Re: [Fsfe-uk] Linux User & Developer Expo

[MJ Ray]

On 2004-04-24 11:00:05 +0100 Chris Croughton <address@hidden> 
wrote:

> As a visitor to such things (not ones the FSFE have been at, but 
> others)
> I agree.  And to me people with "strong 'natural magnetism'" are even
> more of a threat, I want them behind bars (er, desks) not crowding me.
> I want to know that if I feel threatened or pressurised I can just 
> walk
> away in my own 'space'.

Sure, this space and freedom is vital, but there needs to be an 
invitation to approach. Stands with a counter barring entry usually 
have the staff lined along the desk looking out and trying to attract 
people to talk (reminds me of perching vultures) or in small 
activities or discussions behind the desk (reminds me of vultures 
ripping carcasses to shreds).

> There is a good reason that most car salesmen have desks between them
> and the customers, and it's largely to do with that feeling of a 
> safety
> distance.

In my experience (and I don't buy that many cars), the desk only seems 
to come into play when negotiating and doing paperwork. Before then, 
the salesman is wandering around the vehicle with the customer, 
enticing them to investigate and highlighting points. The role of the 
added distance during negotiations seems more complex than just safety 
distance.

If the car salesroom was designed like a counter-barred stand, with 
cars lined up on the counter-top, customers one side of the counter 
and salesmen the other, would many be sold?

--
MJR/slef     My Opinion Only and possibly not of any group I know.
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