Now look who is making accusations without knowing a person. I must say that I know quite a bit about the products that I purchase. It's actually a point of pride for me that stay in the loop as much as possible to make sure that I'm not buying from unethical companies. I was quite critical of Apple when the whole Foxconn issue was happening, and I feel quite satisfied with the steps that they have taken to monitor and audit their manufacturing partners, as well as newer initiatives to provide environmental reports, build green facilities, and more.
You're missing the point. It has nothing to do with what this guy purchased. I agree that many people are unaware of where their products come from, and that is a shame. As I said, I try my best to research everything that I purchase, but I'm not perfect. My hope is that the broader population would take interest in researching what these companies are doing. My comment about ethics was based on the fact that he doesn't seem to care as long as the end product is greatconsequences be damnedand I believe that pretty well qualifies him as lacking in the ethics department. One of my biggest pet peeves are people who willfully choose to be ignorantespecially when so much information is available freely online and only takes mere seconds to search for.
As for my signature, I see that you're fairly new to this site. That's ok, and welcome. We discuss technology here, among a variety of other topics. But mainly technology and specifically Apple technology. In my signature I have listed a sampling of the technology that I use in my daily life as a web, app, and print designer and photographer. I use said technology to provide income for my family. In my field it is important to stay aware of new technology or risk becoming irrelevant. What would you have me place there instead? Stats about how much money I've donated to charity, or how many people I've personally helped over the course of my life? That is a rather weak argument that my signature on a tech forum dictates my priorities in life. Lots of people on here list their gear, especially back in the old days when the primary discussion was Macs (I lurked here going back to 2003-04 before finally creating an account because I had some inside information to share about the original iPhone launch). Having a signature that contains the technology that I use provides context when I'm writing about certain issues on the forum, especially since I sometimes forget to list in my response what I have as it is often important to certain discussions. And honestly I only stuck the Xbox on there so that people wouldn't think I'm a total fanboy. I do enjoy other technology and I'm a little bit of a gamer. But if I'm following the logic of your response, I should list off everything I've accomplished in life instead to prove my worth or something? On an Apple website? That would be odd and frankly rather self-centered. I try to live a somewhat private life (I'm not on FB, for instance), especially when it comes to listing life accomplishments or good works. The whole "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." mindset, you know? I'll keep my signature for now, thank you. Again, this is a technology site and I make a decent living using said technology. I don't define myself with my MacRumors account information.
Finally on to your last point. I know these big companies are out there to make money and don't care about my opinion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's capitalism. But when I see a company openly being unethical, I vote with my dollars and share my opinion on the matter with those who aren't educated on the matter. I'm well known by friends, family and coworkers as the guy they come to for tech advice when they are looking to purchase. I have my own small sphere of influence, and in turn those people have their own spheres of influence. I call it like I see it. Perhaps I'm overly optimistic that people will educate themselvesand not just on what companies are doing. I'm far more worried about what governments are doing to stifle freedom and other social issues. I spend a fraction of the time on here compared to the time I spend on other forums ranging from a variety of topicspolitics, privacy issues, net neutrality, family, and others related to my trade such as photography and design.
In closing, Samsung doesn't hold a candle to the human rights abuses that go on around the world, but this isn't the proper forum to discuss such matters. The only reason I'm even bothering with this response is that it amazes me that people see an entity being openly unethical and think it's somehow OK. I'm of the mindset that if you give these guys (governments, corporations, etc) an inch they'll take a yard. Or sometimes a mile! Best to put our foot down once we see the offense happen so that we can remain a free, peaceful and respectable society. This applies to all ethics violations. Nobody caring is how things get out of control.
