Interesting Article on Outsourcing and original intent

[Ronsonic]

With our continuing discussion of Chinese and Romanian production and the resulting quality of products, I thought this article hit some key points. (http://hackaday.com/2016/01/18/whats-in-a-tool-a-case-for-made-in-usa/)

These aren't unique or novel ideas about it either. The key to a good product is whether the people responsible for the execution grasp and agree with the intent.

[Black Dog]

Here is a great quote form the comment section after the article:

"things seem to come in two flavors these days, ridiculously expensive or dirt cheap. if you buy dirt cheap you probably get junk, if you buy expensive you get quality or you just get junk with more marketing wank"

[goonster]

Some good points there.

Sadly, I can already see the next generation of MBA's seizing on "communicating philosophical design intent" as the principle of the week, and the machinists being made to sit through another Powerpoint presentation.

Good products are the result of designers and engineers who are aware of the design history, organizations that appreciate the value of this institutional knowledge, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

That's all been known since the 50's. We've just lost the investors and consumers willing to pay for it.