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| (Capture Credit: Bulletproof Automotive) |
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| (Capture Credit: HardStyle Photography) |
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Showing posts with label Do-Luck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Do-Luck. Show all posts
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Do-Luck R35
I apologize that this page has been DEAD lately. I am not a good blogger. Life sometimes gets in the way… How about a couple shots of a sick R35 by Do-Luck? I love this thing…
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Corner-Cutting Commentary, Part II
A pro-authenticity post published by JDMphasis a couple weeks ago garnered some internet attention. It was shared on a few different pages, forums, and blogs. It quickly became my most-read post. As expected, there were plenty of people denouncing the message as "condescending," suggesting that I was "butt-hurt," and, among other things, "elitist."
When taking a stance in this never-ending debate, one opens himself up to scrutiny and ridicule. I understand that. It comes with the territory. Nonetheless, though this topic is one about which I am passionate, I try to express my opinions with a moderate ration of tact and civility. I understand there will be name-calling, "trolling," and even physical threats. (Someone commented something to the effect of "knocking [my] teeth down [my] throat." Yes, and I'm the "butt-hurt" HATER.) In the past, I have had foolish internet threats against my family, as well. However, this does not change my stance. Skimming some of the comments of that particular post, one cannot help but wonder if people even took the time to read the post, as points unrelated to the topic at hand were often addressed, and, at times, I feel as though I was credited with opinions that I, in fact, do not maintain.
As I wrote in that post, I acknowledge that replica companies are not going anywhere. It is the choice of the consumer to outfit his or her car with whatever parts they desire. I cannot tell people how to spend their money. That does not mean that I cannot encourage enthusiasts to support the true talent of the industry; the innovators who take the risks, not the opportunists who steal proven designs. It also means that I can attempt to explain the foundation of my opinions.
The "Business is cutthroat. That is the way it has always been," justification is one with which I cannot argue. Business is cutthroat. I know this to be true. I am actually in favor of competition in the marketplace. However, I also believe there is a certain degree of ethics, morality, judgment, and consequence that comes with personal decision-making. We do not often consider the longterm repercussions that accompany our actions. I, for one, choose not to reward the people and companies who undermine the pioneers of the tuning industry.
I have mentioned this in previous posts, but it is worth mentioning again. And again. And again... The Japanese tuning industry is a narrow order. The enthusiast base is small, relatively speaking. Thus, when people attempt to compare the theft of aero designs to Rolex, Coach, or Coca-Cola they are comparing apples to elephants. It is not the same thing. Rolex, Coach, and Coca-Cola are huge multi-billion dollar corporations. If there are people who find this hard to believe, I would suggest approaching 100 random strangers on the street and ask them if they have ever enjoyed an ice-cold Coke, seen a Coach purse or been in a Coach store. Ask them if they would love to own a Rolex watch or know someone who does. I would be willing to bet they will have an answer for you, even if it is of dissenting nature. They will have an answer because they have a frame of reference. They KNOW these companies. Then ask them if they like the new Z34 Varis aero designs. Ask them if they prefer the Advan GT over the Volk Racing TE37. Ask them what they think of Rocket Bunny, Zele, Power House Amuse, Do-Luck, C-West, and Top Secret. If there are five people who do not look at you as if you have three heads; who have an iota of a clue about what you are talking, I will be shocked as well as impressed.
Yes, replicas happen. Yes, these money-hungry companies will continue to stand on the sidelines and wait until the real innovators of the industry have done their research, have done their testing, have done their developing, and have come up with a widely-acclaimed design that everybody loves. And, yes, only then will they copy it. Zero risk. All reward. The difference between Rolex having one of their watches copied and Varis having their aero designs replicated is that Rolex is such a large corporation that they will survive. Rolex makes close to $5,000,000,000 (Yes, billions!) annually and they have close to 3,000 employees. I believe Varis, with their handmade-to-order aero components, has somewhere between 8 and 12 employees. Apples and elephants. Another scale? Social media. Just look at Facebook LIKEs. Rolex has more than 2,000,000 followers on Facebook. Varis has just over 25,000. In other words, though hardly based on a precise scientific analysis, the fan base of Rolex is somewhere north of 80 times larger than that of Varis. Not twice as large. Not three times as large. Not eight or even ten times larger… Eighty times larger.
