WOOHOO!

Thanks for writing :) On the Journey Kids display there was a plaque thingy that said that they were working Soles 4 Souls - though, when I researched (a few weeks ago when I wrote this) - I found jack and squat :/

:)

In regards to society, I am aware of business, creative plagiarism and all that goes behind marketing.

But your examples I think are off..

Netflix is an evolved Blockbuster - different business model. (In fact after Netflix created their business, Blockbuster attempted to copy their model, and well - I don't think thats got them too far as several Blockbusters in my area have shut down.) The Nike Hyperdunk, not familiar with but that too is an evolution of something else. So yes, making it better. What Skechers is doing is taking the same shoe copying it to almost identical proportion, calling it a similar name (which is misleading) and using the original (Toms) charitable aspect. I don't see this as doing anything better.

Any company that is giving to valuable causes - I applaud you. But why not do this with their other shoes? Why create a specific line that looks identical to that of Toms and use the same marketing technique (Cause Marketing)? Because it works, that's why. And that's fine and dandy, I am just saying be original. Here's a proposition as to what Skechers could do if they really wanted to make a bang:

If Skechers was to take an idea, such as Toms - and make it better - why not up the ante and move to the Toms model - ONE FOR ONE company wide, not just a specific shoe line. Then I'll write a nice blog post about them doing something original.

That original being a BIG COMPANY who is changing their mission from profits and mass production of shoes
to
one of profits, mass production of shoes and giving a pair away for each purchased.

(In regards to company size, Toms is a growing company, started small with the concept and is growing bigger because of it, but still relatively small.)

Regardless, thanks for writing Bart. I do appreciate a good conversation. And I do wish more companies would participate in cause marketing, it's a win-win situation. Just be original!

Amen.

:)

You would ;)

I agree with you and it's unfortunate. There is creative plagiarism and then there is down right copying. I mean Target knocks off shoes all the time, but I don't know if they go as far as naming a similar name and cause.

I haven't seen a lot of press on this. You would think a good cause like this would get more if really a big shoe company like Sketchers IS indeed handling out Sketchers to underprivileged children.

This whole thing just makes me love Toms even more.

I agree - it's a free country - people can do what they wish, and for charity I'm all for it.

THAT being said - I just think its silly naming a shoe simliar to another that looks nearly identical and then lower pricing it.

But again - to each it's own. Let's shoe each kid in this world.

BTW - LOVE the email address -> a.s.h.o.l.e.@*******.com

That's the car I've been wanting - but.... since I haven't test drove since I've not wanted to go there (car payment H3LL) i've resisted. The car is at the shop now -- I will say not smeling molded chocolate milk for the first few weeks we're in a new car will be quite nice. But know it won't last hahaha.

Also - another plus is 1 lunch where I can drive Joyce. We go to lunch often and told her until the day I get a new car (and not any day after since the kids will trash!) - i'll totally actually DRIVE HER.

PS Wendy says HI!