Why do I suspect that the global market for ice skates, which now includes ice skating rinks in many areas that don't get ice, and supports multiple sports, such as Hockey, Curling (not to mention the Olympic level sports), is actually (much) more than ear muffs.
I mean, I was honestly trying to figure out which way you were going with that analogy while reading is, because it seemed to cut against your point.
Perhaps instead of this false dichotomy or business vs toy, we should actually consider supply, demand, reach etc and many the other variables that have proven the test of time that they actually help define future success.
Here's a list of toys I can rattle off the top of my head, let me know whether they are crappy businesses to start if they didn't exist: Movies, Video games, Comic books, Frisbee.
The grandparent post isn't making a value judgment, it's just pointing out that the two cases should be approached and marketed differently. (And should avoid deluding yourself into thinking you have ice skates when you actually have something nobody actually wants.)
You're right. I also either didn't read the end of the original comment correctly, or it was changed later. The end of it seems to be making some of the same argument I was trying to, so my comment doesn't make a lot of sense.
Eh, I should know better than to comment when I'm that worked up about something. It's too easy to get tunnel vision. :/
I mean, I was honestly trying to figure out which way you were going with that analogy while reading is, because it seemed to cut against your point.
Perhaps instead of this false dichotomy or business vs toy, we should actually consider supply, demand, reach etc and many the other variables that have proven the test of time that they actually help define future success.
Here's a list of toys I can rattle off the top of my head, let me know whether they are crappy businesses to start if they didn't exist: Movies, Video games, Comic books, Frisbee.
Entertainment is a business.