Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Saldiven wrote:
The issue is that obvious hyperbole detracts from the point you're attempting to make, and tends to result in a reader discounting your opinion as absurd.

It isn't hyperbole. I'm not using over-exaggerated language. All the things I mentioned are real (or at least realistic) issues. Greenpeace has a petition right now with over four million signatures trying to prevent Shell and Gazprom drilling in the Arctic. There was a whole documentary with the CEO of Nestle talking about how water shouldn't be free, and how they are monopolizing water sources in Africa and making it so expensive that local people can't afford to drink their own water. Nike (and other brands) and sweatshops has been a running issue for a long time.

GW might not be as bad, but then they're also not as big. The mentality is the same though. In fact GW feels far more draconian in their dealings than any of the companies I mentioned (at least Shell has PR people).

And, sorry man, but businesses exist to make a profit. That's their only reason for existence. I mean, seriously, would you start a business of your own with a goal of not turning a profit?

Absolutely! Not for profit businesses are far more efficient. Without money being siphoned off to investors, a company can afford to invest in itself and its employees, while providing customers with better value. Don't confuse profit with overheads such as salary. Just because you aren't skimming off the top doesn't mean you are operating at a loss.

And honestly, people don't start businesses 'just' to make money. Many people start businesses because they enjoy something and want to make a career out of it. Even GW was started by some friends who enjoyed war gaming and so thought they'd open a shop.

Now, that doesn't mean that the drive for profitability justifies unethical behavior, and doesn't grant carte blanche to an "anything goes" attitude towards how they do business. Their usefulness, niche filling, and service to society are secondary to whether or not they turn a profit. If they do not turn a profit, it doesn't matter how much they attempt "to be useful, to fill a niche and serve society;" they'll be belly-up in a short period of time.

There are lots of not for profit organizations that do fine. I even came across a NFP power company recently.

I understand the ethical standpoint from which your statement originates, but it's the kind of standpoint that exists only in theory and fails horribly in the real world (and always has; it didn't even work in socialist/communist societies).

I don't see how it is just theory at all. People demanding and fighting for more ethical practices from corporations is what keeps them on the straight and narrow. It's a very important and necessary force in our society. In fact it's a shame it doesn't have a bit more clout. At least you do understand the ethics. It's more worrying when people just accept 'making money' as something businesses do, and don't even bother to question the method or necessity.