I addressed the issue of quality in that post, as well. I stated that, though I firmly believe authentic parts to be of superior quality overall, that there are, in fact, some replica parts that are of decent construction. My denouncement of replica parts is not based on their construction or lack of structural integrity. Yet, an abundance of "I have put 497,000 miles on my Rotas over the past six years and never had a problem…" justifications surfaced. That is wonderful. Despite my strong dislike of replica wheels, I am, in fact, glad to know that your replica wheels have not failed and put you, your family's, or the well-being of the people with whom you share the road in jeopardy. Shocking, I know since I am just a hater. Though my argument against fake parts is not based on quality, it should be noted that it does not take a metallurgist to arrive at the indisputable conclusion that because one specific set of replica wheels has not failed that they are all beyond skepticism.
Another justification for corner-cutting that popped up in many of the comments of my previous post was something along the lines of "Not all of us have $3,000 to spend on wheels." Again, I understand the concept of a budget. No, we all do not have access to unlimited funds. However, the point I was attempting to make is that if one can allocate funds for replica wheels, then they can just as easily save for the real thing. Yes, it will take a little longer to be able to afford the real wheel, but is that not what is desired to begin with? I addressed this in the first post, but many of the excuses for buying fake wheels seemed to suggest that there are only two options: 1) The Real Deal or 2) The Cheaper Option Made to Look Exactly Like The Real Deal. This is one excuse that is just absurd. I can understand the notion of not wanting to spend top dollar on a set of wheels. What I cannot understand is the spin put on it that suggests buying a copy of that $3,000 set of wheels is the only alternative. There are plenty of other options that would fall into just about everyone's price range other than a wheel that is made to look like an authentic wheel. Replica wheels are NOT the only alternative. That is nothing more than a bold, irrational, ridiculous excuse. "I want the look of the real thing. I want it now. I don't want to wait and save up the money."
Encouraging support of innovation and authenticity is not "elitist." People do not like to admit that they are faking the funk. People do not like to acknowledge that they are cutting corners. The idea of having one's devotion to their hobby of auto tuning and modification called into question because they choose to give their hard-earned money to a larcenous company that has done NOTHING to earn it, quite simply, offends people. It provokes immature name-calling, threats, insults, and, of course, justifications and excuses. However, this debate is not about a style or a trend. It is not about a fad. It is not a debate about stance or Hondas or imports versus domestics. It is not a debate borne from opinion. It is about fact. Tuning shops in Japan suffer when they have their designs stolen. Insolvency is a real possibility for many of these shops. They are not huge corporations and when their intellectual property is stolen shortly after it is developed, they feel it. (Consider that Kei Miura, T.R.A. Kyoto, has said that it takes upwards of one month to develop a full prototype aero kit for one platform. One month. One kit.)
This is why this topic is one about which I am passionate. This is why I urge enthusiasts to consider saving for just a little while longer and choosing to buy the authentic part over the replica. Do not buy authentic parts because, as some close-minded zealots will suggest, you are an "elitist label whore" or a "yuppie." Buy authentic parts because you care about the tuning industry; because you have an earnest desire to support the company that put in the hard work to bring that part to reality. Buy authentic because you, as an enthusiast, take pride in your build and would like to put the best parts on your project; not parts whose sole intention is to fool and deceive by resembling exactly something they are not.
When did the so-called enthusiast adopt the "good enough" mentality? How can he declare his passion for a hobby and knowingly contribute to the decline of its culture? How can he tag his project his 'pride and joy' and willingly skimp on its components and simultaneously contribute to the subversion of the industry?
Be the funk. Don't fake it.
When taking a stance in this never-ending debate, one opens himself up to scrutiny and ridicule. I understand that. It comes with the territory. Nonetheless, though this topic is one about which I am passionate, I try to express my opinions with a moderate ration of tact and civility. I understand there will be name-calling, "trolling," and even physical threats. (Someone commented something to the effect of "knocking [my] teeth down [my] throat." Yes, and I'm the "butt-hurt" HATER.) In the past, I have had foolish internet threats against my family, as well. However, this does not change my stance. Skimming some of the comments of that particular post, one cannot help but wonder if people even took the time to read the post, as points unrelated to the topic at hand were often addressed, and, at times, I feel as though I was credited with opinions that I, in fact, do not maintain.
