The Dreaming Stops when the Buying Starts

[jaredpogi]

That's the case if you're in the market for a ricer. But for the loyal Mercedes-Benz fans, the dreaming never stops.

http://myblackmercedes.blogspot.com/...ng-starts.html

[mbeige]

Jared, bakit ricer na naman nabanggit mo? Matinong usapan lang.

[jaredpogi]

Pat, even in the radios (e.g. 88.3 Gearbox), printed motoring articles (Car & Driver, Automobile, Mopar etc.) the term "rice", "ricers", "rice boys" has been used over and over for the past decades. Are we getting old backwards that only now we want to make so much fuss about it?

Yeah, I was once a "rice boy" too, and every so often when I have to be like that by force or by circumstance. But I'm not that immature and uneducated to really make a reaction about it just to get something going or an issue to brew.

[mbeige]

You think I'm that immature by trying to get an issue going? To me kasi, especially if you keep posting stuff about MB but at the same time putting other cars in a bad light, it gives a bad impression of us MB owners especially if you publish it online. It makes people think we're elitists, when we're not - I don't know about you. You of all people should know we're definitely not getting old backwards, but is there really a need for its use?

Moreover, your crediting of Route 66, MBCP, and CATS puts them in a bad light as well, however indirectly. I just kind of wished you used a more formal term. It doesn't mean that if others have used it to denote a certain type of car, that it's alright to do so as well. Owners of those specific types of cars will get offended, as you have experienced first hand.

Like I said, matinong usapan lang. I want to keep this civil, and try to understand your side more, if that's possible.

[coiter]

You think I'm that immature by trying to get an issue going? To me kasi, especially if you keep posting stuff about MB but at the same time putting other cars in a bad light, it gives a bad impression of us MB owners especially if you publish it online. It makes people think we're elitists, when we're not - I don't know about you. You of all people should know we're definitely not getting old backwards, but is there really a need for its use?

Like I said, matinong usapan lang. I want to keep this civil, and try to understand your side more, if that's possible.

[ronw123w124]

You think I'm that immature by trying to get an issue going? To me kasi, especially if you keep posting stuff about MB but at the same time putting other cars in a bad light, it gives a bad impression of us MB owners especially if you publish it online. It makes people think we're elitists, when we're not - I don't know about you. You of all people should know we're definitely not getting old backwards, but is there really a need for its use?

Moreover, your crediting of Route 66, MBCP, and CATS puts them in a bad light as well, however indirectly. I just kind of wished you used a more formal term. It doesn't mean that if others have used it to denote a certain type of car, that it's alright to do so as well. Owners of those specific types of cars will get offended, as you have experienced first hand.

Like I said, matinong usapan lang. I want to keep this civil, and try to understand your side more, if that's possible.

+1 On this, Amen Pat

[ronw123w124]

Sorry, double post.

[jaredpogi]

Pat, there's still no reason to fuss around for such a small thing.

[baludoy]

You think I'm that immature by trying to get an issue going? To me kasi, especially if you keep posting stuff about MB but at the same time putting other cars in a bad light, it gives a bad impression of us MB owners especially if you publish it online. It makes people think we're elitists, when we're not - I don't know about you. You of all people should know we're definitely not getting old backwards, but is there really a need for its use?

Moreover, your crediting of Route 66, MBCP, and CATS puts them in a bad light as well, however indirectly. I just kind of wished you used a more formal term. It doesn't mean that if others have used it to denote a certain type of car, that it's alright to do so as well. Owners of those specific types of cars will get offended, as you have experienced first hand.

Like I said, matinong usapan lang. I want to keep this civil, and try to understand your side more, if that's possible.

very well put, bro.

[mbeige]

Pat, there's still no reason to fuss around for such a small thing.

Jared, if it is such a small thing then why do you persistently make it a point to include derogatory remarks aside from "ricer"? From what I recall, you've called Japanese/Asian-made vehicles as "ducks" too. That has sparked complaints as you recall, to which your thread over at the official club forum was deleted, because it clearly does not promote the club's interest, nor does it help it in any way.

We both believe that Mercedes-Benz makes the best vehicles around, and we both own pretty nice examples. We're both part of the same club and have attended EB's. However, that goes without saying that it is very unethical to represent the club, yet at the same time throw out negative remarks against other makes.

Can you answer one simple question for inquiring minds? Why do you need to use derogatory remarks when pertaining to Asian or Japanese-made vehicles - what have they done to you that made you so critical of them?

We both know both were designed to be built differently in the first place - especially that last blog you made. A W108 never compares to those kinds of cars you pertain to as "ricers" - try something more analogous, like the M100 600 versus a Rolls Royce, for example. Or perhaps, a W123 coupe versus a BMW 6er from the 80's, or maybe even a Volvo 240 coupe. I'm sure that would be a splendid photoshoot if you could arrange it.

