# I pit people who don't understand the true value of things. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 18, 2009, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419 "2009-07-18T07:50:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/21 "2009-07-19T15:52:22Z")
ehh… after review, it looks like I’m some sort of survivalist gun nut. I’m not. Just a guy that lives on the end of the road. ---
**Author:** ![incidental](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/22d042/32.png) [@incidental](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/incidental)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/22 "2009-07-19T16:44:33Z")
> [@sugar\_and\_spice](#): > > Most of it is that my assessment includes a bunch of utilities that owners around here usually pay individually – heat, basic cable, water, gas for the stove. The heat especially is no small matter (here=Chicago). The building also has 24/7 security, which is really the big special extra I get over a plain-jane building. The security is nice for peace-of-mind because I live alone, and it also means there is someone to call if one of the neighbors is having a loud party or something. When you own the place it’s harder to just up and move if the neighbors turn out to be loud jerks. > > It makes sense to most people once I tell them what I get. Which is why I wish they would hold in their “OMG!! :eek:” commentary, my total costs at the end of the month aren’t unreasonable when you add it all up. Okay, yes, that makes sense. I hadn’t heard of this practice before, but it doesn’t seem unreasonable. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/23 "2009-07-19T18:07:19Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > ehh… after review, it looks like I’m some sort of survivalist gun nut. I’m not. Just a guy that lives on the end of the road. The quiet one who always keeps the lawn mowed? The one who never causes any trouble? ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/24 "2009-07-19T20:15:20Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > ehh… after review, it looks like I’m some sort of survivalist gun nut. I’m not. Just a guy that lives on the end of the road. Post reported…to the Department of Homeland Security. Actually, I am really looking into being a survivalist gun nut myself. I already have the basic skills and the temperment for it. Maybe you could take me under your wing and train me. There might be a case or ten of military surplus ammo in it for you. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/25 "2009-07-19T20:17:08Z")
Can I just jump on the title of the OP and ignore his point altogether? I hate it when somebody is given (or gets dirt cheap) something REALLY top end then treats it like crap just “because it didnt cost THEM anything” Yeah, it may be nearly free to you, but good luck on buying a replacement of equal value once you trash your “freebie” Take, for example, my canoe. I got it for a hundred bucks. A new one of that size and wieght (or lack of) would cost close to 2000 dollars. I sure as shit aint buying any canoe for 2000 dollars anytime soon. But that one is WORTH it to me and I treat it like a 2000 dollar canoe, particularly because when its gone/destroyed/whatever, thats it for me budget wise. My most favorite possesions are the nice expensive things that actually ARE better in some quantifiable sense that I got cheap but could never really justify myself buying at true market value. ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/26 "2009-07-20T07:26:35Z")
> [@ivn1188](#): > > I’m sorry that people who are reacting to your penis extension don’t react the way you want them to. I can certainly understand how annoying it must be to find that your planned status symbol purchases don’t seem to convey the attitude of respect and coolness that you were hoping for. You must be GREAT at parties. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/27 "2009-07-20T08:50:56Z")
> [@Dog80](#): > > If you had an immediate use for those doors and windows or you could sell them for money then that’s ok. But if you intended to hoard them “just-in-case” then fuck you. Your brother was right. So, according to your own thead title, you have just pitted \*yourself! \*:rolleyes: And on a personal note: Go stroke yourself, Non-bike owning wank-master! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/28 "2009-07-20T10:33:36Z")
Back when Beanie Babies were a big thing, my nephew had a bunch, and he kept telling us “This one is worth $$ and this one is worth $$$ and…” He was sure he was sitting on a fortune. We tried, unsuccessfully, of course, to explain that they were worth exactly what someone would pay for them. I’m pretty sure he still has them all. And I’m pretty sure they’re not worth much. Wonder if he’ll turn into one of those people who fill the house with “collectables” as “investments”… ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/29 "2009-07-20T10:50:29Z")
I think almost anything is way too much to pay for everything. I am the kind of person this Pit is aimed at. I am cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/30 "2009-07-20T13:50:08Z")
> [@mswas](#): > > That’s about average price for a decent bike brand new. If people don’t know what motorcycles cost them then whatever. For the cheap used bikes that they are referring to, someone at some point paid sticker for it when it was new. _shrug_ > > \ > > EDIT: Actually I take it back a brand new Harley Sportster costs about 7000. A Softail Springer on the other hand starts at around 27k Nothing made by Harley-Davidson qualifies as “a decent bike”. Anyway, the CBR-1000RR with ABS is about $14,000 here, so not that different. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/31 "2009-07-20T15:01:54Z")