As I wrote in that post, I acknowledge that replica companies are not going anywhere. It is the choice of the consumer to outfit his or her car with whatever parts they desire. I cannot tell people how to spend their money. That does not mean that I cannot encourage enthusiasts to support the true talent of the industry; the innovators who take the risks, not the opportunists who steal proven designs. It also means that I can attempt to explain the foundation of my opinions.
The "Business is cutthroat. That is the way it has always been," justification is one with which I cannot argue. Business is cutthroat. I know this to be true. I am actually in favor of competition in the marketplace. However, I also believe there is a certain degree of ethics, morality, judgment, and consequence that comes with personal decision-making. We do not often consider the longterm repercussions that accompany our actions. I, for one, choose not to reward the people and companies who undermine the pioneers of the tuning industry.
I have mentioned this in previous posts, but it is worth mentioning again. And again. And again... The Japanese tuning industry is a narrow order. The enthusiast base is small, relatively speaking. Thus, when people attempt to compare the theft of aero designs to Rolex, Coach, or Coca-Cola they are comparing apples to elephants. It is not the same thing. Rolex, Coach, and Coca-Cola are huge multi-billion dollar corporations. If there are people who find this hard to believe, I would suggest approaching 100 random strangers on the street and ask them if they have ever enjoyed an ice-cold Coke, seen a Coach purse or been in a Coach store. Ask them if they would love to own a Rolex watch or know someone who does. I would be willing to bet they will have an answer for you, even if it is of dissenting nature. They will have an answer because they have a frame of reference. They KNOW these companies. Then ask them if they like the new Z34 Varis aero designs. Ask them if they prefer the Advan GT over the Volk Racing TE37. Ask them what they think of Rocket Bunny, Zele, Power House Amuse, Do-Luck, C-West, and Top Secret. If there are five people who do not look at you as if you have three heads; who have an iota of a clue about what you are talking, I will be shocked as well as impressed.
Yes, replicas happen. Yes, these money-hungry companies will continue to stand on the sidelines and wait until the real innovators of the industry have done their research, have done their testing, have done their developing, and have come up with a widely-acclaimed design that everybody loves. And, yes, only then will they copy it. Zero risk. All reward. The difference between Rolex having one of their watches copied and Varis having their aero designs replicated is that Rolex is such a large corporation that they will survive. Rolex makes close to $5,000,000,000 (Yes, billions!) annually and they have close to 3,000 employees. I believe Varis, with their handmade-to-order aero components, has somewhere between 8 and 12 employees. Apples and elephants. Another scale? Social media. Just look at Facebook LIKEs. Rolex has more than 2,000,000 followers on Facebook. Varis has just over 25,000. In other words, though hardly based on a precise scientific analysis, the fan base of Rolex is somewhere north of 80 times larger than that of Varis. Not twice as large. Not three times as large. Not eight or even ten times larger… Eighty times larger.
I addressed the issue of quality in that post, as well. I stated that, though I firmly believe authentic parts to be of superior quality overall, that there are, in fact, some replica parts that are of decent construction. My denouncement of replica parts is not based on their construction or lack of structural integrity. Yet, an abundance of "I have put 497,000 miles on my Rotas over the past six years and never had a problem…" justifications surfaced. That is wonderful. Despite my strong dislike of replica wheels, I am, in fact, glad to know that your replica wheels have not failed and put you, your family's, or the well-being of the people with whom you share the road in jeopardy. Shocking, I know since I am just a hater. Though my argument against fake parts is not based on quality, it should be noted that it does not take a metallurgist to arrive at the indisputable conclusion that because one specific set of replica wheels has not failed that they are all beyond skepticism.
