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Author	Topic: Thinking about boycotting? Think again.	Post a Reply Back to Topics

catfish99 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:13,957 Points:2,494,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 12, 2011 5:47:38 AM Ignore catfish99 Report Abuse Boycotts and gas outs do not work. The reasons are many, for an in-depth look check out this Gas Buddy thread. Instead of wasting the effort on things that do not work to lower your energy costs, use your time (and a little cash) on things that do work. Example: Wrap your hot water heater with an insulating blanket made for the job. They cost about 10-15 dollars, and drop your electric bill about 5%. Isn't that a better way to spend half an hour than urging your friends to not buy gas on Tuesdays?

catfish99

Champion Author
Wilmington

Posts:13,957
Points:2,494,575
Joined:Sep 2005

Message Posted: Aug 12, 2011 5:47:38 AM

Ignore catfish99 Report Abuse

Boycotts and gas outs do not work. The reasons are many, for an in-depth look check out this Gas Buddy thread.
Instead of wasting the effort on things that do not work to lower your energy costs, use your time (and a little cash) on things that do work.
Example: Wrap your hot water heater with an insulating blanket made for the job. They cost about 10-15 dollars, and drop your electric bill about 5%.
Isn't that a better way to spend half an hour than urging your friends to not buy gas on Tuesdays?

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smugutu1234 Sophomore Author Tallahassee Posts:206 Points:69,590 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 8:29:53 AM Ignore smugutu1234 Report Abuse Figures
PatVV Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:8 Points:200 Joined:May 2013	Message Posted: May 16, 2013 9:22:24 AM Ignore PatVV Report Abuse Even if as few as 15% of BP and Shells customers bought gas elsewhere BP and Shell would reduce prices to bring those customers back! And as the gas prices at BP and Shell drop their competition would also drop prices to remain competitive!
ronbo2010 Rookie Author Los Angeles Posts:38 Points:4,630 Joined:Apr 2013	Message Posted: May 4, 2013 4:12:31 PM Ignore ronbo2010 Report Abuse I think instead of boycott, try to find a more efficient way to do things. I used to take the car even for short hop trips, I am talking something that is right around the corner from my house. Now, I take my bike or walk.
skh150 Rookie Author Denver Posts:85 Points:151,400 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: May 4, 2013 1:15:01 PM Ignore skh150 Report Abuse No
catfish99 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:13,957 Points:2,494,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: May 4, 2013 5:12:53 AM Ignore catfish99 Report Abuse Steveo - two points. 1. ExxonMobil does not own stations. Mom an dPop folks (who you claim to support) own stations with the Exxon and Mobil brand. They buy a franchise, and the owners I have spoken to put in twice the hours of most workers. Hurting them does not affect Exxon at all. 2. ExxonMobil has hundreds of billions of dollars invested in their business. Of course they make billions - if they could not make 5-10% return, they would get out of it. You need to look at percentages of the amount of money sunk into a business, not the raw return. McDonalds made a higher percentage the last time I looked. I'm still waiting for the "Ronald McDonald is a gouger" thread, though.
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,903 Points:2,053,955 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: May 1, 2013 6:46:04 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse Seldom works on anything
SteveoBeano Rookie Author Indiana Posts:4 Points:5,730 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Apr 21, 2013 1:23:48 PM Ignore SteveoBeano Report Abuse There ARE ALTERNATIVES...right now I depend on Gas Buddy to direct me to the lowest price gas stations. And I make the extra trip to fill up at those stations. As far as not buying anything BUT GAS at a Gas Station, if they want me to again become a loyal customer, they will make SURE I along with everyone else has a quick, convenient way to use their loyalty points at a gas pump, instead of making 4 trips to and from a cashier to "Pre-Pay". While savings are nice, my time is worth more than that. The "Convenience Stores of Speedway" cam go whistle! Before I buy Milk, Oil, or anything else, a gas station will by my very LAST RESORT. In fact, I'll go out of my way and even go without. The smaller mom and pop tobacco stores, local grocery stores, and doughnut shops that I now buy my morning coffee at appreciate my business. AND I'm not contributing to RECORD PROFITS OF OIL COMPANIES but instead, supporting independent smaller businesses that DON'T make BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN PROFIT OFF GREED AND FLEECING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE! In the 1st quarter of 2012, Exxon made a record breaking 13.2 BILLION DOLLARS in PROFIT. The highest single quarter EVER for any company in existence. Exxon Mobil replaced Apple for the number 1 spot in profit and sales on the NYSE. Over the Billions of new iphones, itunes, and apple app stores COMBINED. So excuse me if I don't buy anything from a gas station except gas...but I really don't see your logic here Michael29644. But just when did you get the impression gas stations and oil companies weren't raising prices ALREADY just to make more money, and add to their already record breaking profits? I'll take my quiet boycott all the way...
