My DM talks from time to time about the #BootsTheory of Socioeconomic Unfairness, but I see a problem with it personally.
Basically, it describes itself as describing the difference between the poor and the rich, but it strikes me as describing the poor vs. the middle class instead. The actually, properly rich didn't get there by saving money, but by exploitation (of loopholes, people, resources, etc.)
So I'd say Boots Theory needs to be extended thusly:
* The poor are stuck having to buy cheap boots more frequently, which adds up over time.
* The middle class can afford to buy good boots, which cost more up-front but save money over time.
* The rich don't need to buy boots at all, because they manipulate people into going into messy outdoor conditions on their behalf, and make them pay for their own boots out of pocket.
@pteryx I agree with this in two ways. First, the general observation about the boots.
Second: yes, absolutely, "vs. the Middle Class" describes my life as a working-class person. 😆
It's literally the main reason my writing leans into satire.
@pteryx No, and in kindness, I will assume your aren't deliberately misreading either, despite you making that challenging. 😂
I didn't misinterpret that I'm aware of. I expressed agreement with your revision/clarification of Vimes.
I didn't take any pot-shots. I only noted that your observation fits my reality (the Vimes version does too, but yours fits more clearly).
I didn't express any dislike of anyone(s).
And I hope today gets better.
@SJohnRoss
You did appear to misinterpret what I was saying, in that you look to have taken "the poor vs. the middle class" in a competitive sense, as opposed to a comparative one. I was not trying to imply class warfare in the wrong place, I resent the implication, and it's been bugging me all day that you seemed to interpret it that way.
What do I mean by "the wrong place"? Frankly, *everyone* who actually wears boots of *any* quality should be uniting against those who can't be bothered to.
@pteryx My post was only meant to say that I agree, and offer my own experience as to _why_ I agree. I think your take on Vimes adds clarity that I wish more people had.
And it's not warfare, it's weather. Like steering in a torrential downpour. The storm isn't an enemy, just a phenomenon. A system. It neither comes with malice nor deserves any.
If it seems different to you, then that's a point we disagree on, but my post wasn't about that.
Pteryx the Puzzle Secretary
S. John Ross