Midflight Sandwich

I don't like flying. On Southwest airlines, there is no first-class, all are in coach, all are equalized. Southwest is the Great Leveler. It's kinda like a secular communion. Speaking of that, the Great Leveler is exactly what Crocs are. I went in Brown's shoe store looking for...shoes...and there they were. Millions of brightly colored, soft plastics. Hung like engorged plums, ready to please. Gathered at their feet were men and women from all walks of life, some young, hip and latte-ing through life, others older, simpler, wrinkly folk, marveling at the stimulating hues. It was just amazing to me to see so many different types of people who would in no other circumstances ever talk or even see each other all come together in the name of fad footwear.

Also, it seems like there are some basic principles when trying to market a product. There needs to be variations, customizability (nasty word), but not too many. If there are too many options, people get bored, disinterested. Most people want the simple and easy, they don't want to think hard or long. In the Crocs, there are only three major styles and very basic sizes, no half sizes or widths only the S, M, L & XL of clothing sizes. But, once those selections are made, the options explode in color. This is the part most people look for. It's the look of the apparel, not the actual functionality or quality that matters. But, for those that do care, the shoes are perported as extremely comfortable, letting the foot "float" - a concept many people like and can easlily relate too. No more techno-babble about absorbants, shocks, springs, rubber qulaities, construction techniques, etc. All are injection molded plastic, easy and simple and loveable.

God bless Crocs, even though I cringe everytime I see them.