Nickeybasenji Rookie Author Gasbuddy Posts:13 Points:810 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Apr 20, 2013 1:31:55 PM Ignore Nickeybasenji Report Abuse Boycotts would would work if you could organise them effectively. Going by what other people are saying , what we realy need to do is consume less. Most everything we consume is delivered using fuel , a lot of things are made using oil/fuel. Even those that say they don't drive are responsible for the use of fuel. If you don't consume it they don't have to deliver more. So even if you use you're bike to work, do you bring your lunch, maybe, but how many eat using fast food outlets,stabucks,drink bottled water etc... once they get there. We are all the cause of fuel being used to feed our daily glutenous, wasteful habbits. If you consume less you'll see how fast the prices drop. Make corperate greed work for you ,start consuming less of everything but lets not call it a boycott their too hard to organise.
Michael29644 Champion Author Greenville Posts:4,956 Points:841,325 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Apr 19, 2013 11:58:54 PM Ignore Michael29644 Report Abuse "I think Targeted boycotts DO work. I have also adjusted my personal habits against gas stations by doing the following... I am a smoker, and have switched brands AND refuse to purchase my normal brand of tobacco from gas stations and instead buy from smaller tobacco shops. I used to buy snacks, soda, etc. in a gas station. Not anymore! There is a certain chain that has a loyalty "Rewards" card. I've turned that in, since they do not give you any option at their mostly prepay pumps to take advantage of fuel discounts without making 4 trips into and back to the cashier for prepaying, getting MAYBE a dollar discount total on a fill-up, and then going back for change. SO, I don't buy ANYTHING from a gas station except GAS, and then I only use a credit card. Since it's common knowledge that all gas stations make HUGE PROFIT off drinks, food, snacks and everyhting NON-FUEL sales, I refuse to buy anything BUT GAS from ANY GAS STATION. Maybe they will think twice, before making up their next B.S. reason for raising gas prices." You do realize you just laid out a reason for them to raise their prices, right? If you take away the profit from their most profitable items, what do you think will happen to the price of fuel? Plus, if you pay with credit cards, it'll cost the station 1.75%-2% in fees. So the station's costs go up, but their income has been cut. They would have to raise gas prices or face closure. You can't sell gas at a loss and make up for it in volume.
maxstar Champion Author Chicago Posts:18,477 Points:808,570 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Apr 19, 2013 5:14:38 PM Ignore maxstar Report Abuse SteveoBeano: do you have any examples of a gas boycott working? What effect has it had on prices?
SteveoBeano Rookie Author Indiana Posts:4 Points:5,730 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Apr 19, 2013 5:05:10 PM Ignore SteveoBeano Report Abuse I think Targeted boycotts DO work. I have also adjusted my personal habits against gas stations by doing the following... I am a smoker, and have switched brands AND refuse to purchase my normal brand of tobacco from gas stations and instead buy from smaller tobacco shops. I used to buy snacks, soda, etc. in a gas station. Not anymore! There is a certain chain that has a loyalty "Rewards" card. I've turned that in, since they do not give you any option at their mostly prepay pumps to take advantage of fuel discounts without making 4 trips into and back to the cashier for prepaying, getting MAYBE a dollar discount total on a fill-up, and then going back for change. SO, I don't buy ANYTHING from a gas station except GAS, and then I only use a credit card. Since it's common knowledge that all gas stations make HUGE PROFIT off drinks, food, snacks and everyhting NON-FUEL sales, I refuse to buy anything BUT GAS from ANY GAS STATION. Maybe they will think twice, before making up their next B.S. reason for raising gas prices. Recently in Northwest Indiana, local stations allegedly had to raise prices because of pipeline shutdowns and refinery issues related to the recent Midwest flooding in Illinois and Indiana. But Illinois prices haven't increased ! So who's lying to who here? I'll continue my own personal boycott as described, and knowing sooner or later if EVERYONE boycotts in a similar fashion, gas stations will begin to get it!