In my humble opinion; If you want me to be impressed with your wonderful purchase, appreciating it’s ‘true value’, then keep the price to yourself. When you tell me the price, of your bike, or your stereo, or your shoes, I know that the real ‘value’ you attach to them, regardless of what you’ve deluded yourself into believing, is that it was expensive. I know this because you make a point of telling me. A $17,000 bike, a $10,000 stereo or $300 shoes. When you do this, (which is embarrassingly often, have you no shame?), it reinforces that you are so insecure you need to overpay for things to feel good about yourself. And as if that were not pathetic enough, you need to boast to everyone about the price tag. You may have seen me, nodding and smiling, in response. This is because I am thinking to myself, “Just leave the price tag on then you shallow git!”. You want me to appreciate the ‘true value’ of your new bike? Keep the price to yourself and concentrate on telling me how much you adore it. I will happily bask in the warm glow of your pleasure and understand it’s value to you. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/32 "2009-07-20T15:06:08Z")
I think you may be missing something here, which is that he bought it _instead_ of a car, not in addition to one. I don’t think you’d call it boasting if I posted somewhere that my car cost $17,000 (it didn’t, incidentally), so I don’t really see what the difference is with the OP, since this motorcycle is his only mode of transport. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/33 "2009-07-20T15:51:48Z")
I didn’t miss that, it doesn’t change my position at all. I don’t care why you bought it, if you can’t help telling me the price, (obviously different if I inquire, “Gosh, how much does such a bike cost?”), then the price is clearly what’s important to you. It’s no different than someone boasting about getting a good deal. If you want me to think this item has value besides the price you paid then tell me what makes it so wonderful and quit bragging on how much or how little you paid! Sorry, I’m just weary of a world where everybody thinks it’s okay to go around bragging about their expensive things. Yeah, yeah, you paid lots and I am humbled by your extravagance and don’t think you’re shallow or boorish at all! ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/34 "2009-07-20T15:53:56Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Nothing made by Harley-Davidson qualifies as “a decent bike”. :rolleyes: > [@](#): > > Anyway, the CBR-1000RR with ABS is about $14,000 here, so not that different. His bike cost him about $ 24000 in US dollars. ---
**Author:** ![Borborygmi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/borborygmi/32/217_2.png) [@Borborygmi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Borborygmi)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/35 "2009-07-20T16:05:44Z")
> [@mswas](#): > > His bike cost him about $ 24000 in US dollars. $24,000? :eek: you could buy ¥ 2.3 million with that money ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/36 "2009-07-20T16:27:15Z")
> [@mswas](#): > > His bike cost him about $ 24000 in US dollars. Yes, but the Euro is currently at a near-all-time high relative to the US$. It’s been as low as $1.02=1 EUR in the last 10 years. The two currencies are roughly equal in purchasing power. ---
**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/37 "2009-07-20T16:34:15Z")
As a longtime Mac user, I get a lot of this, myself. It gets old. ---
**Author:** ![Discipline](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/82dd89/32.png) [@Discipline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Discipline)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/38 "2009-07-20T17:10:36Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > Sorry, I’m just weary of a world where everybody thinks it’s okay to go around bragging about their expensive things. Yeah, yeah, you paid lots and I am humbled by your extravagance and don’t think you’re shallow or boorish at all! Weird, you wouldn’t believe how tired I am of answering “how much did that ‘set you back’?” 1. It didn’t ‘set back’ shit. If I was going to be unreasonably overreaching to purchase whatever item, I wouldn’t have bought it. 2. I already know how you’re going to react when I tell you. No matter the item and no matter the price it will always be some outrageous fucking sum that will cause you to inhale sharply/exhale exasperatedly/whatever other obnoxious reaction you can find that isn’t simply “Oh.” 3. It’s a brand new Porsche, don’t ask stupid questions you already know the answer to. ---
**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/39 "2009-07-20T17:19:13Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > I don’t care why you bought it, if you can’t help telling me the price, (obviously different if I inquire, “Gosh, how much does such a bike cost?”), then the price is clearly what’s important to you. I never initiate these conversations. I only respond if asked and I hate it because when they do not comment on the price they will invariably say something like “You will get killed with that bike!!!1111one”. The fact that said idiot routinely drives his car drunk while yapping on the cellphone makes the above comment even more irritating. Yes, it is idiots like you that will get me killed. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419/40 "2009-07-20T17:20:35Z")
> [@Discipline](#): > > It’s a brand new Porsche, don’t ask stupid questions you already know the answer to. I see what you did there. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-understand-the-true-value-of-things/503419.md?page=3)