Random musings and general banter.

[Hammy60]

Saw Of-the-Masons earlier and clearly he's irked by comments about his fibbing.

He was flogging a pack of three torches that came with duracell batteries - not the fables Phillips - for £14.99.
To be fair, it didn't seem over-priced and offered reasonable value.
He was saying "I don't care what you say, this is a good deal. I've been in this industry for 25 years and this is a good price."

The point is - even he seemed surprised that a reasonable price for a reasonable product was being offered.
I don't even mind them selling some tat - the worst thing is offering people in pain these "snake oil" solutions like Emu Balm and detox foot patches.

That's what happens when you lie so much, gets to the point nobody believes a word you say.

As for the product, okay price for 3 LOW lumen (90, 70 & 60) torches, you can get a pack of 4 (140 lumen) adjustable focus torches complete with 12 batteries for the same price from Amazon.

They also had a price comparison of £49.99, i couldn't find anyone selling those pack of 3 torches at that price, only a couple of places seem to have sold them and they were sold out, so an older product, and neither were near £49.99 when they were selling them.

 

[Gooner1963]

@Scraping the barrel @Duke of Cheese @Gooner1963 and everyone. I have been to ask about the price comparisons to the management team here this morning and I have let them know the issues you have mentioned above.
With regards to direct comparisons made to a product and price elsewhere, I have asked if we can show where we get that price comparison from. So for example if I am selling a brand of duvet and the same branded duvet is on John Lewis site for more - we should be able to mention the name or give the link.
They are looking into this and agree it would be more transparent to mention the company but they are not allowed to mention certain companies on air as it could have legal issues. Like in America where there adverts can say ‘we are cheaper on the same product than John Lewis’ it’s not as simple with U.K. broadcasting rules. I know if I mention a brand of shop or product when on air I have to make sure I say 3 of them. I can’t just say one. So if I say for example I go shopping in Dunelm for bedding, I have to mention 2 more stores of a similar kind. So I will always say, ‘Dunelm, B&M and the Range for example.

Anyway - they are going to look into putting the source of the direct comparisons for future reference so there is a comparison. I will follow up on this as well, obviously it’s first day back for everyone.

Non - Direct comparison. They are showing a product that does a similar function, or has a similar look etc but isn’t the same price as what the channel is selling and mentioned It is clearly stated that the comparison being made is non-direct. Your point above about the Fiat and the Rolls Royce I have made to them and mentioned that this way of making comparisons is a cause of frustration for the customers watching. They have taken it on board and will come back to me on it.

I will follow it up and update you. I don’t want to be a spokesman as that’s not why I joined this forum, but I have a chance to put these questions across and see what they say.

Well done I can see you are trying at least

 

[Scraping the barrel]

Well done for raising the point. I would imagine a big hurdle to overcome would be finding a reputable website that even sells some of the unknown/unbranded items they sell.

Mike comparing the bag he was selling last night for one that sold at Sotheby's for over £100k was a joke. Yes it might look the same, but the materials used are chalk and cheese.

It's like me comparing the cheapest bog roll on the plant for a roll of Andrex. Yes it looks the same but one of them will leave my fingers covered in and the other won't

Exactly my point. So what they could say is “comparison of a similar quality product”

This makes it more like for like. I would be happy with that. So therefore not chalk and cheese. If their Homesmart Vac is £20 cheaper than a very similar Dyson then fair enough. Us wise people know what they are up to. Our job is to protect the gullible innocents out there

 

[HughTwo]

Saw Peter van der Rattan trying to demonstrate an awful looking steam cleaner this morning.

Naturally, Of-the-Masons said it was the lowest ever price and price you're "unlikely" to ever see again.

From what I saw, it was likely to be money down the drain.

 

[Muttley]

On price comparisons ir comes back to handbags for me. Comparisons to a mega expensive one. It would be really easy to say that a particular brand has one in its collection, this is clearly not the same quality but this one is well made, in a similar style and is much more affordable. That makes them sound so much more transparent.

I'm not against cheap and cheerful bags, I've got a couple of designer ones, a couple of cheaper ones and a cheapo Primark rucksack that's brilliant.

 

[Kit10]

I agree Mutley, if it is a leather bag, then compare with a High Street equivalent, like Radley or Osprey - don’t automatically go to Gucci or Hermes, even if it’s styled on a high end brand.

 

[Jazzydrury]

The Handbags are the worst, ooh it’s inspired by so in so

 

[Jazzydrury]

You lot cheer me up, I think the lack of comments slowing down over Chrimbo, didn’t help. With you lot having your life’s, and the same old rubbish on IW.