2amy Champion Author Fresno Posts:1,714 Points:604,155 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Apr 18, 2013 4:59:25 PM Ignore 2amy Report Abuse I kind of disagree on your boycotting. If a whole bunch stayed away from a certain station, they would get the point. Mainly the high priced ones.
PassmyGas Veteran Author North Carolina Posts:294 Points:662,705 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 4:32:00 AM Ignore PassmyGas Report Abuse ok
gwhizz13 Veteran Author Abbotsford Posts:343 Points:41,870 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Apr 12, 2013 6:08:23 PM Ignore gwhizz13 Report Abuse Well why boycott for one day, can you go 3 days without filling up anywhere? Sure there will be drivers who can't, but those who can should do it.
trucker090 Sophomore Author Cleveland Posts:114 Points:98,970 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Apr 10, 2013 8:23:54 AM Ignore trucker090 Report Abuse Boycots realy don't work because there are only about 5 oil companys that sell under about 50 names...
GLM4205 Champion Author Toledo Posts:4,047 Points:798,345 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2013 4:34:28 AM Ignore GLM4205 Report Abuse What for?
traffic cop Champion Author Boston Posts:1,240 Points:534,600 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Mar 23, 2013 11:04:43 PM Ignore traffic cop Report Abuse Catfish99, not shopping at Citgo, and tending to minor energy efficiencies, are not mutually exclusive. I can, and do, both. Speaking of little efficiencies, a word of wisdom from Poor Richard's Almanac (a.k.a. Ben Franklin): "Pay heed to the small expenses. A large ship can still sink with small leaks."
catfish99 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:13,957 Points:2,494,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2013 8:40:19 AM Ignore catfish99 Report Abuse Bumped for the latest drive-by poster with a "radical" idea.
maxstar Champion Author Chicago Posts:18,477 Points:808,570 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 2, 2013 10:05:44 PM Ignore maxstar Report Abuse Right you are catfish99. A liver cell walks into a fancy bar and orders a gin and tonic. The bartender says with a sneer, "We don't serve liver cells here." The liver cell replies: "Oh, yeah? Well, what about that cell over there?" and points to a neuron lounging on a bar stool nearby. Says the bartender: "What about it? That's a brain cell. He's got connections." [Edited by: maxstar at 2/2/2013 11:11:12 PM EST]
catfish99 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:13,957 Points:2,494,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 2, 2013 10:24:44 AM Ignore catfish99 Report Abuse Well max, instead of destroying brain cells deciding between a Tuesday boycott or a Monday boycott think about energy saving. Feel the synapses make new connections. It is a rush.
Rainee64 Rookie Author Albuquerque Posts:8 Points:10,040 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Jan 31, 2013 4:01:49 PM Ignore Rainee64 Report Abuse will not waste my time on boycott. I will walk or ride a bike is good exercise also. I have my heat set at 63 for the pipes, I close my damper in the day and make a nice fire when we are home. We wear robes and slippers. I have the thermal curtains I try to do everything I can in an apartment to save money and energy it takes some time and getting use to but my bills are low and that helps
maxstar Champion Author Chicago Posts:18,477 Points:808,570 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 10:57:21 PM Ignore maxstar Report Abuse I am thinking about boycotting again. Now what?
triviuma7x Rookie Author Tucson Posts:16 Points:530 Joined:Jan 2013	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 4:38:37 PM Ignore triviuma7x Report Abuse boycotting wont be effective here
wshutton Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,662 Points:923,220 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 2:39:28 PM Ignore wshutton Report Abuse Boycott fuel: walk, ride a bike, the bus, or the train.
catfish99 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:13,957 Points:2,494,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jan 26, 2013 7:08:18 AM Ignore catfish99 Report Abuse But the little things add up. Is your fireplace damper open? Check it and save a decent amount on heating costs. Kids grown and moved out? close the damper in thier room(s) and stop paying to heat for no reason.
skidsteer85xt Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,602 Points:185,825 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:25:47 PM Ignore skidsteer85xt Report Abuse people just dont care about the little things.
TxJeans Champion Author Tampa Posts:3,532 Points:368,155 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 2, 2012 6:59:26 AM Ignore TxJeans Report Abuse "The problem is enough people do not feel that a 2 or 4 or 6 cent price difference is worth their effort. " Depends on many factors - - price difference - distance - value of my time - wear and tear on vehicle - chance that the price might not still be different when I get there No - I buy based on the best value to ME - cost - convenience - use of cc - cleanliness and safety of station - my time - etc. Driving as suggested even if you got many people to do it will NOT make a difference except maybe in a small community with large compliance and just a few stations. Each station makes their pricing decisions on a variety of factors that best meet THEIR needs. Boycotts / gas outs for lowering gas prices won't work. See the link in the OP post.
catfish99 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:13,957 Points:2,494,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 1, 2012 11:51:36 AM Ignore catfish99 Report Abuse Two cents is almost never worth the effort. 10 galon fill = 20 cents saving. At 3.60 a gallon 20 cents buys 1/18th of a gallon, or enough to drive about a mile and a half. So if the cheaper station is a mile away, you lose money. And that does not count wear and tear, or the value of your time.
virostek Veteran Author Virginia Posts:423 Points:90,285 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Oct 22, 2012 1:45:08 PM Ignore virostek Report Abuse The problem is enough people do not feel that a 2 or 4 or 6 cent price difference is worth their effort.
sevilla562 All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:668 Points:118,925 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Oct 19, 2012 10:35:44 AM Ignore sevilla562 Report Abuse isn't it much more efficient to purchase gas at the cheapest gas stations in order to make the higher ones try and lower their prices to compete?
maxstar Champion Author Chicago Posts:18,477 Points:808,570 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Oct 11, 2012 10:43:17 PM Ignore maxstar Report Abuse gasterBC: how about a list of those gas boycotts that have worked?
gasterBC Champion Author Victoria Posts:2,089 Points:403,175 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Oct 11, 2012 9:26:45 PM Ignore gasterBC Report Abuse Yup you're right I'm convinced they work, but have fun coming up with lists of reasons why not, I have far better things to do LOL! Plus, I have no vested interest, so keep wasting your time!!! Meanwhile the boycotts and calls for them are never ending, just like these boycott forum threads! LOL!
tamtbell Rookie Author Maryland Posts:70 Points:55,390 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Oct 11, 2012 7:33:30 AM Ignore tamtbell Report Abuse I really think boycotts just don't work. I mean really? If you decide that you are not going to buy gas how much does that hurt big oil? One little person who decides not to buy? Americans overall would have to lump themselves together as a nation to make a difference. One and two, here and there won't do much.
maxstar Champion Author Chicago Posts:18,477 Points:808,570 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Oct 10, 2012 10:09:19 PM Ignore maxstar Report Abuse gasterBC: how about a list of those gas boycotts that have worked?
gasterBC Champion Author Victoria Posts:2,089 Points:403,175 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Oct 10, 2012 9:22:14 PM Ignore gasterBC Report Abuse LOL @ 'catfish' if one truly actually believed boycotts didn't work one would not be starting numerous threads arguing against them, fearfully attempting to dissuade everyone away from boycotting. Enjoy staying busy attempting to convince people for the rest of your life! Have fun & good luck with that LOL!!!!
