, you assume there is a problem and therefore demand a fix. Why not actually prove first that there actually is a problem, and then we can talk. Without calling people sexist. Not that I care one fig what some guy on the internet thinks about me, but you will find in life that you're not making yourself likable with people if you call them names. Nor get much cooperation from them.
Lame. Go ahead a take the high road. But the argument is the same if you were defending a company called "n#$#ers love my switches" and you said that black people don't build pedals. If I am losing support from people who are ignorant to understanding the impact of these things, so be it.
I always refer to my old friend George Carlin at times like these, which seems to be every other freaking day since early 2017. Or 1990, if you consider when this quote originated.
George Carlin: When it comes to changing the language, I think they make some good points. Because we do think in language. And so the quality of our thoughts and ideas can only be as good as the quality of our language. So maybe some of this patriarchal shit ought to go away. I think "spokesman" ought to be "spokesperson." I think "chairman" ought to be "chairperson." I think "mankind" ought to be "humankind." But they take it too far, they take themselves too seriously, they exaggerate. They want me to call that thing in the street a "personhole cover." I think that's taking it a little bit too far!
What would you call a ladies' man, a "person's person"? That would make a he-man an "it-person." Little kids would be afraid of the "boogie-person." They'd look up in the sky and see the "person in the moon." Guys would say "come back here and fight like a person," and we'd all sing "For It's a Jolly Good Person," that's the kind of thing you would hear on "Late Night with David Letterperson"! You know what I mean?
oops... double post
I love George Carlin.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 16, 2018, 10:42:12 AM
Quote from: Muadzin on January 16, 2018, 09:50:28 AM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 11, 2018, 11:27:56 PMNo, I won't accept that. Ever. There is even a term for your statement. Sexist...
I'm going to take the high road here and refrain from any name calling, as I like to keep this board a civil place. Now, you assume there is a problem and therefore demand a fix. Why not actually prove first that there actually is a problem, and then we can talk. Without calling people sexist. Not that I care one fig what some guy on the internet thinks about me, but you will find in life that you're not making yourself likable with people if you call them names. Nor get much cooperation from them.
Lame. Go ahead a take the high road. But the argument is the same if you were defending a company called "n#$#ers love my switches" and you said that black people don't build pedals. If I am losing support from people who are ignorant to understanding the impact of these things, so be it.
I don't think any reasonable person would defend a racial slur used like that. "Bitches" is more colloquial...or at least I think that was the intent here. IOW, men use that word to degrade and humiliate their male friends because we are dumb and that's how we show affection. I'm not defending it because it certainly could be viewed as exclusionary and is easily misconstrued. And we don't need barriers to women participating in traditionally male-dominated hobbies.
Anyway, let's all refrain from any name calling or attaching labels to one another. Saying something is sexist and supporting that assertion is fine but calling someone sexist is getting out of bounds (I'm not even sure it went that far but just making sure we keep it civil here).
Quote from: somnif on January 16, 2018, 01:53:50 AM
Quote from: atreidesheir on January 16, 2018, 01:37:59 AM
Next time you are prepared to put an icepick through your temple because you are watching a Hallmark Channel movie with your mate, remember, society made you feel that way.
No, its usually the plot, direction, writing, and acting that takes care of that. I have no problem with cheesey detective stories, even the occasional rom-com, but Hallmark channel movies are just BAD.
Like, yes, lets have Melissa Joan Hart Kidnap Mario Lopez and play if for romantic comedy. Yep. Man held against his will and forced to play a role, and its played as cute. Yep. :-X (I may have been forced to watch a few too many of this channels xmas trash heap over the holidays at my Parents place)
(https://m.popkey.co/29cd5e/g3ZjO.gif)
Sorry to derail this thread, but...
Short lever 3PDTs from a quality manufacturer. Pretty cool. Thank you Lawrence. 8)
Okay, one last thing and I'll be done, since my viewpoint is being overlooked.
Bitches may as well be a racial slur. You can say it isn't the same at all, but I don't feel that way, especially when it is in the name of a business and the only people arguing this is men. You might have comedians use the word, or there was a meme in the early 2000s, but that doesn't change the power of the word or what it means to women. It is exactly the same as a racial slur. I have known many abused women, and the impact of being called a bitch is huge and demeaning. Even if Dolores Claybourne said it or if your wife thinks it's fine, that does not make it universally acceptable. How the word affects and represents women as a whole is important. Is it positive? If you look deep, no, it isn't.
