Boycott Magic Hat Brewing Company...

[brewerTristan]

JP, I don't think anybody here is saying that they don't think Magic Hat has the right to sue. Of course they do - free country, brand protection, etc., etc. What is at issue is whether they should in fact sue, given the apparent frivolity of their case. As supporters or detractors of companies in a free society, it is imperative that we let the producers of products we buy know how we feel about their business practices, provided we care in the first place.

[JP]

Well who are we to say they should or should not do anything? And do we know they didn't try to find a mutual solution? This reactionary "oh don't support Company X because I don't like that they do Y" mentality that we seem to have as a country is getting out of hand. If they think that two beers with 9 on the label will prevent their brand from gain in in popularity (due to any excuse they care to have) then you, as a supporter of that brand should encourage that action to ensure that your favorite brand stays solid in that market.

And yes, I agree that you should let producers of your goods/services know when they do something good/bad, but all too often people try to whip up support for something that isn't really bad at all - its survival of the brand. If you don't like that companies can do that then try to change the laws - go DO something positive about it, don't just wait for things like this to happen and then scream about it. The law says it can be done, the other company chose not to take it to court, it's over. does that mean you should hate Magic Hat? That's up to you, but screaming about it won't help. Contact Georgetown, ask how to set up a defense fund, or how to help raise money. Contact your reps in the government, ask about copyright law and frivilous lawsuits, ask them their opinion on this and what you can do about it - Do something more powerful than yelling. It seems that's all we are good for these days.

[JP]

2 - urging a boycott is fine, but not for something that is within that companys right to do, in this case, protecting their brand.

Then why do you boycott the Toronado for being within their rights to be complete dicks

The toronado doesnt protect their brand, they are the classic case of the old company who can treat you like shit because they think you don't have anywhere else to go.

[bcmaui]

I prefer to boycott public boycotts.

Someone does something you like and/or provides a valuable product or service - support them.

If they piss you off, ignore them. I don't waste my time or energy on a rallying a boycott.

Unless you want to get laid by some hippie chick, I never understood the point of a public call to boycott this or that. Or most "outrage" that community organizer type espouse.

Their checking account will tell them quicker than any verbal boycott will.

[bcmaui]

The Toronado doesn't protect their brand, they are the classic case of the old company who can treat you like shit because they think you don't have anywhere else to go.

I'm surprised that J goes there - I know the beer selection is great but there are serious sanitation issues with the restrooms there.

I had a great time a the Toronado (John Foster took me there the first time after midnight and I have been back 4 times since) and I know the bartender was very busy with other customers every time I've sat down at the bar there. Although the several different bartenders I've had took time to get around to me, I have never had problems with service there. Some are gruff and crusty at times, especially when you first sit down, but every one of them became more personable to me after an hour at the bar. My wife will never go back because of the restrooms, but she is more than happy to let me spend whatever time I want at the Toronado whenever we are in the City.

I have worked in the food service business before on the other side (waiter, busboy, cook, etc.) and there are waves of activity and inactivity - I always give a new bartender space when it is obvious they are busy and I just sit down a wait - and never had a problem with that. If the bartender is a dick, I'll go somewhere else and I have done that, but have not experienced that at the Toronado to date.

Some good friends have an apartment a few blocks away and we may house swap in the future and it is a nice local bar to have in the neighborhood.

[mr x]

Magic Hat doesn't own #9 to protect it in the first place. It's a Beatles song. This is just fucked up whining.

"Hey man, like somebody stole the stuff I stole..."

[BrewBum]

Magic Hat doesn't own #9 to protect it in the first place. It's a Beatles song. This is just fucked up whining.

"Hey man, like somebody stole the stuff I stole..."

explain how a beatles song compares to a beer or competes in the same space? Apples and Oranges man.

[TheDarkSide]

explain how a beatles song compares to a beer or competes in the same space? Apples and Oranges man.

Green Apples, right?