Do not get me wrong, your articles are very well thought out, the images are very good, and the subjects are very good examples too. See, your articles would have been really perfect from a standpoint, but it tragically falls short because it focuses on bringing other car makes down, rather than bringing the Mercedes-Benz marque, and its collection of fine attributes, much higher.

I hope you take that into consideration the next time you post your latest blog entry. Also, I highly suggest you make peace with those you've offended. It's hard going to EB's knowing you're not in the best of relations.

Good luck.

[ronw123w124]

I own a number of Benzes, namely a w123, a w124 and a w126 and I enjoy tinkering with these cars a lot and always look forward to attending Benz EB's and funruns. On the other hand, I also own a Japanese car and also enjoy the car very much. Does this make me a "ricer"?

[daimengrui]

Don't worry I'm sure there are many Jap car lovers out there who equally abhor MBs.

As long as critical remarks remain "critical" there is not problem in that.

The problem is when tirades and cheap shots are used for no good reason. When you become disillusioned by your zeal and lose objectivity there is a danger of becoming an evangelist/zealot. When that happens instead of making sense to everybody you become an irritant and people would rather want to forget everything you said rather than trying to comprehend it

[Bogeyman]

As long as critical remarks remain "critical" there is not problem in that.

There's a difference between being critical with reason, and being critical out of mere spite.

The vehicle I own is not necessarily of Japanese make, but it does carry a Japanese marque. Call me what you will, but between European and Japanese brands in general, my real-world bias goes to the latter, if only for their relative attainability. Now, if jaredpogi considers me a "ricer" because a Japanese family car is the only thing I was able to afford with my humble finances, then fine.

However, I've always considered a Benz to be a highlight of sophistication and luxury. I do have to admit though that I'd readily choose a Bimmer over an MB given a choice, but not because of any inherent fault with a Benz; it's just that the former appeals to me more as a matter of personal taste.

[jaredpogi]

Jared, if it is such a small thing then why do you persistently make it a point to include derogatory remarks aside from "ricer"? From what I recall, you've called Japanese/Asian-made vehicles as "ducks" too. That has sparked complaints as you recall, to which your thread over at the official club forum was deleted, because it clearly does not promote the club's interest, nor does it help it in any way.

Pat, it's really such a small thing, now that you mentioned "ducks" out of the context, that's really making in an issue now.

We both believe that Mercedes-Benz makes the best vehicles around, and we both own pretty nice examples. We're both part of the same club and have attended EB's. However, that goes without saying that it is very unethical to represent the club, yet at the same time throw out negative remarks against other makes.

I gave credit to the club when it's due. But I never represented it.

Can you answer one simple question for inquiring minds? Why do you need to use derogatory remarks when pertaining to Asian or Japanese-made vehicles - what have they done to you that made you so critical of them?

Because it has already became a norm. Like I told it's such a small thing. And other readers don't mind. They like it.

Do not get me wrong, your articles are very well thought out, the images are very good, and the subjects are very good examples too. See, your articles would have been really perfect from a standpoint, but it tragically falls short because it focuses on bringing other car makes down, rather than bringing the Mercedes-Benz marque, and its collection of fine attributes, much higher.

I can only make things good or great. But I don't think I can make it perfect. Thanks.

I hope you take that into consideration the next time you post your latest blog entry. Also, I highly suggest you make peace with those you've offended. It's hard going to EB's knowing you're not in the best of relations.

I don't have a heavy heart attending EBs with those whom I have "offended" because I keep my subjects well within my context. You see, "I don't bring ducks to a cockfight".

Thank you so much for bringing this up, the blog is just getting popular and popular.

[mbeige]

Pat, it's really such a small thing, now that you mentioned "ducks" out of the context, that's really making in an issue now.

Remember, it was not me who first mentioned the use of "ducks" as an alternative word synonymous to "ricer".

I gave credit to the club when it's due. But I never represented it.

I see. But you're technically a member of the club, right?

Because it has already became a norm. Like I told it's such a small thing. And other readers don't mind. They like it.

So you like it when you stir up something because your audience loves it when you do. This is getting more interesting.

I can only make things good or great. But I don't think I can make it perfect. Thanks.

So you make things good or great at the expense of putting others in a bad light?

I don't have a heavy heart attending EBs with those whom I have "offended" because I keep my subjects well within my context. You see, "I don't bring ducks to a cockfight".

Who said this was a fight?

Thank you so much for bringing this up, the blog is just getting popular and popular.

Ah, that's what I was waiting for. You just want your blog to gain more and more hits. Now I think I understand.

[paolorenzo]

Because it has already became a norm. Like I told it's such a small thing. And other readers don't mind. They like it.

Whose norm? When some readers "like it", it's not necessily the norm.

Reminds me of the infamous Malu Fernandez. Maybe a few of her elitist friends liked her bashing of Filipinos, so she probably thought it was the norm as well.

Sorry, for intruding. I'm no MB owner, nor am I an avid fan of MB cars (fan of Lewis Hamilton, maybe). I'm just an AUV owner, which is probably not even close to rice status, for some. Hampas-lupa class na lang siguro.

