"Roger_N" wrote in message
...

I often see comments about "Reinventing the wheel" on replies to questions
about making something that is manufactured. One time I asked about
making something on the knifemaking newsgroup and got a response about
reinventing the wheel. What? Them guys make knives! Like there is some
kind of knife shortage?

What about all the new aluminum flashlights? Did Mag-Lite and Brinkman
waste their time reinventing the flashlight? Why does West Coast Choppers
waste their time reinventing the motorcycle. And then there are ...
wheels, you can buy all kinds of sporty wheels for automobiles, those
companies really are reinventing the wheel!

If it wasn't for "reinventing the wheel" we'd only have stone wheels with
one choice of tire for only one make and model of automobile. So much for
building a better mousetrap, why reinvent the mousetrap?

Don't get me wrong, these replies usually inform the OP of a product like
they are wanting to make, and often very helpful. But there are new
inventions and about everything else is "reinventing the wheel".
Reinventing the wheel give opportunity for improvment and variety.

rant_mode = off

:-)

RogerN
Appreciating those who build a better mousetrap!

Some people are just meat and potatoes types of people. Dull, dull, dull.