Yuh jus’ gotta love YouTube. A beloved source of so much interesting information. Unfortunately, like every other bit of information available on the Internet, one MUST maintain an objective, cynical viewpoint.
For instance.
I accidently browsed across some bozo who’d made a video presentation of how Starbucks is ripping people off by putting the same amount of coffee into each of their three different sizes of cups.
To demonstrate his claim, he diligently poured water from the smallest cup into the next size where it completely filled the larger cup. He then poured that cup into their venti cup and, sure enough, it filled that one to the brim as well. It was a somewhat convincing presentation. However, it just didn’t make sense to me. I’ve been a dedicated Starbucks fan for years, in many shops, around the world, and I have drunk all three demonstrated sizes. I had to test his presentation myself.
I bought my usual “tall, de-caffeinated, americano” and took the three demonstrated sizes of empty cups home with me. While sipping my favorite drink I experimented with water, over the sink, in the kitchen.
Probably, through the magic of editing, or partially pre-loading the cups, the bozo made his point in an obvious and idiotic level of magic. His experiment was easily proven wrong. Perhaps it was his schoolboy attempt at humor.
The reason I’m even writing this is because just the other day I was sitting in a restaurant with some pals, adult males, who were berating Starbucks for “cheating” customers. Their opinions were based on the bozo’s demonstration. They had not gone to a Starbucks since they had seen that presentation. I was surprised that they believed it without trying it themselves or seeing the counter claims on the Internet. I explained to them that I had done the experiment, and they were surprised that I’d bothered.
“His presentation is a lying piece of crap.”
“Well, it sure looked realistic to us,” replied one of my pals.
“Guys, it’s the Internet. Without some cynicism by the users, it can be the biggest lie in the sky, not the wonderful source of useful information that it could be. Thoroughly cross check information you find on the Internet with other sites. Always!”
I think Starbucks should sue the guy for defamation. But, hey, that’s just me.
Tell your kids, tell your friends and acquaintances, don’t be so quick to accept information provided by ANYONE on the Internet. “It ain’t necessarily so!”
I’m not even going to mention the lady who thinks research is easy, “Just ask Siri!”
Now go get a cup of coffee and enjoy it, knowing full well that Starbucks isn’t ripping you off.