[jaredpogi]

Remember, it was not me who first mentioned the use of "ducks" as an alternative word synonymous to "ricer".

If you're referring to my blog, you are correct. But as far as this discussion is concerned, you're not putting things into proper place. You even dragged club matters into this perspective for no good reason.

I see. But you're technically a member of the club, right?

Technically, I'm not. Even if I have paid my due, I still have to complete a number of attendance before I can become a member. So I am in no way representing it.

So you make things good or great at the expense of putting others in a bad light?

No. It is really up to your understanding.

Who said this was a fight?

It was never a fight. See -> "".

Ah, that's what I was waiting for. You just want your blog to gain more and more hits. Now I think I understand.

You see, you're waiting for something. Blogs are written not to be put in backburners.

[niky]

Readership =/= quality.

I let the "ricer" comment slide. And I didn't open your blog. Couldn't be bothered to open something like that.

See, to me, the tagline doesn't exude any quality or connote anything worth reading. I can't rightly say if your blog is worth reading, but your tagline doesn't mark it off as being so... so I didn't pay it any attention.

But here, mbeige says your writing is otherwise okay... So.. wait... let me read it.

Here we go:

The rest of your blog post is well-written and well-thought out... but the first paragraph is utter rubbish. Referring to "ricers" twice in the post? Marks you off as a beer-and-chips crowd person telling stories in a bar rather than as a serious writer writing about Benz ownership.

What's a "ricer"? What does it have to do with car ownership? Absolutely nothing. You're referring to dull people... appliance buyers... the "boring" crowd,... in these two references... not ricers...

You're referring to anyone who settles on buying a common Japanese car out of necessity instead of following their dream and buying something special. And mbeige is right... the way you use the term comes out as derogatory and pretty jarring. Who's to say a japanese car can't be a dream buy? That 240Z that someone has lovingly restored... or that wonderfully clean 1970's Corolla Sprinter (complete with a woody shift knob) that an American ExPat drives around... or even Botchi's (of Top Gear Philippines) new pet project car, a 1996 Toyota Crown restoration... they're all dream cars... and... apparently... "rice"?

Of course, one could take a look at the Mercedes A-Class and call all Benzes soul-less, leather-clad, overpriced appliances and be done with it... but would that be the whole truth? Would it be fair to those who've grown up with the lovely smell and feel of a big Merc sedan?

I don't care if only a few dozen people read one of my articles or a few thousand (which has only happened once or twice...)... as long as I know I put my heart and soul into it and that if somebody shoves me up against the wall in anger over what I've wrote, I can defend my work and its merits. If I say that so-and-so is crap... I'm absolutely, positively 100% sure that it is. Yes, blogs are written to be displayed, but since they are, you really ought to put your best foot forward

Please, try to understand what mbeige is saying... there is potential in your writing, but you're ruining it with stupid comments like that. Just an FYI. And if you do mention the Benz club in your blog, you have the responsibility to uphold its honor.

[mbeige]

Please, try to understand what mbeige is saying... there is potential in your writing, but you're ruining it with stupid comments like that. Just an FYI. And if you do mention the Benz club in your blog, you have the responsibility to uphold its honor.

Bingo! Let it also be known that in response to another blog entry by you, Jared, the president of the MBCP had to delete that thread after a member felt offended, and with due reason. Moreover, the officers even had to post a disclaimer (!) just so others who visit the site do not think of your blog entries as representative of the ideals of the club. Just for you man, just for you.

*Niky, I just have to say, you speak your mind I rest my case

*Paololorenzo, please do not feel like you're intruding. All comments are most welcome. This is, after all, a public forum.

[empy]

hehe, so if the ricer comments were intended to boost page hits and get the blog on the map (jared even devoted a whole post to celebrate that the blog is now appearing prominently on google searches)...then it is succeeding - i had to open the blog page as well just to see what the fuss is all about. like niky, i would not have bothered otherwise.

if you don't mind a bit of constructive criticism - you definitely need to remember the old journalistic adage "don't use a 50 dollar word when a 5 dollar one will do". when you use big words just for the sake of using them, and invent new analogies and idioms just for the sake of making your writing style seem more upscale, then you just come across as nonsensical and boring.

i would suggest that you get a good editor, or even a trusted friend of "average" ability to read through your posts at least once before you post them. they'll help you avoid the "too-highbrow-for-anyone-else-but-me" trap you seem to be falling into. and on a related note, the word-dash-word-dash-word style isn't doing anything for me either.

but back to the topic, there is one point that mbeige makes that is particularly important. don't invite criticism by putting down Japanese "ricers" as unworthy of your beloved Mercedes. the classic-but-depreciated (teka nahawa yata ako sa style mo ) MB models you feature range from nice to ok to great, but there are any number of "ricer" cars that outclass it in terms of luxury, performance, or price.