Quote:
Originally Posted by jammies
What ARE you talking about?
#1 - the companies don't have a monopoly, never mind that it is nonsensical to talk about a "monopoly" with more than one company in the first place.
#2 - the product isn't inferior, unless you think Edison is the pinnacle of light bulb development and everyone since has been a poseur. The lightbulbs are CHEAPER in the long run than conventional ones, but too many people are unable to process the concept of "long run". Plus, people that don't pay for their power (like me) have no incentive to use the more expensive bulbs unless forced to.
#3 - If you don't think the three companies (never mind the dozens of other companies in the business) are going to try to take market share from each other with better bulbs, you are mistaken. R & D is hardly going to be stifled by making a bigger market for efficient lightbulbs, it will have the opposite effect.
#4 - Unless the gov't goes into the business of making lightbulbs, some company has to do it, and therefore, will benefit. However, instead of a negative sum game like preferential legislation for oil companies (so that the taxpayers eat the costs and still get expensive gasoline and heating oil), the only "losers" in this instance are people who will be forced to buy the lights and save money over years of use. Oh, the tragedy!
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#1: All three companies in the article will have 80-90% or better share of the CFL market. That is a monopoly. Worldwide it should be about the same.
#2; Yes inferior product. Ie. Can't sell. As said in the article....
First, the light is not as attractive to many consumers — a problem with which the industry has struggled for years. Second, they take a little time after you flip the switch to reach full brightness.
People do not like it. They need to come up with a better product.....but no, lobby the government to legislate the problem out of existance.
#3: Good luck. 3 Strong companies versus pipsqueeks....hence monopoly laws. But since government has legislated this monopoly...oh well. Even if these companies are eventually hit with anti-monopoly suits they stand to rake in zillionzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. And still no better product.
#4 Duh....but why not let the companies come up with a product that will actually sell? They were coming up with less toxic improvements....but no more. Why should they. You have to buy whatever they sell you.