Steph: I don’t know whether it’s a big deal or not that people enjoy looking attractive and buy products accordingly. I definitely think it’s a good thing, though.

I like my way choosing the shampoo: one that is on 3 for 2 offer, and I get one shampoo bottle and two conditioner bottles. This system normally works until I find that the only one they are 3 for 2 offer on is the one I think makes my hair fall out… how typical… so then it is back to staring at the bewildering range on the shelves.

Alternatively, since most shampoo is obviously more or less the same as every other shampoo, perhaps the only way there can be competition at all is through pointless cosmetic differences.

Another possibility is that there is some kind of conspiracy by people with marketing degrees who have convinced Loreal et al that this is what people want.

In any case, there’s a definite niche in the market for *straightforward* shampoo. If it wasn’t such a regulatory nightmare, perhaps I’d start my own cosmetics company, with products like Shampoo(tm), tagline: “Cleans your hair.”

I am new to the blog scene, but I am totally enjoying it. Its seems a great outlet for ideas, and Ive been posting all over the net. I like this blog though, its not full of completely irrelevant stuff or whiney-baby sessions like some I have seen. I appreciate being welcomed here.

I recently started a new job, and with the holidays I haven’t posted much lately, but there will be more from me soon.

Be sure to read the Samizdata blog if you haven’t already.