 

[Duke of Cheese]

@Scraping the barrel @Duke of Cheese @Gooner1963 and everyone. I have been to ask about the price comparisons to the management team here this morning and I have let them know the issues you have mentioned above.
With regards to direct comparisons made to a product and price elsewhere, I have asked if we can show where we get that price comparison from. So for example if I am selling a brand of duvet and the same branded duvet is on John Lewis site for more - we should be able to mention the name or give the link.
They are looking into this and agree it would be more transparent to mention the company but they are not allowed to mention certain companies on air as it could have legal issues. Like in America where there adverts can say ‘we are cheaper on the same product than John Lewis’ it’s not as simple with U.K. broadcasting rules. I know if I mention a brand of shop or product when on air I have to make sure I say 3 of them. I can’t just say one. So if I say for example I go shopping in Dunelm for bedding, I have to mention 2 more stores of a similar kind. So I will always say, ‘Dunelm, B&M and the Range for example.

Anyway - they are going to look into putting the source of the direct comparisons for future reference so there is a comparison. I will follow up on this as well, obviously it’s first day back for everyone.

Non - Direct comparison. They are showing a product that does a similar function, or has a similar look etc but isn’t the same price as what the channel is selling and mentioned It is clearly stated that the comparison being made is non-direct. Your point above about the Fiat and the Rolls Royce I have made to them and mentioned that this way of making comparisons is a cause of frustration for the customers watching. They have taken it on board and will come back to me on it.

I will follow it up and update you. I don’t want to be a spokesman as that’s not why I joined this forum, but I have a chance to put these questions across and see what they say.

Alex - if there is one thing that has been apparent to me in looking at your posts on here over the last few months, it’s that you come across as a good person, and one who is often in a difficult position because they are in an industry that sometimes isn’t the best in terms of explaining things to people candidly enough. But I for one certainly appreciate that last post in particular. And I would just like to thank you for it. I don’t want to sound like a simpering crawler here, but your presence and your interactions on this forum have been a breath of fresh air to many of us, I think it’s fair to say.

 

[Scraping the barrel]

Breaking News: Trevor is in for my Fiat 500 that I non directly compared with a Rolls Royce silver shadow on a previous post.

I haven’t the heart to tell him that I was lying. Mike/Peter can you assist me with my conscience. How can I sleep tonight Mikey boy?

 

[Hammy60]

Surprised there hasn't been heaters on this morning, with weather forecast charts with scary warnings of arctic temps of at least -20 C.

Lovely morning for a walk along the old railway line earlier.

 

[Duke of Cheese]

It’s a good space here - this particular sub-forum. There is a strong sense of community and belonging (if you want that) that demonstrates itself through the contributions. The other forums here are very much product comment based and there isn’t that extension beyond to talk about things away from that, This is different.

I remember joining the very first shopping television forum that Graham started back in the early 2000s, and that went through some very difficult times at times for one reason or another. Very stupidly, I then went off and started my own, thinking I could do better, and I soon learned that I couldn’t. Had quite a few years (maybe 15 or so) years away and returned around the death of my wife. I do have a partner and life is good. But like a lot of people out there, I am damaged by events that have happened to me in my life, and at times feel isolated when my partner is away from me. There is a genuine comfort for me during those times in coming here and interacting with the 10 or 15 people who regularly participate. Whilst I’ve never seen them, and I don’t know them outside of here, you do feel part of something. And that is a really good thing.

 

[Scraping the barrel]

Surprised there hasn't been heaters on this morning, with weather forecast charts with scary warnings of arctic temps of at least -20 C.

Lovely morning for a walk along the old railway line earlier.

View attachment 31155

Is that a direct or non direct comparison with an old railway line?

 

[Muttley]

It’s a good space here - this particular sub-forum. There is a strong sense of community and belonging (if you want that) that demonstrates itself through the contributions. The other forums here are very much product comment based and there isn’t that extension beyond to talk about things away from that, This is different.

I remember joining the very first shopping television forum that Graham started back in the early 2000s, and that went through some very difficult times at times for one reason or another. Very stupidly, I then went off and started my own, thinking I could do better, and I soon learned that I couldn’t. Had quite a few years (maybe 15 or so) years away and returned around the death of my wife. I do have a partner and life is good. But like a lot of people out there, I am damaged by events that have happened to me in my life, and at times feel isolated when my partner is away from me. There is a genuine comfort for me during those times in coming here and interacting with the 10 or 15 people who regularly participate. Whilst I’ve never seen them, and I don’t know them outside of here, you do feel part of something. And that is a really good thing.

There is a good community here, occasionally with the odd troll who come on singing Gary Glitter's "Hello hello I'm back again", makes sarcastic comments and then leave. I click ignore to anyone like that so I don't see them, I'm convinced they only do it for a reaction so ignoring them is such fun.

We do go off topic a lot which I like because we learn from each other. I know absolutely nothing about watches but I know who to ask if I needed advice and I would trust it.

And I do like trying to compete with Galesgal57 on who can make the naughtiest comment!

 

[Xennial]

I know sometimes we help each other and I feel it’s my turn.

I haven’t been on as much as I’ve had real Mental Health issues, happens now and again, but this time, it happened Just before Christmas and finding it hard to shake it off, Almost had to pretend I was happy over Christmas, As parents don’t understand Mental Health.

