Patton is correct. The labor input is defined as how the laborer sees it. It
is an emic distinction, not an etic distinction. The problem with the etic
distinction is that it attempts to quantify labor. Then apply that
quantification as a blanket rule. The economics of time is interpreted by the
individual, not an outsider. Our world today attempts to treat everything as a
commodity. Even free time. Commodification of time may be fine in the
business world, but it is invalid when it comes to applying it to an
individuals leisure time. This is a parallel augument to the one we had the
past couple of weeks over the BJ auction as to what a Healey is worth.
Randy Dickson
Healey Archaeologist
63 BJ-7
Quoting Patton Dickson <57healey@gmail.com>:
> No, it is not cheaper to buy a new, finished trailer. My labor IS free. I
> am not paid on an hourly scale, and I do not have a second income that takes
> up my weekend time. That is why they call it FREE TIME. There is no
> monetary value for that time, financially those hours typically go to waste,
> or worse are spent spending money.
>
> Using your logic, not only does a round of golf cost $60+ for green fees, I
> need to add the monetary value of the 4 hours of my time it takes for the
> round.
>
> Additionally, the cash expenditure to to pay for the materials is
> signifigantly less than the finished trailer would cost me. I don't choose
> to take extra discretionary income to make up the difference. That being
> said, if I knew how to weld, I could have this trailer in a couple of
> weekends, but I could not have a proffesional built one for several months.
>
> Finally about value. I spent three weekends around the holidays building a
> play structure for my daughter. Discovery charges well over a thousand for
> what I built for $400. The best thing about it is not the cost savings, but
> at the end of the day, I BUILT IT MYSELF. I'm proud that I designed and
> built it. There would be no pride if I had spent the money to have it built
> by someone else. I would say that is a significant part of the value your
> position leaves out.
>
> Oh, he ciovered the fenders...
>
> Patton
>
> ------- Original Message -------
> From: "WebmasterRick" <WebmasterRick@comcast.net>
> To: "Healey List" <healeys@autox.team.net>
> Sent: 2/6/05, 1:21:40 AM
> Subject: Re: Building a Trailer for ~ $300
>
> No, Patton, he did NOT!!
>
> <<He built this one for slightly over $300.
> >>
>
> $306?? Yep. er, except for FENDERS. Except fot TYRES (kinda need them).
>
> And MOST importantly, HIS L A B O R is NOT included!!
>
> Just like restoring a Healey (or any other car) YOUR L A B O R MUST be
> figured in inorder to reach a VALUE !
>
> Sure, you might say your labor is free, but it is NOT!!
>
> For "arguements sake", lets say you "restore you Healey yo Bronze Level
> Concours and have "only" spent $15K.
> Gonna insure her for that???
>
> Best NOT!!!
>
> You have to insure for the dollar amount to REPLACE the car as it sits!! In
> other words, your LABOR has to be included.
>
> Bet it would have been cheaper to buy a ready-made trailer !! -;)
>
> Rick
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