pricewar Champion Author Ogden Posts:1,935 Points:273,265 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2012 12:21:32 AM Ignore pricewar Report Abuse boycott is useless, perish the thought
jakerson All-Star Author Fresno Posts:556 Points:127,225 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 9:12:07 AM Ignore jakerson Report Abuse nobody notices a boycott at the pump.
mikerroy Champion Author Albuquerque Posts:2,556 Points:718,970 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Sep 20, 2012 12:21:39 PM Ignore mikerroy Report Abuse Boycotts don't work. We all have to buy gas at one time or another. If we buy gas on Monday to boycott on Tuesday, what good does that do?
driveonby1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:1,507 Points:256,665 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Sep 20, 2012 11:08:03 AM Ignore driveonby1 Report Abuse boycotts are ineffective. E-mail your representatives and put more energy into your own efficiencies.
Banjoe Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:4,231 Points:612,235 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Sep 20, 2012 7:22:53 AM Ignore Banjoe Report Abuse Try to get two people to agree on anything is challenge enough so trying to organize a boycott has got to be a bizarre drug-induced dream.
BeaON Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,142 Points:75,465 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Sep 19, 2012 5:51:26 AM Ignore BeaON Report Abuse Don't boycott, but get my gas at the cheapest station. Have also tried to stop unnecessary trips.
phrogswimmer Rookie Author North Carolina Posts:11 Points:151,250 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Sep 11, 2012 7:08:17 PM Ignore phrogswimmer Report Abuse You can never get everyone on the same page for a boycott. People don't listen and are too thick headed. Why do you think you see people at a station that costs 5 cents more than the station one block away, they don't pay attention.
BigHorne1 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,487 Points:294,825 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 8:20:02 AM Ignore BigHorne1 Report Abuse Don't forget your local, state, and federal legislature and representatives. They are the one that make the rules and adjust taxes. Have to get just a few together to call and that is the way to do it. Plus for a bonus it is re-election time. Make your vote count this year.
cosmickid2012 Sophomore Author Connecticut Posts:113 Points:295,095 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Aug 1, 2012 9:22:27 AM Ignore cosmickid2012 Report Abuse Instead of boycotting I would suggest to people that they should spend their time on reducing their consumption of gasoline in general. There are simple things one can do to reduce consumption and save money such as the following: 1.) Plan your driving to reduce the overall number of miles driven. i.e. stop at the grocery store on the way home from work instead of making a separate trip. 2.) Check your tires for proper inflation once per month especially when the whether becomes cooler. Not only will you save gas but your tires will last longer so you'll save that money too. 3.) Maintain your car such as changing your oil when recommended. Fresh oil will help you save gas plus your engine will last longer so in the long run you won't have to replace your car as often thus saving money. 4.) Accelerate and brake slowly this will help save gas plus wear and tear on your car also helping you save money in the long run. Happy Money Saving!
k8ewoods Rookie Author Ohio Posts:7 Points:1,050 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Jul 30, 2012 6:22:25 PM Ignore k8ewoods Report Abuse I really think gas outs are ridiculous
Mikeyl Champion Author Cleveland Posts:5,147 Points:1,183,945 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jul 30, 2012 10:43:02 AM Ignore Mikeyl Report Abuse Check with your local electric utility. I got a FREE energy audit and a FREE programmable thermostat INSTALLED! I am not on some government program or anything either. I got it because I applied for it on their Web Site. Check into this type of stuff. This works. Boycotts do not.
ddgb40 Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:1,411 Points:356,480 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jul 29, 2012 6:07:37 PM Ignore ddgb40 Report Abuse Not agree
jdhelm Champion Author Iowa Posts:11,837 Points:1,197,915 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Jul 26, 2012 8:39:23 PM Ignore jdhelm Report Abuse prinz - old saying - to double your money, fold it and put it in your pocket.
priznsara Champion Author New Mexico Posts:3,643 Points:530,695 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 26, 2012 3:11:15 PM Ignore priznsara Report Abuse I want to hear any ideas anyone has about how to save money!
scubaski Champion Author Pensacola Posts:1,585 Points:376,280 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jul 26, 2012 1:56:58 PM Ignore scubaski Report Abuse Well said