Why Don and Giovanni are wrong

So, the latest musings from the fantastic minds of John and Rob are in. But on this occasion, I dont agree.
http://donandgiovanni.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/wankers-with-no-integrity-or-imagination/

They and others reckon that some skate companies; Mindless, Early, Brighton Skateboards specifically,  are chucking out very similar shapes that have not been designed by the company (and therefore are stock shapes offered by the guys who make the boards).

This is a similar view to that which has been expressed in the past by those over at Lush- concerning Mindless bringing out very similar boards to Lush.

So why dont I agree? Well, my main point is, there isnt much you can do with anything on a skateboard.
The Mindless "Rascal" http://www.atbshop.co.uk/images/mindless/mindles_rascal_colours.jpg , Brighton Prototype http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307732_139781479445078_100002396808432_236647_3381903_n.jpg
and Lush "Zappa" http://www.lushlongboards.com/index.php?p=product&products_id=2726
are all compact, kicktailed cruisers. Only very minor aesthetic (and token) details can possibly be changed, say the shape of the kicktail.

The Lush Vandella http://www.lushlongboards.com/index.php?p=product&products_id=2713
And Earthwing Belly Racer http://longboardskater.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/EWBellyRacerC.jpg
are very similar shapes. Why? They are both topmount speedboards. They are similar shapes through practical neccesity- considering factors such as wheelbite.

So there is very little innovation you can make in deck shape. Or wheel design. Or truck design.

But what about the implied claims from some (such as those at Lush) that certain companies (such as Mindless) actively copy successful board shapes of other companies? They havent reached the same shape through testing and realisation of practicalities, but through deciding to clone the successful shape. If this is happening, is it wrong?

No.

It's business. Yes, it's pretty shady, uncreative and piggybacking the hard work of others, but a company is set up to make money.

But hey, you're opinion is just that- yours. If you dont like what a company does, dont buy from them. Encourage others not to as well if you want. At the end of the day, who you buy from is your choice.

So ignore everything I have said in this blog post. Ignore everything Don and Giovanni have said. Ignore everybody who believes in blind patriotism to the U.K scene.

Ignore everybody but yourself, look at the facts, and make your own mind up. Skate whatever you want.

And have fun.

Cheers for reading,

Will