Another justification for corner-cutting that popped up in many of the comments of my previous post was something along the lines of "Not all of us have $3,000 to spend on wheels." Again, I understand the concept of a budget. No, we all do not have access to unlimited funds. However, the point I was attempting to make is that if one can allocate funds for replica wheels, then they can just as easily save for the real thing. Yes, it will take a little longer to be able to afford the real wheel, but is that not what is desired to begin with? I addressed this in the first post, but many of the excuses for buying fake wheels seemed to suggest that there are only two options: 1) The Real Deal or 2) The Cheaper Option Made to Look Exactly Like The Real Deal. This is one excuse that is just absurd. I can understand the notion of not wanting to spend top dollar on a set of wheels. What I cannot understand is the spin put on it that suggests buying a copy of that $3,000 set of wheels is the only alternative. There are plenty of other options that would fall into just about everyone's price range other than a wheel that is made to look like an authentic wheel. Replica wheels are NOT the only alternative. That is nothing more than a bold, irrational, ridiculous excuse. "I want the look of the real thing. I want it now. I don't want to wait and save up the money."
Encouraging support of innovation and authenticity is not "elitist." People do not like to admit that they are faking the funk. People do not like to acknowledge that they are cutting corners. The idea of having one's devotion to their hobby of auto tuning and modification called into question because they choose to give their hard-earned money to a larcenous company that has done NOTHING to earn it, quite simply, offends people. It provokes immature name-calling, threats, insults, and, of course, justifications and excuses. However, this debate is not about a style or a trend. It is not about a fad. It is not a debate about stance or Hondas or imports versus domestics. It is not a debate borne from opinion. It is about fact. Tuning shops in Japan suffer when they have their designs stolen. Insolvency is a real possibility for many of these shops. They are not huge corporations and when their intellectual property is stolen shortly after it is developed, they feel it. (Consider that Kei Miura, T.R.A. Kyoto, has said that it takes upwards of one month to develop a full prototype aero kit for one platform. One month. One kit.)
This is why this topic is one about which I am passionate. This is why I urge enthusiasts to consider saving for just a little while longer and choosing to buy the authentic part over the replica. Do not buy authentic parts because, as some close-minded zealots will suggest, you are an "elitist label whore" or a "yuppie." Buy authentic parts because you care about the tuning industry; because you have an earnest desire to support the company that put in the hard work to bring that part to reality. Buy authentic because you, as an enthusiast, take pride in your build and would like to put the best parts on your project; not parts whose sole intention is to fool and deceive by resembling exactly something they are not.
When did the so-called enthusiast adopt the "good enough" mentality? How can he declare his passion for a hobby and knowingly contribute to the decline of its culture? How can he tag his project his 'pride and joy' and willingly skimp on its components and simultaneously contribute to the subversion of the industry?
Be the funk. Don't fake it.
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Back From Leave
Rob Shaw's stuff is pretty awesome. Epic, really. Check it out at BACKFROMLEAVE.COM.
A few of my favorites...
A few of my favorites...
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Perpetuation of Annihilation
Once again, I cannot tell a so-called enthusiast how to spend his/her money, but I guess I cannot grasp the concept of the "enthusiast" websites showcasing corner-cutting; the type of corner-cutting that ultimately harms the industry they claim to love and wish to promote. I can understand, with the crazy number of pictures some of these sites post up on a daily basis, missing a car that is rocking fake aero or even mistaking a set of replica wheels for the real thing, but when the vehicle in question is tattooed with branding of a bootleg company, an alarm should sound and I would hope that someone who loves the JDM parts scene and culture would think twice about supporting or condoning this methodology in regards to modifying.
I explored the website shrouded all over (at least 9 times) the Evo pictured below and found a bevy of [JDM company]-style parts for multiple makes and models. Founded in 2010, this company boasts of "using only Japanese made carbon fibre" for their products, resulting in "uncompromising craftsmanship and quality." I just find myself wondering why, with all the "cutting edge technology" and quality control, original and unique designs cannot be achieved. Why steal someone else's construct?
I'd be quite surprised if Zele, Do-Luck, Veilside, Nismo, Mugen, RE-Amemiya, C-West, DAMD, Varis, Voltex, Jun, Wald, Origin, Bee-R, Auto Select, Top Secret, HKS Kansai, and every other legitimate aero company referenced as a [fill-in-the-blank]-style on that website are receiving, for their covetable designs, a percentage of the sales of this glorified replica company.
If I can just encourage you perusers of Facebook and automotive blogs to think twice before you applaud these pictures. Please do not perpetuate the "corner-cutting is okay" notion by praising these cars. Before you brusquely and impulsively click LIKE, SHARE, or type "Dope!" or "Do want!" or "Sick!" please consider the company that has been ripped off. Consider the research, development, tooling, and prototyping that went into that original design by those original designers. Consider those visionaries. Consider the skill and talent that went into imagining, conceiving, constructing, and actualizing that design. Consider the industry you love.
JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation
Monday, September 10, 2012
Supra Clean
Clean Supra wearing some Do-Luck aero, sporting a TRD hood, and sitting on a set of gold Limited Edition Volk TE37... Classic.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
JDMphasis: A Trip to SoCal
The lack of posts recently is due to the fact that I have spent the better half of the past week on the West Coast.
With no real itinerary other than a single lunch date with the President of Bulletproof Automotive, Ben Schaffer, one could say I took on LA by the seat of my pants. My goals were to simply explore the city, eat some good food, and take in the culture of the West Coast.
However, the night before my flight out I received an e-mail from Jay, JDMEGO, and in my response I made it a point to make him aware that I would be out in his neck of the woods over the course of the next few days. Knowing Jay for a couple years or so via e-mail and text message, he told me to shoot him a text when I got out there. He said he would be showing his EVO for the first time in over three years at the Nisei Showoff event and told me to stop by if I could. Perhaps THE biggest pro-authenticity advocate and promoter of originality in the JDM parts scene and the main personality behind discouragement of corner-cutting, I really wanted to meet Jay. A down-to-Earth guy with nothing but respect for the culture and someone whom I have come to personally respect greatly over the years, Jay is a top-notch, good dude. I was pretty disappointed when I was not able to get situated in my hotel room until later than anticipated and, thus, missed the car show. I texted Jay to let him know and found out he was off to another show in Long Beach that night anyway… Like I said, disappointing. Hopefully next time, Jay!
One unexpected, yet pleasant, surprise during my stay in SoCal was what seemed like a personal tour guide. As I mentioned above, I was supposed to meet up with Ben one day for lunch. However, I ended up spending the better part of three entire days with him. Good stuff. It would have been impossible to cover the entire city of Los Angeles in the limited time I was there, but I was extremely pleased with my personal “tour.” Ben showed me some great spots that he deemed culturally unique to Southern California.
I brought my DSLR with me, but I did not want to be the East Coast tourist walking around, bulky camera in tow, snapping pictures of street signs and random SoCal miscellany. However, I did have my iPhone with me at all times and managed to chronicle my visit by snapping, as non-tourist-discreetly as I could, quite a few pictures, including many of the foods I enjoyed. I don’t think I ate one meal with which I was not fully satisfied and impressed.
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| Causa Spicy Tuna from Picca Peru - Amazing! |
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| Grilled Vegetables Salad |
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| A manly cocktail. |
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| Picca. [JDMphasis Recommended.] |
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| Random, but this might have been the best turkey sandwich I have ever had... Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Blvd. |
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| Mainstay Bugatti on Rodeo... |
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| Random wall art. |
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| Weird. |
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| Venice Beach. |
A few random shots of LA...
A photographic glimpse into my trip to SoCal, hanging around with the founder of Bulletproof Automotive, would not be complete without some shots of the Bulletproof R35 GT-R Demo car. Beautiful. Full Amuse exhaust, Recaro SR-7 Evolution seats, Top Racing dry carbon hood and doors, Rays Gram Lights R57GT Black Edition wheels, one-off trunk and dry carbon Esprit wing combo, etc…
The day I was leaving I met up with Ben for the last time and received a tour of the Bulletproof office and warehouse. Some of the nicest cardboard any admirer of JDM could want to see…
One last THANK YOU, Ben, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to show me around and make me feel welcomed. Great food, drink, conversation, and some sick Japanese cars made for a one-of-a-kind experience. I look forward to my next visit.
I would just like to add that a compulsion to Japanese cars and the Japanese aftermarket served as the anchor for my connection with both Ben and Jay – attested by years of e-mails, text messages, and phone calls. However, titanium exhausts, forged wheels, and functional aero designs, although amazing conversation topics, are likely not the sole foundation of good friendship. Perhaps, more than cars, this hobby is about people; passionate people. I do not think it is coincidence that both Jay and Ben are passionate enthusiasts with whom I have formed, not only great relationships but, solid friendships. I am truly grateful for the many relationships (and few friendships) I have formed at the hands of this hobby.
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