Boycott, anyone?

[cactusjack]

On another motorcycle forum I spend time in, someone pointed out that CafePress, a manufacturer and vendor of bumper stickers, t-shirts, hats, and so forth with custom logos and printing on them also makes bumper stickers declaring "I Hit Motorcycles". http://www.cafepress.com/gabrielangel/1741483

I find this to be very disingenuous, because they also are the supplier of logo products for the Phoenix Motorcycle Riders Group (of which I am a member). Even if meant humorously, advocating violence against a segment of society is disgusting, and to also receive revenue from this same group is immoral. I have notified the PMRG leadership about this and they are going to take action.

We all know how dangerous the roads are for riders and to make light of the thousands of riders killed and injured every year really grinds my gears.

I suggest each of you take a minute to contact this company and let them know what real bikers think about these bumper stickers. I'd bet they wouldn't print "I hit Jews" or "I Hit Homosexuals" bumper stickers because they are offensive. I see no difference with motorcycles.

Contact CafePress: http://www.cafepress.com

Thanks for your time.

[misunderstood]

Message sent to them. Other things in the venders wrath section makes light of the pain of rape victims. This person discusts me.

[socwkbiker]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention cactusjack. I sent an email to them about my distaste for their product. Even though they state the intent of the product is to warn crotch rocket riders, I informed them that they don't distinguish the type of biker being warned. I even said that the sticker could be dangerous to the car driver if they came across the wrong person.

I hope they get smart and pull that sticker.

Misunderstood, I remember that. Perhaps we should contact certain rape prevention organizations and let them know.

[cactusjack]

Does anybody here know any 1%ers? I'll bet they wouldn't think this is funny, either.

[misunderstood]

Perhaps we should contact certain rape prevention organizations and let them know.

I agree.

[dantama]

Wanting to start out fairly friendly, I sent this letter.

Dear Madame or sirs,

It has come to my attention that you are selling six items bearing the phrase "I hit Motorcycles" on them.

Though this may be tongue in cheek, and you may sell enough to make a profit on them, I would hope that you would reconsider how you wish to make your profit. Motorcycles are very vulnerable and there is a certain segment of the car driving public that will keep coming at you on a motorcycle, even after you have sounded your horn and warned them of your presence. They are bigger, and with no personal safety at risk, they figure that the motorcycle will move out of their way, and they are very willing to risk a collision.

You are pandering to a very real attitude that exists that puts my safety at risk. You may read this and think, hey don't take it so serious, it's a joke!

I suppose that you could make a sticker that says, "I lynch Blacks". Some would find it funny and buy it, saying "it's just a joke." But I doubt you would do it. Why?

Perhaps because it is offensive? Perhaps you don't want to exchange your reputation for a small profit?

I would hope that you would use the same reasoning in pulling the product that I find offensive also. It is not worth trading your company's reputation for the small amount of profit you will make.

It is very disingenuous to make other products targeted at the riding community, and get support from them; then stab them in the back with your "I hit Motorcycles" product.

Are you a supporter of the motorcycle community, or not?

If you pull the offending product immediately, and destroy the inventory, it will appear that you have found a way to earn a living, and support the riding community.

I look forward to your support.

[dantama]

BTW, I usually don't get worked up about others self-richeous indignation type things, but this one irked me enough to act.

[cactusjack]

BTW, I usually don't get worked up about others self-richeous indignation type things, but this one irked me enough to act.

Me either, but this really rubbed me the wrong way. Nice letter, Dan.

[dantama]

Does anybody here know any 1%ers? I'll bet they wouldn't think this is funny, either.

They've got one for that, it says:

"People are more violently apposed to fur than leather because its easier to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs"

Here was their contact info

Corporate Headquarters
CafePress.com
1850 Gateway Drive, Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94404
Phone: 650-655-3000
Toll Free: 877-809-1659
Fax: 650-655-3002
Email: info@cafepress.com
URL: http://www.cafepress.com

My letter has just been sent!

[jussmatt]

Just fired one off too.... I've been ripping into people all day (one of those days) ... so this just added to the pile!!

[davidjones1]

Just sent mine off also, I just came from safety meeting in nashville for construction related issuse, and how anyone can even in a "joking" manor promote this type of act is beyond me. WTH are they thinking.
ride safe.

[Top Cat]

Email sent

[dakals]

Email sent. It's too bad i don't live closer to these f@ckers i would call everyone i know that rides and go pay them a visit!!!!!

[cactusjack]

I just received a reply from CafePress. Here is their response to my email in its entirety:

Dear Scott,

Thank you for contacting CafePress.com!

As you may know, CafePress.com provides an automated service to a rich and vibrant community of international users. Unfortunately, because our service is automated, sometimes content that is not consistent with our Offensive Material & Prohibited Content policy is posted on CafePress.com. We appreciate that you have brought this content to our attention and it has been removed from our site. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Your ticket code is LTK118010269016X. Please use this code in any further communication.

Best Regards,

Margene H.
Content Usage Associate
(650) 655-3104 (O)
(650) 240-0260 (F)
www.cafepress.com



Disclaimer: The information contained in this email is provided solely for informational purposes
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attorney. If you require legal advice, please consult an attorney who is authorized to practice law
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