Now, my original comment was to say I didn't approve of the name. I didn't suggest we boycott BLMS or riot down the streets in protest. And yet, a bunch of men were quick to defend something that can only be defended with a "well, that's not it means" excuse. Or people were terrified to get involved because, even though they might not like the term, it doesn't affect them personally, so they don't want ruffle any feathers.
That adorable, little girl some member posted a video of over December. She was an aspiring musician and her dad made her a fuzz pedal to use with her 3 string guitar. How is "bitches love my switches" going to have an impact on her views if she gained a greater interest in building pedals some day? Just tell her things are too PC these days and she should just ignore it, or tell her it's fine to use that word? The impact is a lot larger than people realize.
Done... Hate me... Don't agree... But just know, you will encounter my stance again and again from many people.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 16, 2018, 11:22:44 PM
Okay, one last thing and I'll be done, since my viewpoint is being overlooked.
Bitches may as well be a racial slur. You can say it isn't the same at all, but I don't feel that way, especially when it is in the name of a business and the only people arguing this is men. You might have comedians use the word, or there was a meme in the early 2000s, but that doesn't change the power of the word or what it means to women. It is exactly the same as a racial slur. I have known many abused women, and the impact of being called a bitch is huge and demeaning. Even if Dolores Claybourne said it or if your wife thinks it's fine, that does not make it universally acceptable. How the word affects and represents women as a whole is important. Is it positive? If you look deep, no, it isn't.
Now, my original comment was to say I didn't approve of the name. I didn't suggest we boycott BLMS or riot down the streets in protest. And yet, a bunch of men were quick to defend something that can only be defended with a "well, that's not it means" excuse. Or people were terrified to get involved because, even though they might not like the term, it doesn't affect them personally, so they don't want ruffle any feathers.
That adorable, little girl some member posted a video of over December. She was an aspiring musician and her dad made her a fuzz pedal to use with her 3 string guitar. How is "bitches love my switches" going to have an impact on her views if she gained a greater interest in building pedals some day? Just tell her things are too PC these days and she should just ignore it, or tell her it's fine to use that word? The impact is a lot larger than people realize.
Done... Hate me... Don't agree... But just know, you will encounter my stance again and again from many people.
Andrew, I think your point is actually very well stated. Thanks for finding a way to express your conviction that shows intelligence and respect.
I certainly don't want anyone to think I defend the name. I defend the guy a bit just because of the way he has come across to me in email communication and when he has weighed in on MB. I predict that he will eventually change the name. I don't think it helps his business one iota. He has great service and pricing, and he is beginning to carry some pretty respectable quality. That's really all he needs.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 16, 2018, 11:22:44 PM
Okay, one last thing and I'll be done, since my viewpoint is being overlooked.
Bitches may as well be a racial slur. You can say it isn't the same at all, but I don't feel that way, especially when it is in the name of a business and the only people arguing this is men. You might have comedians use the word, or there was a meme in the early 2000s, but that doesn't change the power of the word or what it means to women. It is exactly the same as a racial slur. I have known many abused women, and the impact of being called a bitch is huge and demeaning. Even if Dolores Claybourne said it or if your wife thinks it's fine, that does not make it universally acceptable. How the word affects and represents women as a whole is important. Is it positive? If you look deep, no, it isn't.
Now, my original comment was to say I didn't approve of the name. I didn't suggest we boycott BLMS or riot down the streets in protest. And yet, a bunch of men were quick to defend something that can only be defended with a "well, that's not it means" excuse. Or people were terrified to get involved because, even though they might not like the term, it doesn't affect them personally, so they don't want ruffle any feathers.
That adorable, little girl some member posted a video of over December. She was an aspiring musician and her dad made her a fuzz pedal to use with her 3 string guitar. How is "bitches love my switches" going to have an impact on her views if she gained a greater interest in building pedals some day? Just tell her things are too PC these days and she should just ignore it, or tell her it's fine to use that word? The impact is a lot larger than people realize.
Done... Hate me... Don't agree... But just know, you will encounter my stance again and again from many people.
I'll echo Leevibe in that you make a good point and while I personally may not feel as strongly about it in this particular case I do think it's very important to be cognizant of the language we use and how it impacts others. I'm sure Lawrence has realized this to some degree and ultimately it's in his own best interest to take that into consideration. That said, I'm going to have to consider re-naming my upcoming "Shitface McFuckPedal" project ;D
(https://app.box.com/shared/static/hzkd90l8hdzx122h6tsk2gxfxjxjbh0e.jpg)
I'll say it again. Im with Zagcat on this. Words mean different things to different people and we should all be aware that what might sound like a well intentioned joke to some could be terribly offensive to others.
The other thing that gets lost in this is that while the civil rights movement in many ways is still going on so is the women's rights movement. we've spent decades learning to be more racially sensitive as a nation, while sexism thrived and still thrives in our culture.
I will also say that I'm sure it was in no way Lawrence's intention to be offensive or alienate anyone.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 16, 2018, 11:22:44 PM
Okay, one last thing and I'll be done, since my viewpoint is being overlooked.
Bitches may as well be a racial slur. You can say it isn't the same at all, but I don't feel that way, especially when it is in the name of a business and the only people arguing this is men. You might have comedians use the word, or there was a meme in the early 2000s, but that doesn't change the power of the word or what it means to women. It is exactly the same as a racial slur. I have known many abused women, and the impact of being called a bitch is huge and demeaning. Even if Dolores Claybourne said it or if your wife thinks it's fine, that does not make it universally acceptable. How the word affects and represents women as a whole is important. Is it positive? If you look deep, no, it isn't.
Now, my original comment was to say I didn't approve of the name. I didn't suggest we boycott BLMS or riot down the streets in protest. And yet, a bunch of men were quick to defend something that can only be defended with a "well, that's not it means" excuse. Or people were terrified to get involved because, even though they might not like the term, it doesn't affect them personally, so they don't want ruffle any feathers.
That adorable, little girl some member posted a video of over December. She was an aspiring musician and her dad made her a fuzz pedal to use with her 3 string guitar. How is "bitches love my switches" going to have an impact on her views if she gained a greater interest in building pedals some day? Just tell her things are too PC these days and she should just ignore it, or tell her it's fine to use that word? The impact is a lot larger than people realize.
Done... Hate me... Don't agree... But just know, you will encounter my stance again and again from many people.
I appreciate that you took the time to eloquently explain why it bothers you.
I don't know Lawrence, and I've not ordered from him yet. While I don't think he meant any harm with the name, I always found it a bit juvenile and that put me off a bit. Since I could get the parts I needed elsewhere, I did.
I'll never quite understand why one would choose a name for their business that alienates a portion of their potential clientele. He comes across as a really nice guy with a bit of a silly sense of humor, so I give him the benefit of the doubt a bit, but I suspect he has lost some business (I have no idea how much) due to the name. Putting aside whether or not is *should* be offensive, it's just somewhat impractical from a business sense.
It does look like he is transitioning to "Love My Switches" which is smart, IMHO.
It's worth noting that Lawrence and his wife (the reason he moved to Oregon) have run the site together for quite some time. Whether it's her influence or the fact that Lawrence is a good business-person (thanks George) I can't say, but in the current climate it certainly makes sense to realign your marketing.
And yes, the short bat switches are really nice as are the reasonably priced aluminum knobs.
Don't get me wrong. I order from him regularly and will continue to. He has an amazing company and provides quality parts, listens to feedback from his customers, and has amazing service all around.
And I apologize if I sound like I am pointing fingers or superior. I'm not. I swear up a storm. I say bitch all the time and am always learning how my words impact society as a whole. Luckily, my fiance is super patient with me and takes time to explain a woman's perspective. I love her to death for it. I just want people to see the bigger picture. I dont want to come across as some shithead that took an ethics class and am now enlightened and think I can tell everyone they are wrong or are bad people. You all are great people, but conversations like this do nothing in the end but strengthen us and create a more inviting place for everyone. No one here is wrong, and I am guilty of feeling the same way as some of the opposing views. Just as a business, I think the name isn't wise.
I buy stuff from Lawrence as well and have been really impressed by how responsive he is, and how much effort he is putting into the business.
The thing that is actually upsetting about all of this to me is just how amazingly cool the design of the stickers and shirts are. From a graphic design standpoint they are fantastic, and I would love to, as I said before, have one on my van or sport one of those cool shirts that started this whole conversation. I just can't do it.
Quote from: pickdropper on January 17, 2018, 02:40:04 AM
Putting aside whether or not is *should* be offensive, it's just somewhat impractical from a business sense.
Well said.
Yupp, well said. I don't use the term "bitch" to describe either my wife or female friends because I'd likely be eating thru a straw for 6 to 8 weeks. :-)
I'm late to this party because I don't post much these days, but I just wanted to say that I'm 100% with Zigcat.
Having said that, when can I preorder the Shitface McFuckPedal? I'll take two.
I think we all agree it's not an ideal business name. I also half suspect that he didn't totally anticipate the business taking off the way it did and reaching a broader audience. I'll bet Lawrence would name it a bit differently if he had it to do over, although I could be wrong. He's a nice guy and while I can't know his mind, I feel very confident his intentions are entirely benign.
BUT
I think those of you who feel very strongly that the business name is damaging to women (or society, or whatever) should align your wallet with your morals and stop patronizing the business. It's pure cognitive dissonance to support a business you strongly believe is a countering force to your personal ethics and morals. There are multiple options for cheap pedal parts. Just pick one of the others that doesn't have a cheeky name and sleep well. Easy.
Imma keep buying from BLMS because the service is good and I get the joke of the name.
Quote from: lincolnic on January 17, 2018, 05:27:39 AM
Having said that, when can I preorder the Shitface McFuckPedal? I'll take two.
:D
Hey Friends!
Thank you all for the kind things you've said about me and Rebecca and BLMS.
Want I want to communicate is this: I see you. I hear you. I mean no ill will. I am sensitive to the suffering of others. We have changed the name on most aspects of the business to "Love My Switches" for lots of reasons. Some are business related (Google, Facebook, Instagram don't like bad words), some are personal (Rebecca and [me too when dealing with guys in khakis and company branded polo shirts] didn't feel comfortable saying "Bitches" to any of the folks we do business with).
The name was funny to me. I just popped into my head and seemed good enough. I thought it was obvious that the whole concept of the joke was in the name. Clearly ironic. I can't picture someone would ever say the statement, "Bitches love my switches" and actually believe it.
My intention was not to offend, hurt or denigrate or push anyone away.
It was a different time just 7 or 8 years ago when I started BLMS. The world seems far more sensitive to language. I would certainly pick a different name If I had to start over. And If I knew it would grow to be the thing that supports my family I would certainly have been far too frozen with fear that an internet mob might come after me.
I'm a husband and a dad to a 2 year old daughter. I am so much more sensitive to the messages we tell girls that I used to be. She get's told she's pretty all the time. That's just a weird thing to get rewarded for as a human. You have very little control over the face your genes gave you. I'm hyper focused on rewarding her for the content of her character.
We have done a soft name change to Love My Switches. Everything has been changed except the logo at the top of the site and the stickers and T-Shirts. The logo will change at some point on the site. I plan on still using the full name for branded stuff because I think that the people that get it are cool. They know it's a joke. And I would want to wear the logo on a shirt.
-----
Jeez this all sounds so disjointed. I wrote so much more but deleted it. Sorry, It's hard to find the right words to express myself! If I was in person I could rely on tone of voice and body language... but just in text on the innernette about a controversial subject??!?! It's beyond my communication abilities.
Thanks for chiming in, Lawrence. I followed along with the conversation on Instagram a while back and had a sense of where you were at with it. You run a terrific business that I'm happy to continue supporting, and I'm also very glad you're transitioning to Love My Switches. I wish you the best.
I am kinda disappointed that, even with the name change, my stupid work server/firewall will not let me get to the site (not at all a Lawrence problem... my work's firewall is very picky)
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on January 17, 2018, 09:21:41 PM
I am kinda disappointed that, even with the name change, my stupid work server/firewall will not let me get to the site (not at all a Lawrence problem... my work's firewall is very picky)
That was another reason for the name change! Does it tell you why it's been rejected?
Lawrence is a good man and that was a hard thing to say. I really appreciate that you took time to share your perspective and the steps you have taken, not only to not get blocked from servers, but to make customers and your relationships with them better and most importantly, for your daughter(the pretty thing make a lot of women pissed, so you are not alone on that). It means a lot to many people. You're awesome!
Quote from: Zigcat on January 11, 2018, 11:27:56 PM
Quote from: Muadzin on January 11, 2018, 01:54:11 PM
Quote from: Zigcat on January 05, 2018, 02:34:17 AM
Now if only he would change the name of his business to something more inviting to women builders.
I highly doubt that that is the one thing that keeps women away from building pedals. Maybe we should accept its just not a hobby that appeals to most women? Just like there are things that women do that don't appeal to most men? I like to go to zumba class because its a fun way to exercise. You know how many other men there are? Usually none.
No, I won't accept that. Ever. There is even a term for your statement. Sexist...
No, the term for what he's talking about is "sexual dimorphism."
Now, if you assume that every man or women must act according to the average for their sex and especially mistreat members of a certain sex (or those who do not conform to the average),
that's sexist.
Quote from: slacker775 on January 12, 2018, 02:40:47 AM
It's probably hard to remember, but the original computers were often women. Slides rules and the whole shebang. I would guess that once it became a more respected/critical/high-paying field, the men took the positions and now it's fairly male dominated though that has been changing in recent years.
It has more to do with social and economic freedom: the freest countries in the world have the most pronounced gender differences in these areas. Poor and/or more totalitarian countries (which don't chain women to the oven or aren't otherwise stuck in the Bronze Age, anyway) show the least.
Quote from: gordo on January 12, 2018, 05:43:10 PM
Agreed. I giggle everytime I see my BLMS shirt because I understand it's intention but I also choose where and in front of whom I wear it. I'm not sexist at all but because of that I'm very sensitive to the message it could convey.
I DO think we're way too PC these days, but if that's what it takes to make changes...so be it.
Ditto.
Quote from: midwayfair on January 12, 2018, 06:39:07 PM
Low participation rates by a gender usually indicate a subtle or overt culture of exclusion.
This is a just-so story that's
extremely poorly evidenced. Again, the freest, most "progressive" societies in human history show the most dramatic sex differences in hobbies and employment.
Quote from: midwayfair on January 12, 2018, 06:39:07 PMThere is no human endeavor that is well served by excluding those who can lend their talents and personal experience simply because of who they are, and therefore we (in general, not just here) should always be making sure that we don't encourage, enable, or accept a exclusionary practices.
Agreed. We should
not hang up "no girls allowed" signs* nor mistreat people based on their identities.
However, as members of a sexually dimorphic species we also shouldn't be surprised when average behavioral differences crop up between the sexes.
*I make one exception here and that's for military occupations like the Infantry where raw physical strength mean the difference between life and death.
Quote from: sjaustin on January 17, 2018, 08:21:31 PM
Thanks for chiming in, Lawrence. I followed along with the conversation on Instagram a while back and had a sense of where you were at with it. You run a terrific business that I'm happy to continue supporting, and I'm also very glad you're transitioning to Love My Switches. I wish you the best.
Thanks buddy! I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Like the new EHX opamp big muff everyones been excited about.
Edit: Nevermind, arguing on the internet is dumb.
Be the change you want to see, people. That's all.
Quote from: Zigcat on January 17, 2018, 11:44:31 PM
Lawrence is a good man and that was a hard thing to say. I really appreciate that you took time to share your perspective and the steps you have taken, not only to not get blocked from servers, but to make customers and your relationships with them better and most importantly, for your daughter(the pretty thing make a lot of women pissed, so you are not alone on that). It means a lot to many people. You're awesome!
Aww thanks! I can be a miserable fuck at my natural resting state so I have to make sure I take moments like these to feel gratitude that we can share some good vibez over words posted on a forum. I wish you well and may the world continue to improve for all of us.
Also, I realized that me mentioning my daughter being called "pretty" could look like a humble brag. That wasn't my intention. I'll just go ahead and brag. She is the cutest creature I have ever snuggled, second is my first born: Ladybear the cat.
Quote from: midwayfair on January 18, 2018, 03:35:04 AM
Edit: Nevermind, arguing on the internet is dumb.
Yeah, I'm done for a few years. Out of my system.
Quote from: midwayfair on January 18, 2018, 03:35:04 AM
Be the change you want to see, people. That's all.
Presuming something was directed more or less at me...
Look, the best we can possibly do as a society is afford people the Liberty to pursue their passions and take everyone on a case-by-case basis as the individuals they are, not what someone of their identity group is 'supposed' to be. I'd be shocked if someone on this particular forum would honestly argue against that.
That being said, the "blank slatism" fashionable at the moment within certain political ideologies is neo-Lysenkoist hogwash and some
average differences between groups are going to naturally crop up. Given that those of us fortunate enough to live Western Europe, the US, Canada, etc live in the freest and most economically permissive societies in human history, we shouldn't be shocked to see them. But even when those average differences in various traits reveal themselves, you still have to remember that we're talking about bell curves and there's going to be much more variation within groups and overlap between groups than mean differences—that's why it's so important to treat everyone as an individual.
Quote from: bitcheslovemyswitches on January 17, 2018, 09:23:58 PM
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on January 17, 2018, 09:21:41 PM
I am kinda disappointed that, even with the name change, my stupid work server/firewall will not let me get to the site (not at all a Lawrence problem... my work's firewall is very picky)
That was another reason for the name change! Does it tell you why it's been rejected?
Unfortunately no. It might be because it is not an "https" address. I wish it gave me more info but....nope :-\
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on January 18, 2018, 02:51:21 PM
Quote from: bitcheslovemyswitches on January 17, 2018, 09:23:58 PM
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on January 17, 2018, 09:21:41 PM
I am kinda disappointed that, even with the name change, my stupid work server/firewall will not let me get to the site (not at all a Lawrence problem... my work's firewall is very picky)
That was another reason for the name change! Does it tell you why it's been rejected?
Unfortunately no. It might be because it is not an "https" address. I wish it gave me more info but....nope :-\
The address is HTTPS! https://lovemyswitches.com/
Quote from: bitcheslovemyswitches on January 18, 2018, 07:21:09 PM
The address is HTTPS! https://lovemyswitches.com/
Like I said. It must be the firewall at my work. I can get to it just fine from home.
Quote from: Frag Magnet on January 18, 2018, 01:43:56 PM
certain political ideologies is neo-Lysenkoist hogwash
Wow, right out of the pages of National Review! ;D
Quote from: culturejam on January 18, 2018, 08:03:34 PM
Quote from: Frag Magnet on January 18, 2018, 01:43:56 PM
certain political ideologies is neo-Lysenkoist hogwash
Wow, right out of the pages of National Review! ;D
I had to google it:
Neo-Lysenkoism
The word "Neo-Lysenkoism" has occasionally been used by hereditarian researchers[Like whom?] as a pejorative term in the debates over race and intelligence and sociobiology to describe scientists minimizing the role of genes in shaping human behavior, such as Leon Kamin, Richard Lewontin, Stephen Jay Gould and Barry Mehler.[19][20]
Quote from: bitcheslovemyswitches on January 18, 2018, 08:06:35 PM
Quote from: culturejam on January 18, 2018, 08:03:34 PM
Quote from: Frag Magnet on January 18, 2018, 01:43:56 PM
certain political ideologies is neo-Lysenkoist hogwash
Wow, right out of the pages of National Review! ;D
I had to google it:
Neo-Lysenkoism
The word "Neo-Lysenkoism" has occasionally been used by hereditarian researchers[Like whom?] as a pejorative term in the debates over race and intelligence and sociobiology to describe scientists minimizing the role of genes in shaping human behavior, such as Leon Kamin, Richard Lewontin, Stephen Jay Gould and Barry Mehler.[19][20]
It's a roundabout way of calling somebody a Marxist:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterferrara/2013/04/28/the-disgraceful-episode-of-lysenkoism-brings-us-global-warming-theory/#70d23cf97ac8
So...uh.... I just got some of those short Taiway switches and the anodized nuts. Both look great!
I think that everything that can/wanted/needed to be said on this has been said. So, let's leave it here.