I have finally got a appointment at my doctors next week, Following contacting 111, and they have drawn up a Action Plan

One of my main issues is sleep, I haven’t slept since about the 20th just staring at a black ceiling. 111, looked at my notes, and have noted my surgery is suggesting Sleeping Pills. Sorry for the long post.

I spoke to them about sleep tips, was advised no devices or TV for 2 hours before bed, which I admit I do, So I’ve begun to turn off my phone at least, I’ve tried watching IW until tired but doesn’t help.

If any of you guys, have any tips, let me know either on here or Message.

Sorry about the post but felt I had to open up

Obviously, everyone is unique. I can only speak for myself as someone who lives with treatment-resistant mental illness. I used to struggle getting off to sleep for years, and then waking up every hour or so.

I used to drink a lot of coffee in the evening. It's best to avoid drinking tea or coffee after 6pm. Caffine is a stimulant that lasts for hours. Consuming it close to bedtime can lead to insomnia. Turn off the tv and mobile devices and have something like a phone in talk radio show (such as radio 5, lbc or local radio, but from 1am local radio all join radio 5 through the night) playing in the background, or a radio station playing music, just have it as background noise. I find that background noise helps to distract me from my anxious and intrusive thoughts and prepares my mind for sleep.

 

[Hammy60]

Is that a direct or non direct comparison with an old railway line?

That is a direct comparison.
The railway line passed close to where i lived when i was a kid, we watched them when they were removing the last of the tracks in the early 60s.

 

[Jazzydrury]

Alex - if there is one thing that has been apparent to me in looking at your posts on here over the last few months, it’s that you come across as a good person, and one who is often in a difficult position because they are in an industry that sometimes isn’t the best in terms of explaining things to people candidly enough. But I for one certainly appreciate that last post in particular. And I would just like to thank you for it. I don’t want to sound like a simpering crawler here, but your presence and your interactions on this forum have been a breath of fresh air to many of us, I think it’s fair to say.

That Karaoake machine being a good example.

Probably a really good machine, but then you get presenters who haven’t a clue

 

[Alex Knowles]

Alex - if there is one thing that has been apparent to me in looking at your posts on here over the last few months, it’s that you come across as a good person, and one who is often in a difficult position because they are in an industry that sometimes isn’t the best in terms of explaining things to people candidly enough. But I for one certainly appreciate that last post in particular. And I would just like to thank you for it. I don’t want to sound like a simpering crawler here, but your presence and your interactions on this forum have been a breath of fresh air to many of us, I think it’s fair to say.

And I appreciate that as well. For me - I’m a shopping tv fan and part of this forum. I do have a fine line of course and you all know that but I do think that if points aren’t raised or questioned then nothing changes.
Now nothing may change - as with everything in life you can’t keep everyone happy, but I do believe this is a community and I can ask the questions.
All I will say as well is there is no intention to hoodwink people. The people that work here behind the scenes and in front of the camera are a great bunch and I enjoy coming to work with them. Can we improve? Absolutely. Any channel that doesn’t think it can improve in certain areas is delusional because you can always get better and deliver a better experience for the customers.
But to do that, you need dialogue and discussion.
Some will read this forum, others will not. Ideal World is a successful shop and the nature of being live is one of the hardest things because you are never going to get things 100% correct. But if you can adapt, listen to your customers and keep that base engaged then it’s key to being successful in my opinion

 

[Niwa]

That's what happens when you lie so much, gets to the point nobody believes a word you say.

As for the product, okay price for 3 LOW lumen (90, 70 & 60) torches, you can get a pack of 4 (140 lumen) adjustable focus torches complete with 12 batteries for the same price from Amazon.

They also had a price comparison of £49.99, i couldn't find anyone selling those pack of 3 torches at that price, only a couple of places seem to have sold them and they were sold out, so an older product, and neither were near £49.99 when they were selling them.

I think it's likely that Duracell are phasing out their Maximus range of torches and hence why IW have probably been able to buy a shed load very cheap.
My local Morissons were selling off some of the better individual torches from this brand quite recently for £2 - £4 ish.
As you say, the ones they're selling on IW look okay but are LOW power and still not that cheap especially if you have to factor in any P&P.

 

[historymystery]

So sorry you’re having problems. I have times when I struggle to sleep.
I find using a pillow spray helps. I use This Works Deep Sleep but Avon, Boots and a few other companies do them too.

probably sounds daft, but rubbing a small amount of sleep balm on the soles of my feet and wrist pulse points also works for me.

Hi Jazzydrury, sorry to hear this, but just wanted to add my agreement to what Battiola73 has said. I haven't used pillow sprays myself, but I know several friends who speak very highly of them. One friend finds the smell of lavender particularly good in helping her to sleep, just sprinkles a little lavender water or cologne on her pillow, and on pulse points on wrists. Others recommend a warm bath immediately before bedtime, with or without bath oil (or similar) added. The 'no devices' before bedtime recommendation sounds sensible to me, too.

Hope things improve for you very soon.