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I learned tonight just how extensively my expectations as a consumer have changed, and how important it is for companies to be pro-active on the internet. When I bought my first pair of hiking boots in the ‘70s, I learned to be a loyal consumer. When that moncler outlet first pair of Vasque boots died, I didn't even do any research. There was nothing to research: Vasque was what I had, Vasque was what I wanted, Vasque was what I bought. After the second pair, my preferred model was discontinued, so I simply switched to another model – still by Vasque – without every questioning why my <a href="http://www.monsterbeats-online.org/monster-beats-studio-highdefinition-black-headphones-p-35.html"><strong>black studio headphone from monster</strong></a> favorite model had been discontinued. Enter middle age, severely damaged feet, and a podiatrist who recommends very weird (and expensive!) shoes called MBT's (Masai Barefoot Technologies) that have curved soles shaped like the bottom of a rocking chair. With two pair of MBT shoes (walkers and sandals) purchased, I'm already in for about 500, so I consider myself a b125 good customer. After recently hiking a moderately rocky trail in the walkers, trying not to twist my ankle, I decided I was ready to consider a third pair: the MBT Kilima hiking boot with extra ankle stability. I had looked at them (lusted for them, actually) online just a few months ago, and after finishing my taxes last night finally made up my mind.Â* After decades of wearing the same brand of hiking boots, I'm ready and willing to consider plopping down a couple of hundred fromÂ* my tax return for yet another pair of hiking boots, as the MBT rocker design really does prevent a lot of pain and allows me to walk further (and gives me a better workout at the same time). So, what do I find? They quit making <a href="http://www.monsterbeats-online.org/monster-beats-studio-highdefinition-orange-headphones-p-22.html"><strong>orange headphone limited edition</strong></a> them, and no one has them in my size any longer. And here is where I realize how my habits have changed. I simply assume there isÂ*a corporate blog where I can find a discussion of changes to their lineup, ask a question about what the replacement for the Kilima is or will be, discuss what I liked about the Kilima and what I don't like about the only other ankle-high boot in their lineup. So I google "MBT blog." Unfortunately for MBT, I most definitely did not get a hit for a corporate blog; I got a blog about MBT's by a podiatrist whose opinion of them is the exact opposite of Dr. A's: "Typically when someone comes into the office wearing MBT's, I work with them to transition out of the MBT's into a more normal type of shoe and I have never recommended MBT's as a first line of treatment." This can't be good for MBT, though it might be great for my budget. For now Cheap Moncler I'll split the difference and pack the painkillers along when I do ankle-twisting trails in my old hiking boots, and keep the MBT's I have for walks on solid pavement. But I don’t api 551 give up easily on my internet searching tonight; I keep going to try to find MBT in the social media world. Twitter maybe? No luck. There is a #MBT hashtag, but barely used and having nothing to do with MBT shoes. There are a handful of tweets about MBT shoes, but the company isn't engaged.Â* Maybe Facebook? For a minute I think I've found them: an MBT page complete with the MBT logo. I sign up as a fan and start to post my question, but something makes me check the "info" tab. It turns out this is not MBT the manufacturer; just a shoe store that sells MBTs … and Naots, and New Balance and other pricey shoes I know they would be happy to have me consider. An hour ago I was a huge fan of MBT's, and later I probably will be again. Right now, though, I'm a frustrated consumer, caught between the opinions of two podiatrists, and MBT doesn't even seem to be trying to engage me in conversation. And that's the difference between 1972 and 2009. I never would have expected Vasque to engage me in conversation in 1972 (or ‘84 or even ‘96): that was the responsibility of the retail store where I shopped. But in 2009 I do expect easy access to a company making such a specialized, expensive product. And if I can be retrained to think this way, what do you think the expectations are of the thoroughly digital generations? Lastly, I also expect MBT to be listening – and not just to an email I might send if I can find their email address, or some web form I might complete. I expcet them to be listensing here and now, where I'm speaking; on Twitter, where their product is being discussed by fans who have discovered a favorite celebrity wearing MBT's; on Facebook, where as nzs their retailers are making an effort, but are happy to sell you something else as well. If MBT wants to be smart about social media, they will not only <a href="http://www.monsterbeats-online.org/monster-powerbeats-black-sport-headphones-p-81.html"><strong>Black powerbeats headphone</strong></a> join the online conversation – and soon – but they will use a listening platform moncler boots like ReputationConnect to keep up with what their customers are saying. Tags: B125 Bookmark: Tags: Moncler Outlet Bookmark: